Creating connectedness: assessing the use of social media by Missouri middle school education leaders to develop their professional learning network

Abstract

Educational leaders are increasingly required to have knowledge over a wide range of topics. They are seeking ways to engage with colleagues and other educational leaders by connecting in meaningful learning and collaboration. Online communities are offering networking opportunities to educational leaders by turning social media platforms into communities of learning and connecting. While education budget cuts can limit district training opportunities, geographic distance can also isolate educational leaders. With the constant need for professional networking that is easily accessible and fairly inexpensive, administrators are becoming more reliant on social media networks to help develop and expand their district's professional development offerings (Chen, 2017; Davis, 2017). This study uses qualitative means through interviews of middle school educational leaders in the state of Missouri to examine their use of social media platforms for enhancing their professional learning networks.