An examination of an online social media network as a preschool teacher professional development tool

The objective of this case study was to find out whether preschool teachers can benefit from Facebook, a widely used and constantly growing social media tool, as an online professional development tool. For this purpose, a Facebook group of preschool teachers that met certain criteria was selected. Posts and Comments in the group named TÜM ANASINIFI ÖĞRETMENLERİ were gathered until required data was collected, and 20 days of data was seen sufficient. The research was conducted using instrumental case study method. As a result, a total of 433 posts and 5003 comments were analysed with Nvivo data analysis software.Furthermore, structured interviews were conducted with 40 teachers who are members of the group online. The data gathered from the interviews with teachers and from the posts and comments, was analysed using content analysis method. The data analysis for the posts and shares was initially coded with low-level coding method and as a result, 722 codes were emerged. The codes with the same meaning were combined and reduced to 158. These codes were categorized under 4 themes, which are a) learning process, b) regulations c) like –mentions- appreciaton- follow-thanks-reproach d) irrelevant to education and 13 other sub-themes. Certain techniques in the literature and criteria were used to ensure validity, reliability, credability, transferability, dependability and conformatibility of the study. The results revealed that the teachers mostly share about learning process and they generally exchange opinions about activities and what materials to use. It was also found out that teachers use the group to learn and ask about educational reguations. Additonally, it was inferred that the teachers in the group appreciate and thank each other for the co-operatoion. As a result of the data analysis from the interviews that were conducted with the teachers, it was was found out that learning about new activities and carrying them out in the classroms was the most significant contribution to their professional development. Thus, the mentioned group was found out to be beneficial for the teachers as a means of teacher development tool.