Participants in a Social-Professional Network for Educators

Volume 13 Issue 4 January - March 2017

Research Paper

Participants in a Social-Professional Network for Educators

Tami Seifert*, Smadar Bar-Tal**

* Lecturer, Kibbutzim College of Education, Tel-Aviv, Israel.

** Lecturer, Levinsky College of Education, Israel.

Seifert, T., and Bar-Tal, S., (2017). Participants in a Social-Professional Network for Educators. i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology, 13(4), 22-37. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.13.4.12401

Abstract

“Shluvim” social-professional network permits educators at various levels to act in an online professional channel and to address innovative pedagogical challenges. After four years' operation, a case study employed mixed methods to depict a broader picture of the participants in the “Shluvim” network and their activities: Motives for joining the network, members' patterns of activities and factors assisting or inhibiting active participation. 2,200 members participated in Shluvim network (in 152 open and closed groups) over four years. 64 responded to a questionnaire and 15 participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews. Findings suggest that a local social-professional network for educators in their language supports and empowers members' professional development over their professional careers. Different types of users were identified.