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This week DERN reviews an outstanding study about teacher's views of school practices that reveals the powerful effects of professional collaboration among teachers, with support from the Principal. The study surveyed 2,404 educators in schools across the US. Most of the respondents were experienced classroom teachers and specialist staff in public schools at all levels (elementary, middle, high) of schooling. The findings are reported in a 37 page very readable and ground breaking report.

Although student frustrations have a minimal impact on course satisfaction, the major frustration for students is the imbalance in the level of commitment, responsibility and effort between fellow students. However, instructor involvement in online collaboration through the provision of feedback and appropriate interventions can make a major difference.

"So the truth of the matter is that research studies that show positive effects of technology hardly matter. Occasional studies that do show promising results for new technologies are dragged in to cover the near nakedness of research, much like a fig leaf, to justify the high costs of these new devices in the face of little evidence. The fact remains that no one knows for sure whether the new hardware and software appearing in schools works. They are all beta versions with glitches that teachers and students end up discovering."

important perspective looking backwards and at the bureaucracy

1. Asking questions. 2. Solving problems. 3. Tackling projects. 4. Finding passion. 5. Independence. 6. Being happy on their own. 7. Compassion. 8. Tolerance. 9. Dealing with change."