CASELINKS, a Multi-media Community of School Practice: How Does it Effect Learning?

Abstract

The purpose of session is twofold: To discuss project CASELINK?S model of professional development which utilizes interactive, web-based learning modules that are based on a constructivist view of the learner and a problem-based learning pedagogy; and to present research from an ongoing study that examines CASELINKS impact on teacher learning during a pilot test of a module. Project CASELINKS is a research and development project whose impetus was a question: How can traditional academic knowledge and the highly specific and contextualized "knowledge-in-practice" be integrated in a meaningful context for use in professional development? Utilizing a problem-based learning pedagogy, we have designed, developed and field-testing four interactive multimedia web modules for use with both preservice and inservice teachers. The goal is to enhance the teachers? understanding of students with educational differences and their understandings of and ability to work with English Learners.