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Edited by Dr. Lynne Schrum, George Mason University
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| formerly Journal of Research on Computing in Education |
Volume 40 Number 4 Summer 2008
Professional Development for Information Communication Technology Integration: Identifying and Supporting a Community of Practice through Design-Based Research
Ronald J. MacDonald
University of Prince Edward Island
Abstract
Research suggests effective classroom ICT integration occurs through needs-based, collaborative professional development (Chandra-Handa, 2001; Cuttance, 2001; Figg, 2000; Gibson, Oberg, & Pelz, 1999; Gross, 2000; Haughey, 2002). A community of practice (CoP) (Wenger, 1998; Wenger, McDermott, & Snyder, 2002) can be an effective mode of such collaborative professional development. A synthesis of the literature enabled the construction of the concept that a CoP, investigated through a design-based research methodology, can contribute to effective ICT integration research. Principles for this research approach are discussed and address the membership of a CoP and teacher/researcher ownership of research goals and design. (Keywords: community of practice, design-based research, information communication technology integration, professional development.)
 Download the full article (PDF, 113 KB)
Contributor
Ronald J. MacDonald has been a junior and senior high school science teacher in Nova Scotia and Ontario, Canada, for 15 years. He has also been an information technology integration specialist and professional development facilitator. He currently teaches science methods in the Faculty of Education at the University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada. His PhD dissertation addressed the intersections between teacher attitudes toward Information Communication Technology, leadership and professional development for ICT integration. His current research focuses on the development of communities of practice for supporting science teachers who want to increase student inquiry through the integration of ICTs. (Address: Ronald J. MacDonald, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE, C1A 4P3; rjmacdonald@upei.ca; Phone: 902.894.2843; Fax: 902.566.0416)
Copyright 2008, (International Society for Technology in Education). All rights reserved.
| community of practice, design-based research, information communication technology integration, professional development |
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