ERIC Number: EJ1073856
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1499-6677
EISSN: N/A
Online Professional Development for Inservice Teachers in Information and Communication Technology: Potentials and Challenges
Zhou, George; Varnhagen, Stanley; Sears, Myrna R.; Kasprzak, Susan; Shervey, Gail
Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology, v33 n2 Spr 2007
The purpose of this study was to evaluate an online professional development course for inservice teachers in the area of information and communication technology (ICT) and concurrently explore the factors that influence online professional development. The study integrated quantitative and qualitative methods including survey, focus group and interview, and was conducted during the progress of the course and approximately nine months after the course was over. Data show that the online delivery of ICT professional development for inservice teachers was successful. However, a learning community was difficult to initiate in an online learning environment. Teacher participants experienced great challenges when applying what they learned from the course into their teaching. The study suggests that further online ICT professional development should incorporate face-to-face sessions and enrol more than one teacher from the same school. Professional development aiming at changes should be considered as an ongoing process and supported with school change.
Descriptors: Inservice Teacher Education, Professional Development, Electronic Learning, Online Courses, Information Technology, Program Evaluation, Foreign Countries, Teacher Surveys, Focus Groups, Interviews, Qualitative Research, Statistical Analysis, Educational Benefits, Success, Barriers, Theory Practice Relationship, Computer Literacy, Likert Scales, Course Evaluation, Technology Integration, Learning Experience, Transformative Learning, Educational Practices
Canadian Network for Innovation in Education. 260 Dalhousie Street Suite 204, Ottawa, ON K1N 7E4, Canada. Tel: 613-241-0018; Fax: 613-241-0019; e-mail: cnie-rcie@cnie-rcie.ca; Web site: http://www.cjlt.ca
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada (Calgary)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A