Professional Learning on Twitter: A content analysis of professional learning conversations among self-organized groups of educators

摘要: This study explores the nature of professional learning conversations taking place in an online microblogging platform known as Twitter, through lens Community Inquiry (CoI) framework (Garrison, Anderson & Archer, 2000). The CoI offers approach to further understand elements cognitive presence, social and teaching presence found constructivist environments among educators. A content analysis was conducted on three distinct participant-driven educational Twitter chats demonstrating each chat contain presence. finding led a deeper understanding about use questioning techniques facilitation skills order allow for productive findings have important implications professionals who are responsible design organization educators’ programs. Implications positive change include increasing effective media improve self-directed opportunities. PROFESSIONAL LEARNING ON TWITTER v DEDICATION thesis is dedicated my two beautiful children, Jesse Julia. May this work be inspiration both them that never ceases. Together, we always tried how every experience life, no matter challenging, provides us with opportunities learn incredible things ourselves others. they see beauty wonder learning, may feel confident asking many questions, continue believe their own abilities life-long-learners. Who you not brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? You child God. Your playing small does serve world. There nothing enlightened shrinking so other people won’t insecure around you. meant shine, children do. were born make manifest glory God within It’s just some; it’s everyone. And let your light unconsciously give permission do same. As liberated from fear, automatically liberates (Marianne Williamson, Return To Love: Reflections Principles Course Miracles) vi ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I owe great deal thanks number helped me accomplish writing goal. process solidified best when am able collaborate construct knowledge well isolation. truly admit would been complete task without guidance support following colleagues friends. Thank Dr. Zuochen Zhang, primary advisor had unending belief knowledge, abilities. will treasure simplicity his continuous words encouragement... “Just write.” Cam Cobb, reader provided highly reflective questions frame thinking research methodology. His suggestions revisions challenged much more what thought already knew about. external reader, Jill Singleton, made like valuable contribution field. appreciate she agreed term “extra brilliance” initially convince literature review might contained too “noise”. Tania Sterling (a.k.a. Tanialase) acted human enzyme encouragement. When feeling wanted up, jolt needed regain strength finish emails, texts, phonecalls, Skypes Ben offering initial could thesis. He taught natural inquiry curiosity become even started journey belief, vii guidance. Doug introducing environment encouragement it chance. Even though out by saying "I don't time another little toy yours!" personal ultimately achieve Masters Education. thought? Laura, masters buddy. thankful such awesome co-learner throughout journey. friends supported patience think write. Especially Carl pushing line being greatest fan finished race. Most importantly, offer very special thank most blessed love completing Educational Leadership. They incredibly patient mounds books, articles papers invaded room our house took classes, research, writing. offered tremendous amount cheerleading walked kitchen table “Good job! Keep going Mom!” brought seemingly endless supply treats keep smiling motivated. Their continued pride entire process. loves life. viii Table