Self-perception and self-representation in participants of an online masters program targeting education practitioners

This paper will examine the self-perception and self-representation modes developed by the participants of a 2 year online MEd program in Social, Emotional and Behaviour Difficulties (SEBD), through an analysis of the exchanges occurring on interactive bulletin boards within WebCT. The working hypothesis is that the participants willing to develop a full online persona through the interactive media, are the ones most likely to successfully complete the course in question. The paper will also draw other conclusions more specific to the domain of teacher training in Special Education, relating notably to the participantspsila willingness to develop self-awareness through the online media and to the impact this has on their practice.