An investigation into the use of online short-term learning communities in the continuing professional development of primary teachers

This study is carried out in the Professional Development Unit (PDU) of the Irish National Teachers; Organisation (INTO). The focus of the study is the setting up of short-term online professional learning communities for primary teachers. The study aims to examine the feasibility of this provision and to discover, through action research, the approaches that will make it a successful form of CPD provision in the PDU. Themes from the literature include Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), online learning, Continuing Professional Development (CPD), teachers engagement with CPD and methods of analysis for online transcripts. Research instruments used include questionnaires, web analysis tools, interviews and ongoing consultation with a cohort of critical friends who help to guide the process. Action Research (AR) is the chosen methodology as it most closely aligns with the aims of the study. The study found that it was difficult to stimulate teachers to join the online PLCs, despite extensive advertisement. Those who joined responded positively to the experience. While many resources were shared PLC participant interactions remained at a surface level, with no evidence of reflection or collaboration. Processes of facilitation and interaction on online forums are areas for further examination going forwards.