RSA#3 Interconnecting Networks of Practice for Professional Learning

This week’s reading focused on learning communities. The article Interconnecting Networks of Practice for Professional Learning, explores the complementary connections between communities of practice and the ways in which individuals orchestrate their engagement with others to further their professional learning. It does so by reporting on part of a research project conducted in New Zealand on teachers' online professional learning in a university graduate diploma program on ICT education. Evolving from social constructivist pedagogy for online professional development, the research describes how teachers create their own networks of practice as they blend online and offline interactions with fellow learners and workplace colleagues. Teachers' perspectives of their professional learning activities challenge the way universities design formal online learning communities and highlight the potential for networked learning in the zones and intersections between professional practice and study.

Research focusing on the intersections between work and study, and particularly the role of online learning for professional development, represents an area of growing interest, not only in teacher education but also in other professional learning, development, and support. There appears to be a connection between professional learning communities and school culture. Based on findings related to collective responsibility, deprivatization, reflective dialogue, and faculty influence, Supovitz (2002) reported a clear relationship between team-based school initiatives and school culture. However, developing a learning community that is strong enough to sustain meaningful change requires commitment, time, and a focused effort. This article demonstrated the cohesiveness that it shares with the readings this week. The dedication and time shared between the students, teachers and building are all shared as a collective responsibility at one level or another.

 References:

Mackey, J., & Evans, T. (2011). Interconnecting Networks of Practice for Professional Learning. International Review Of Research In Open And Distance Learning, 12(3), 1-18.

Supovitz, J.A. (2002). Developing communities of instructional practice. Teachers College Record, 104(8), p. 1591-1626.