Using Blogging as a Tool to Further Teacher Professional Development

Abstract

Technology has changed the way effective educators learn and work with peers and students. Social interaction powerfully shapes teachers’ affective and cognitive flexibility in adapting their teaching methodology. Computer networks now allow adaptable social communication tools that increase teachers’ interactions and personal growth. This paper first looks at the research in teacher development through social constructs. It then summarizes a study of teachers’ first interaction with a school weblog to assess whether their perceptions confirm a sense of community conversation and value. Regardless of their experience prior to the use of the weblog, teachers reported ease in using it. Moreover, they felt it was an important tool for campus communication. Teachers also felt that professional use of tools leads to higher adoption in classroom practice. This paper concludes by considering implications of the survey results and developing some recommendations for further research.