LABNET - AN INTENTIONAL ELECTRONIC COMMUNITY FOR PROFESSIONAL-DEVELOPMENT

Citation
W. Spitzer et K. Wedding, LABNET - AN INTENTIONAL ELECTRONIC COMMUNITY FOR PROFESSIONAL-DEVELOPMENT, Computers and education, 24(3), 1995, pp. 247-255
Citations number
29
Categorie Soggetti
Education & Educational Research","Computer Sciences, Special Topics
Journal title
ISSN journal
03601315
Volume
24
Issue
3
Year of publication
1995
Pages
247 - 255
Database
ISI
SICI code
0360-1315(1995)24:3<247:L-AIEC>2.0.ZU;2-3
Abstract
Ongoing contact and peer support are essential to continued profession al growth for educators. An electronic community can provide a support ive environment to Foster change and growth and to lessen the isolatio n often found in teaching. Experience with TEBC's LabNet project sugge sts that a successful electronic community requires careful design, co mfort with the technology among the users, and a commitment by members to active participation. Skilled moderators play essential leadership roles using a variety of modes of communication to nurture collegial connections acid reflective conversations. Networks are not a replacem ent for other forms of contact, training, and professional development . However, with careful attention to technical and social design, elec tronic communities can provide fertile ground for ongoing learning and professional growth.