Online communities of teachers to support situational knowledge: A design-based study

Authors

  • Nick Kelly Queensland University of Technology https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8621-105X
  • Nick Russell Queensland University of Technology
  • Steven Kickbusch Queensland University of Technology
  • Alistair Barros Queensland University of Technology
  • Les Dawes Queensland University of Technology
  • Rune Rasmussen Queensland University of Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.3867

Keywords:

online community, professional learning network, social network, teacher education, early career teacher, preservice teacher, design-based research, networked learning, situational knowledge

Abstract

This paper describes a design-based research study in which an online platform for teachers was designed and implemented over 3 years. The study uses a networked learning approach to support teachers in the transition from university into service. It addresses the question of how online communities of teachers can support the development of situational knowledge. The paper describes the potential and the challenges of designing and implementing learning networks for teachers. A major challenge identified is the need for design that supports trust and stability within large networks. Significant potential is identified through the reuse of knowledge and greater collegiality within the profession. The platform, TeachConnect, was developed as a collaboration between academics at eight Australian universities, to create a platform to support teachers across the boundary from preservice into the profession. The study presents results from design and implementation, and includes site usage statistics and coding of types of support present within the platform. The paper contributes design principles for online communities of teachers and raises theoretical questions about future online communities.

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Published

2018-11-25

How to Cite

Kelly, N., Russell, N., Kickbusch, S., Barros, A., Dawes, L., & Rasmussen, R. (2018). Online communities of teachers to support situational knowledge: A design-based study. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 34(5). https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.3867

Issue

Section

Articles