The Study of Interactive Behavior and Attitudes in the Web-based Teacher's Professional Development Platform

Author: Shu Fang Liu(Yo Chang Elementary School), Shu Ching Yang(Graduate Institute of Education National Sun Yat-sen University)

Vol.&No.：Vol. 48, No. 2
Date：October 2003
Pages：169-190
DOI：10.3966/2073753X2003104802003

Abstract：

This study explored the behavior, attitude and quality of interaction of preservice and inservice teachers participating in a Web-based Teacher's Professional Development Platform. One hundred and thirty participants were co-mentored by three senior elementary mathematics teachers, as part of their professional development requirement. Data collection included content analysis and surveys. Content analysis was used to analyze the participants' posted messages, quality of dialogue, level of engagement and communication style. A survey was administered to examine participants' attitudes toward and perceptions of the Web as a tool for professional development. The major findings are as follows:
Close examination of message content revealed a number of stand-alone messages, primarily dominated by monologue. There were predominantly single replies to messages; most discussions failed to go beyond questions and single replies. Most participants engaged moderately in online activity. Dialogue analysis of weekly themed discussion among participants found that the general introduction and organization category was most active with few question-and-response messages.
Finally, it was revealed by the survey that most participants found the online workshop useful; most claimed they benefited emotionally and intellectually by using the telecommunications network for professional development and support. They also raised issues that needed to be further addressed. The paper concludes with recommendations for the future design of technology in professional learning.

Keywords：Quality of Interaction, Web-based Professional Development, Discourse Analysis

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