134

tb09 1/28/2010 5:58:02

General Session - Conference Presentation Only (no formal paper)

//Pete Smith, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA, psmith@uta.edu// //Jeannine Hirtle, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, HI, USA, hirtle@hawaii.edu//
 * When Virtual Communities Click: Transforming Teacher Practice, Transforming Teachers**

What deep, rich, developmental, and meaningful results are possible for educators in an e-community?

Communities of practice (CoP’s), much touted and studied as a mechanism for teacher education and professional development, may offer environments for deeper learning and transformation of their participants. This presentation will examine the more meaningful outcomes possible in community-centered learning --- deep learning, changes in professional culture and identity, and participants "finding voice"--- outcomes of value not often seen in formal educational and traditional professional development settings. Drawing on qualitative data from participants in a three-year community of writers and literacy educators, this presentation will show that CoP's can be linked not only to development of knowledge and skills, but also to changes in participant beliefs, attitudes, voices, visions, and the identities of practicing educators.

All Audiences e-communities, communities of practice, teacher growth, finding voice, teaching writing