Bayview Beach Resort, Batu Ferringhi Beach, Penang, Malaysia

27-30 September 1999

Creating New Links: using on-line technology for communication between geographically isolated teaching practitioners

Beth Marr

IPAE, Faculty of Education, Language and Community Services, RMIT, Melbourne Australia

Abstract

Working as an adult educator in remote country Australia can be an isolating experience. Being the only numeracy teacher can be worse. This presentation will discuss a recent Action Research project which investigated the use of 'freeware' on-line technology as a medium for professional discussion, networking and collaboration amongst a small group of women practitioners. By briefly demonstrating some of the software in use, the presentation flags some of the differences in the 'text' of a 'real time' on-line conversation, examines positive and negative outcomes of the project with regard to its potential for future Professional Development, and discusses 'communication' as a powerful incentive for women to gain strength in computer technology.