Newly qualified educators in Botswana face many challenges not least of which occurs when they are posted to rural schools a distance from other teachers and information resources. The Government of Botswana has committed itself to enhancing the ICT infrastructure for use in both the economic and educational endeavours of the country. Research conducted in first world countries show that Communities of Practice can take place in a virtual environment and that these can facilitate knowledge sharing and management. This research was conducted to investigate if a Virtual Community of Practice (VCoP), guided by the educational theories of Constructivism and Connectivism, could facilitate information and knowledge sharing among art teachers in dispersed location in the Botswana context. Using Reeves and Hedberg’s (2003) Development Research model, 13 art teachers, who were located in different parts of the country, participated in knowledge sharing through a Virtual Community of Practice. This study analysed the specific needs of art educators, interrogated the literature for best practices, formed a VCoP, and analysed how participants used it and reports on their comments The research findings indicate that educators would be enthusiastic about the use of such a facility if there was a perceivable benefit especially in breaking down the geographical induced communication barriers that they face at the moment. The research does not propose the replacement of existing face-to-face workshops, meetings and other communication fora, but rather suggests a VCoP can complement them by allowing discussions to continue beyond such meetings. It is contended that a carefully structured and supported VCoP can improve information and knowledge sharing significantly among educators and other stakeholders in Botswana. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

Thesis (M.Ed.)--York University, 2006. Graduate Programme in Education. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 120-123). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:MR19664

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Lewis & Clark College, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 180-192).

Thesis (Ed.D.) -- Central Connecticut State University, 2009. / Dissertation advisor: Anthony Rigazio-Digilio. "... in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctorate in Educational Leadership." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 108-122). Also available via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ed.D.) -- Central Connecticut State University, 2009. / Dissertation advisor: Penelope Lisi. "... in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctorate in Educational Leadership." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 125-141). Also available via the World Wide Web.

As the nation faces a worsening shortage of qualified teachers, it becomes as important as ever for educational leaders to foster strong school environments in which faculty members devote their careers. Research shows that the cohesiveness of individuals within a group, like a school faculty, has the power to enhance member experiences and support the team in reaching their goals. Studies examining groups within a variety of fields identify personal, leader, group and environmental factors as contributing to the development of group cohesion. This study applies these theoretical models of group cohesion to the world of education, identifying the behaviors and characteristics of leaders, teachers, and the school environment that develop, maintain, and enhance the cohesiveness of a faculty. Phenomenological interviews were conducted with seventeen teachers and thirteen principals to identify the factors that serve to influence cohesion best among a school faculty. The research produced five themes of behaviors and traits influencing cohesion including the presence a leader has in the school, the respect shown by a leader’s affect, the empowerment of staff, an investment in socialization, and the fostering of a culture for learning. Evidentiary quotes and examples directly from the lived experiences of study participants support each of these themes as impactful. The discussion of findings highlights the theoretical underpinnings of the themes, provides recommendations for future study, and equips school leaders with practical steps to consider in their daily work of developing healthy school environments for all staff. / Educational Leadership