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Constructionist principles in online teacher professional development: Robotics and hands-on activities in the Classroom
PROCEEDINGS

, , Athabasca University ; , Wayfinder Education Group

ASCILITE - Australian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education Annual Conference, Publisher: Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education

Abstract

This report explores the first iteration of a teacher professional development Courselet grounded in constructionist theory and activities. A design-based research approach guided this continuing examination of online teacher professional development (oTPD) activities within an educator social networking site. The topic of the oTPD was “Robotics and Hands-on Learning in the Classroom” for teachers interested in integrating constructionist LEGO robotics-based pedagogies. The Courselet engaged teachers in just-in-time, ongoing TPD utilizing Web 2.0 tools. Key findings of the first delivery of the oTPD Courselet point to flexible access, sharing of resources, teacher discussions, and support for constructionist pedagogical activities as the PD value for participants. Findings support the potential for an ongoing online community of practice around classroom robotics. The approach taken in this oTPD Courselet continues to inform a model of oTPD delivery within a social networking enabled environment. Further research is needed to determine the transfer of oTPD to classroom practice.

Citation

Ostashewski, N., Moisey, S. & Reid, D. (2010). Constructionist principles in online teacher professional development: Robotics and hands-on activities in the Classroom. In Proceedings of ASCILITE - Australian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education Annual Conference 2010 (pp. 721-729). Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education. Retrieved March 19, 2024 from .

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