This paper studies the development of the operational mechanism of a foreign language teachers on-line professional learning community(TOPLC) through 4 years. The study finds the upgraded mechanism of the community is more main participating member-centred, the interaction in it more social, and the learning in it more expansive. The findings provide implications for the further development of this community as well as other TOPLCs .
This paper analyzes the development of the mechanism of an on-line academic community of foreign language teachers through 4 years. This on-line academic community was based on the iResearch Foreign Language Academic Research Platform. Through analysis on the interactional communication within four academic communities of this series, and interview with three participating members, the study found the upgraded mechanism of the community was more participating member-centred, the interaction in it more social, and the learning in it more expansive. Thus the participating members were more motivated internally, the sense of belonging of the participating members was strengthened, and the more expansive mode promoted the learning effects of the participating members. The findings enlighten the operation improvement of this on-line community as well as other TOPLCs.
