An investigation of the role of online learning communities in classroom teachers' professional development and learning: The case of eTwinning

The present study aimed at examining the role of online learning communities in classroom teachers' professional development and learning based on the eTwinning platform as a case. The mixed-methods sequential explanatory design was utilized in the study. Quantitative data were collected through the Teacher Professional Development Questionnaire, the Professional Learning Questionnaire, and the Aims of Use of eTwinning Platform Questionnaire, which were developed by the researcher based on the previously validated scales and relevant literature. Qualitative data were gathered via a semi-structured interview protocol developed by the researcher. The sample was recruited by using a probability-based sampling technique, i.e. simple random sampling technique, for the quantitative strand of the study, while a purposive sampling technique, i.e. criterion-based sampling technique, was used in the qualitative strand of the research. The participants consisted of classroom teachers working in 7 different regions of Türkiye in the 2021-2022 education year. 605 teachers participated in the quantitative strand, and 20 teachers took part in the qualitative strand. The quantitative data were analyzed via the SPSS 22.0 program. The qualitative data were gathered through focus group discussion sessions and analyzed by using thematic analysis. The findings of the research indicated that the eTwinning platform makes positive contributions to classroom teachers' professional development and learning. The contributions were related to the structural features of the platform and the opportunities offered by the platform. The structural features such as e-security rules, having a culture and ethics, being supported by the MoNE, and being open to educators only were prominent in teachers' preferences of the platform. Recommendations are made for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers based on the findings.