Creating a ‘Virtual Staffroom’: Embedding the culture of learning collaboration

Abstract

In schools, staff rooms are a safe haven for teachers to discuss new ideas, share experiences and have honest conversations about some of the challenges and frustrations of teaching. However, in the tertiary sector the staffroom concept is absent, replaced by ad hoc corridor conversations, university-wide teaching forums and other initiatives that often lack the opportunity for honest sharing and practical problem-solving. The concept of a virtual staffroom through a Community of Practice (COP) within the University of Auckland GSM (Graduate School of Management) was developed by two lecturers. The GSM offers cross-disciplinary programmes such as the Business Masters and the MBA. Drawing on the rich resource of our lecturers’ experiential knowledge of the practice of teaching, our embedded learning designer connected intuitive knowledge with educational theory. The Community of Practice provided the opportunity for face-to-face, online learning and discussion activities. The use of discussion boards and Piazza in the Canvas site contributed to the engagement of our community. The sessions have been well attended by a broad spectrum of faculty members, and they particularly appeal to new teaching staff as part of an informal induction into the department. We have found that this collaborative approach, supported by senior management, has benefitted both staff and students (Voogt, et al., 2011).