Project RITE
Recipients
The Effects of Virtual Classroom Learning Environments
on Middle Grades Mathematics Teachers' Instructional Practices
JoAnn Cady
Assistant Professor, Theory and Practice in Teacher Education, UT Knoxville
Overview
This research is a follow-up investigation of the effects of the
Saba
Centra interactive virtual classroom learning environment and the
Blackboard virtual classroom on middle grades mathematics teachers'
instructional practices. These teachers were students in four blended
format (synchronous, asynchronous, and face-to-face) graduate courses
designed to increase middle grades mathematics teachers' content and
pedagogical content knowledge. The purpose of this research is to
address the following: (1) What aspects of
Centra and
Blackboard
contributed to the teachers'/participants' learning? (2) What aspects of the
blended format for the courses encouraged the development of
professional teaching communities? and, (3) In what ways has
participation in courses using
Centra and
Blackboard enhanced the
instructional practices (e.g. use of reform teaching materials,
alternative assessment, etc.) of the teachers/participants?
