Title
Value Added: Examining Community of Practice (CoP) Moderator Actions and Characteristics from the Perspective of Members
Intent
The literature on educator communities of practice describes certain moderator actions and characteristics as significant for CoP success. This study seeks to investigate the value placed by CoP members on these same actions and characteristics. The potential influence of select demographics on these value perceptions will also be examined.
Subjects
Secondary and post-secondary educators who are, or have been in the past 5 years, member/participants in an online community of practice for educators.
Methodology
Data will be collected using Web-based survey methodology. The survey will be administered via SurveyMonkey to a random sample of members from 5-8 educator CoPs, selected using a fixed sampling interval from a master randomized list. Data analysis will primarily be descriptive statistics with additional tests run to determine demographic factor influence. Reporting will be made in the aggregate with all efforts taken to ensure complete respondent confidentiality; these measures, along with a process to ensure that any identifying data is kept secure and thoroughly deleted once the survey is closed has been approved by the University of Washington.
Supervisory Committee
Dr. Stephen Kerr, co-Chair
Dr. John Bransford, co-Chair
Dr. Steven Olswang
Dr. Michael Eisenberg
More Information
Please contact Mary Slowinski.
Please note: The University of Washington Human Subjects Division,
in accordance with federal regulations under 45 CFR 46.101/21 CFR 56.104,
has determined this study to be category 2 exempt.