Along the continuum: from print to virtual worlds

Abstract

New ways of working with knowledge in education and industry require new approaches to teaching and learning that focus on building and applying knowledge rather than transmitting and storing it. Teacher quality is a key influence on student achievement and appears to be enhanced when teachers engage professionally with their peers. Graduate programs for teacher development need to encourage engagement in collaborative knowledge building. Collaborative approaches to working with authentic activities can be better supported by online education than by print-based distance education. Examples of different models of online education – print plus, substantive conversation, performance coaching, virtual seminar, online conference and simulation - are discussed.