Online Professional Development Through Virtual Learning Communities by Hollins-Alexander Sonja;

Author:Hollins-Alexander, Sonja;
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 1994710
Publisher: Corwin Press
Published: 2013-08-15T00:00:00+00:00

SECTION ONE: ONLINE AND BLENDED LEARNING

OPPORTUNITIES PROVIDED OUR TEACHERS AN

ALTERNATIVE TO THE TRADITIONAL PROFESSIONAL

LEARNING EXPERIENCE

The blended model is vital to the transfer from face-to-face to online. The blended model affords the facilitator an opportunity to ensure that the participants are not only comfortable but also competent enough to participate and navigate through the online professional learning communities. Blended courses also meet the needs of those learners who are not quite ready for 100% online instruction and are still in need of the comfort of a face-to-face facilitator. Another alternative to the blended course are webinars; our webinar courses bring instruction to the comfort of home or classroom after hours. Participants are given a time to log on and participate in the course with the facilitator and other classmates via the computer. Both of these sources allow participants a vehicle through which to transition to online learning.

Some participants felt more connected when they could meet the instructor, so we provided alternatives. Providing a transitional method, such as a blended model, is an excellent means to transition from the traditional face-to-face method of providing professional learning to the online method. Providing this format to teachers and administrators creates an opportunity for learning and the implementation of new skills in the delivery of professional learning and the development of diverse learning communities.

In addition, online learning supported the demanding schedule and conflict of time required for site-based expectations of the teachers. They were able to go home after a long day of work, address personal needs, and pick back up with learning with a clearer focus on improving their craft. The 24-hour access provided this flexibility of their time. In addition, they were not rushed with trying to meet at a designated time in a face-to-face class.

The number of participants has steadily and gradually grown. Word of mouth and the excitement for this alternative are helping the program to grow. As time progresses, online PD is becoming a part of the way we do PD in our district.

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