Looking at power and leadership, especially how power works within networks as opposed to groups or as individuals. Includes a nice list of principles for leadership in networks from Paul Skidmore.
3 Design Principles for Growing Successful Email Listservs and Online Forums in Educational Settings. Even though the technology discussed is a little dated (the paper was written in 1998), the principles for online learning communities are still relevant.
Best practices for working with online learning communities, including how to work with lurkers who may still be learning even if they aren't actively participating.
<li>online learning communities are grown, not built </li>
<li>online learning communities need leaders </li>
<li>personal narrative is vital to online learning communities.</li>
<p>He gives a set of mantras for teacher/leaders in any online community:</p>
<ul>
<li>all you need is love </li>
<li>control the environment, not the group </li>
<li>lead by example </li>
<li>let lurkers lurk </li>
<li>short leading questions get conversations going </li>
<li>be personally congratulatory and inquisitive </li>
<li>route information in all directions </li>
<li>care about the people in the community; this cannot be faked </li>
<li>understand consensus and how to build it, and sense when it's been built and just not recognised, and when you have to make a decision despite all the talking.</li></ul>
Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach starts with how Skype is a disruptive technology, explaining conversations with Al Upton (miniLegends' teacher). She transitions into what it means to be a teacher leader in the 21st century and mentions research on the long-term learning benefits of innovative teaching.
These are the roles of a 21st Century educator: Teacher as leader, Teacher as writer, Teachers as 21st Century literacy activist.
Professional Learning Communities, Leadership, and Student Learning
Research on professional learning communities in middle schools, both in urban and suburban areas. The research specifically looks at the organizational cultures of learning organizations, including team learning, trust, and shared vision.