2012 UCEA Convention

School Leader Use Of Social Media For Professional Discourse. Jonathan D. Becker, Virginia Commonwealth University; Candice Barkley, Virginia Commonwealth University
This case study explores how a group of school leaders around the world created a virtual community of practice. The study includes a content analysis of blog posts, social network analysis of a Twitter network, and interviews with six key contributors. While the study set out under the framework of a community of practice, the findings suggest that what has actually been created by this group is more like Gee’s notion of an affinity space.

School Administrators’ Use of Twitter: Benefits and Challenges. Vincent Cho, Boston College The promise of Web 2.0 technologies like Twitter is that they will offer educators new opportunities for professional growth and community. This study explores school administrators’ experiences in using Twitter. It examines not only issues around interacting with broader communities of practice, but also with making bridges between online experiences and leadership at the school site.

School-Based Technology Leadership Practices and Their Relationship to Teacher Technology Integration Knowledge and Practices. Sara L. Dexter, University of Virginia; HIlary Ritt, Teachstone
Case studies of two middle schools drawing upon data from interviews, focus groups, and observations explore technology leadership practices. We also report on survey data describing teachers’ awareness of their school’s vision for technology integration, the degree to which teachers learn and communicate about technology, and how often teachers report having their students use technology for various learning activities. Results suggest a relationship between technology leadership practices and teacher knowledge and practice of technology integration.