RSA 4: Teachers Learning in Networked Communities: The TLNIC Strategy

Online Resource:

http://web.ebscohost.com.cucproxy.cuchicago.edu/ehost/viewarticle?data=dGJyMPPp44rp2%2fdV0%2bnjisfk5Ie46bZMr6%2bwS7ek63nn5Kx95uXxjL6orUqxpbBIr6ieUbiotlKyrp5oy5zyit%2fk8Xnh6ueH7N%2fiVa%2brrkq2rrJJsaikhN%2fk5VXj5KR84LPtfvGc8nnls79mpNfsVbOmskmvrbVMsZzkh%2fDj34y73vKF6rzzhOrK45Dy&hid=21

Summary:

            In a report from No Dream Denied (2003), the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future (NCTAF), found that strong induction and mentoring programs that support new teachers are effective in helping them succeed and remain in the profession. However, many programs are limited in their effectiveness due to funding, access to resources, and time restrictions for face-to-face interaction and collaboration.  New teachers find it difficult to find adequate time with mentors and most experienced teachers are already overburdened with the roles they play themselves. 

            These concerns prompted the NCTAF to create Teachers Learning in Networked Communities (TLNC).  TLNC promotes the use of technology to establish professional learning communities.  The network provides resource sharing and collaboration within and across districts.  While creating this network some key themes needed to be addressed.  New teachers need to feel part of a community, new teachers want and need multiple supports, support must be ongoing, developmental, and cumulative, and human networks must compliment technical networks. 

The key is that technology is not solely used as an information downloading source promoting isolated teachers.  The focus is technology’s use as a tool for collaboration and communication creating a new model in which teachers are prepared to succeed in a working community. 

References

National Commission on Teaching and America's Future. (2003). No Dream Denied. A Pledge to America's Children. Washington, D.C.

Burns, M., Fulton, K., Goldenburg, L. (2005) Teachers Learning in Networked Communities: The TLNIC Strategy. Phi Delta Kappan, 87(4), 298-305.