FEATURE ARTICLE
Net Results
Online protocols boost group learning potential
By Learning Forward
Categories: Learning designs, Online learningApril 2015
Protocols are strategies for having structured communication to enhance problem solving, encourage different perspectives, and build shared knowledge. The protocol process helps professional development leaders build community. The use of the term protocols by educators became popular in the 1990s. Reformers, needing tools to help them engage in the difficult work of strengthening practice and forming vibrant professional learning communities, began to construct ways of looking together at student and educator work, learning from text, and collaboratively solving problems. More recently, educators have begun to use protocols to facilitate professional development in online spaces — partly because people need to connect from different places, but also to take advantage of new environments for learning. For example, asynchronous tools, such as discussion forums, blogs, or Google+, where
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This article is adapted with permission of the publisher from Dichter, A. & Zydney, J.M. (in press). Online protocols. In L.B. Easton (Ed.), Powerful designs for professional learning (3rd ed.). Oxford, OH: Learning Forward.
The Descriptive Consultancy protocol is adapted with permission of the publisher from McDonald, J.P., Mohr, N., Dichter, A., & McDonald, E.C. (2007). The power of protocols: An educators’ guide to better practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Teachers College Press. © Copyright 2007 by Teachers College, Columbia University. All rights reserved.
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References
Hord, S. (1992). Facilitative leadership: The imperative for change. Austin, TX: SEDL.
McDonald, J.P., Mohr, N., Dichter, A., & McDonald, E.C. (2003). The power of protocols: An educator’s guide to better practice (1st ed.). New York, NY: Teachers College Press.
McDonald, J.P., Mohr, N., Dichter, A., & McDonald, E.C. (2007). The power of protocols: An educator’s guide to better practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Teachers College Press.
McDonald, J.P., Mohr, N., Dichter, A., & McDonald, E.C. (2013). The power of protocols: An educator’s guide to better practice (3rd ed.) New York, NY: Teachers College Press.
McDonald, J.P., Zydney, J.M., Dichter, A., & McDonald, E.C. (2012). Going online with protocols: New tools for teaching and learning. New York, NY: Teachers College Press.
van Tyron, P.J.S. & Bishop, M.J. (2009, November). Theoretical foundations for enhancing social connectedness in online learning environments. Distance Education, 30(3), 291-315.
Learning Forward is the only professional association devoted exclusively to those who work in educator professional development. We help our members plan, implement, and measure high-quality professional learning so they can achieve success with their systems, schools, and students.
Categories: Learning designs, Online learning
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