Exploring the Use and Influence of the USPE-L Listserv on K-12 Physical Educators

Two themes appear to be prevalent today in K-12 physical education-- the challenges of workplace conditions in relationship to teachers professional development, and the increasing use of the Internet and its services. These two themes are reflected in this study. The purpose of this study was to explore how USPE-L was being used by its subscribers and describe the influence, if any, it had on K-12 physical education teachers. USPE-L is a physical education listserv which encourages teachers to discuss and share ideas about improving their teaching and programs--and perhaps also gain support from distant colleagues when it may not be immediately available in a local community. This study used multiple sources of data collection including an on-line (electronic mail) survey (N=113), follow-up phone interviews (N=10), and the investigator's fieldnotes. Data analysis included quantitative descriptive statistics and a qualitative inductive content analysis. The findings revealed two overarching themes--benefits of participation and factors limiting participation. These findings indicated that teachers read messages almost daily, yet prefer to interact with others through private e-mail. Participation on the listserv appeared to be a valued resource leading subscribers to teaching activities, teaching resources, curricular materials, and reduced feelings of isolation. Implications are provided for listserv owners and K-12 physical educators.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph. D.

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Curriculum and Instruction

Department dc:contributor.department

Teaching and Learning

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

1998

Author dc:creator

• Pennington, Todd Robert

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Graham, George M.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Stroot, Sandy
• Poole, Jon R.
• Niles, Jerome A.
• Burton, John K.

• Teacher Isolation
• Physical Education
• Listserv
• Internet
• Professional Development

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Dc Identifier Other

etd-63198-15438

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/40515