The web-based curriculum in this site rooted in the principles of collaboration and community are founded in research and best practices by experts in the various fields.
Relevant Research:
Darling-Hammond, L. & McLaughlin, M.W. (1995). Policies that support professional development in an era of reform. Phi Delta Kappan, 76(8), 597-604.
Greeno, J.G., Eckert, P., Stucky, S.U., Sachs, P. & Wenger, E. (1999). Learning in and for participation in work and society [Electronic version]. Retrieved May 22, 2002, from the United States Department of Education http://www.ed.gov/pubs/HowAdultsLearn/Greeno.pdf.
Hawkes, M. & Romiszowski, A. (2001). Examining the reflective outcomes of asynchronous communication on inservice teacher development. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 9(2), 285-308.
Kowch, E. & Schwier, R. (1997). Building learning communities with technology. Paper presented at the National Congress on Canada, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Lave, J. & Wenger, E. (1991). Situated Learning. Legitimate peripheral participation. MA: Cambridge University Press.
Mills, H., Jennings, L.B, & Donnelly, A. (2001). When teachers have time to talk: The value of curricular conversations. Language Arts, (1), 20-28.
Rust, F.O. (1999). Professional conversations: New teachers explore teaching through conversation, story, and narrative. Teaching and Teacher Education, (15), 367-380.
Saavedra, E. (1996). Teacher study groups: Contexts for transformative learning and action. Theory into Practice, 35(4), 271-277.
Senge, P. (1990). The fifth discipline: The art and practice of the learning organization. New York: Currency Doubleday.
Senge, P. (1994). The fifth discipline fieldbook. New York: Doubleday.
Sergiovanni, T.J. (1994). Building community in schools. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Stites, R. (1998). Adult learning theory: An argument for technology. In E. Hopey (Ed.), Technology, basic skills, and adult education: Getting ready and moving forward (pp. 51-58). Columbus, OH: ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult, Career, and Vocational Education.
Vygotsky, L.S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Wenger, E. (1998). Communities of practice. New York: Cambridge University Press.