The Role of Technology in the Development of Teachers’ Professional Learning Communities
Abstract: Due to increasing access to internet in the schools as well as homes of school teachers, information technology is breaking down the barriers of time and space. This heralds a great opportunity for teachers to overcome their traditional isolation outside of their classrooms. Research findings have already established the positive correlation between professional learning communities (PLCs) and student learning. This has led to the recent trend among school leaders to create meaningful opportunities for teachers to work together on issues of common interest. However, there is much less focus on the use of technology to help this process. This study will investigate how technology integration can help in developing, enhancing or supporting a PLC among high school teachers. The analysis of how the school teachers in a particular school are using these artifacts for collaborative efforts will help uncover useful findings - for policy makers, professional development providers, school leaders and teachers.