Caribbean Educators’ Network: a framework for informal online Collaborative knowledge-building.
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The document summarizes the Caribbean Educators' Network (CEN), a social network for educators in the Caribbean region. CEN uses online platforms like forums and webinars to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing among its members. It was created to address challenges in teacher education in the Caribbean, which often lacks resources and continuity. CEN currently has over 1,000 members from about 30 countries who participate in online discussions, presentations, and group activities focused on topics like educational technology and professional development.
Caribbean Educators’ Network: a framework for informal online Collaborative knowledge-building.
- 1. Caribbean Educators’ Network A framework for informal online collaborative knowledge-building and sharing Dr. LeRoy Hill, University of Nottingham Camille Dickson-Deane PhD (cand.), University of Missouri - Columbia
- 2. What is CEN? Social Network comprising of Synchronous and asynchronous technologies (i.e. forums, discussion groups, webinars, etc...) Used to encourage critical and reflective dialogue between its members Most importantly its free The network is built on the NING social networking platform that has a number of asynchronous and synchronous social network technologies (i.e. forums, discussion groups, webinars, etc…) to encourage critical and reflective dialogue between its members. AECT 2011 Conference, Jacksonville, FL
- 3. Why is it needed? Challenges in teacher education Little attention is given to teacher education/continuing development in the Caribbean (Carrington, 1993) Miles (1995) also states that the efforts that are made are under-resourced, unsustained, designed for a “one size fits all”, imposed rather than owned AECT 2011 Conference, Jacksonville, FL
- 4. Proposed solution Robinson and Latchem (2003) suggests the use of open, distance and information and communication technologies (ICT)s New research in online teacher professional development context can assist Hence AECT 2011 Conference, Jacksonville, FL
- 5. Where is the Caribbean? AECT 2011 Conference, Jacksonville, FL approx. 30 countries at least 40 islands CARICOM
- 6. CEN statistics 1078 Members approx 30 countries represented (including the US, UK, Canada, India, Mexico and some others) All divisions of education are represented (special ed, higher ed, primary, secondary, nursery, government (ministerial), etc...) Twice the number of females than males Age spans 19 - 71 years AECT 2011 Conference, Jacksonville, FL
- 7. CEN Demo of site http://www.caribbeaneducatorsnetwork.com/ AECT 2011 Conference, Jacksonville, FL
- 8. CEN Framework Based on Vygotsky’ (1964) socio-cultural theory Analyzed based on Leont’ev (1978) and Engoström (1987) activity theory AECT 2011 Conference, Jacksonville, FL
- 9. Network Activity (2008-2009) Members expectations garnered from members’ profile page of a member AECT 2011 Conference, Jacksonville, FL Code Frequency To learn from colleagues To share ideas with colleagues To network with colleagues To interact with colleagues Was invited To collaborate with colleagues To meet colleagues To belong To communicate with colleagues To socialize with colleagues Continuing professional development To discuss issues To encourage To motivate others To volunteer Was class project Was curious 26 19 18 7 7 5 4 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
- 10. Network Activity (2008-2009) Sessions conducted in Elluminate AECT 2011 Conference, Jacksonville, FL Date Session Title Duration # of Attendees 14th March 2009 Testing of room and features 02:25:57 11 21st March 2009 First live session of CEN 02:28:08 21 4th April 2009 Introduction to Moodle 02:01:57 12 18th April 2009 Connectivism (Guest - George Siemens) 02:10:39 12 9th May 2009 VIP Demo (Guest–Quang Luong) 01:33:08 12 20th June 2009 Reflective workshop 01:25:04 6
- 11. Network Activity (2008-2009) RSS FEEDS AECT 2011 Conference, Jacksonville, FL CODE MEANING F Friending’ (Friending is an informal befriending process of individuals in social networks.) MC Comment on member page GC Comment in group discussion E Taking part in event CG Created new Group MJ New Members announcement FP Featured member profile JG Joined Group
- 12. CEN questions What ICT Tools and techniques hamper the network’s existence? What is the web-based technological literacy level of the average CEN member? How does culture affect the members’ motivation to participate in CEN? How do CARICOM members define sharing and collaboration? How can the activity theory framework be used to mediate the collaborative efforts in the CEN groups? How can the activity theory framework be used to mediate the collaborative efforts in the CEN groups? AECT 2011 Conference, Jacksonville, FL
- 13. THANK YOU QUESTIONS? AECT 2011 Conference, Jacksonville, FL