Kearney, M., Maher, D., & Pham, L. (2019). Investigating pre-service teachers’ informally-developed online professional learning networks. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 35(5), 21–36. https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.4766 

Abstract:

“This study investigates how final year pre-service teachers (PSTs) from several countries use social media to support their online professional learning network (PLN) activities. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, it uses a global survey and interview methods to generate fresh insights into PSTs’ informally-developed online PLN practices and their perceived benefits of these self-initiated activities. Findings uncover new understandings of contemporary PSTs’ patterns of use and configurations of their online PLNs and have implications for their effective transitioning into the teaching profession.”