ONLINE PROFESSIONAL LEARNING NETWORKS

Abstract

As technological advancements are made in the social media world, more people are connecting for professional development this way. This study served as an update to a 2011 study conducted by Dr. Hilary Risser. The previous study established a base network of teachers that used blogs to communicate educational practices. The purpose of this investigation is to analyze the differences, similarities, and benefits of online versus face-to-face communication. Interviews with multiple math and science teachers were conducted first with an online survey, and followed up via Skype. Their blogs were examined to identify connections between these teachers so that a new network of communication could be established. Preliminary results show that since 2011, networks have grown. Moving forward, the contents of each blog will be assessed. One future goal is that the conclusion of this study could lead to better equipped online social media for education professionals to grow.