We communicate every day through emails, social media (facebook, twitter), etc. Our students must be prepared so that they are able to thrive in this society...
Abstract
This study investigated what teachers’ perceptions were on professional development in an online environment. This study was significant to ascertain perceptions from educators at various schools as they participated in this LearniT-TeachiT 21st Century e-Teacher online initiative and received training on how to integrate technology into their lessons. The information age has emerged and because of this, the needs of students have changed. The program known as LearniT-TeachiT e-Teacher initiative sponsored by Nortel (2009) provided an opportunity for teachers to receive professional development online. This program allowed educators the opportunity to participate in three courses online, which provided teachers with the knowledge needed to teach students in an ever-changing world. The program provided collaborative resources to help to prepare students for the twenty-first century. The participants of this study were certified K-12 teachers from a large, urban school district in the Southeastern United States. Data was collected by individual interviews and an online survey over a period of three months from December 10, 2010 to March 1, 2011. Through the analysis of surveys and the interviews, the participants indicated numerous benefits of the online training program. A few comments included the flexibility, the training materials were straight forward and the discussion forums allowed the teachers to participate in professional learning communities. Many more districts have moved to online professional development programs to help teachers improve their skills at a time that is fit for them. The results also indicated that the design and content were presented in a way that the participants’ skill level for using these tools in the classroom was increased.
This study investigated what teachers’ perceptions were on professional development in an online environment. This study was significant to ascertain perceptions from educators at various schools as they participated in this LearniT-TeachiT 21st Century e-Teacher online initiative and received training on how to integrate technology into their lessons. The information age has emerged and because of this, the needs of students have changed. The program known as LearniT-TeachiT e-Teacher initiative sponsored by Nortel (2009) provided an opportunity for teachers to receive professional development online. This program allowed educators the opportunity to participate in three courses online, which provided teachers with the knowledge needed to teach students in an ever-changing world. The program provided collaborative resources to help to prepare students for the twenty-first century. The participants of this study were certified K-12 teachers from a large, urban school district in the Southeastern United States. Data was collected by individual interviews and an online survey over a period of three months from December 10, 2010 to March 1, 2011. Through the analysis of surveys and the interviews, the participants indicated numerous benefits of the online training program. A few comments included the flexibility, the training materials were straight forward and the discussion forums allowed the teachers to participate in professional learning communities. Many more districts have moved to online professional development programs to help teachers improve their skills at a time that is fit for them. The results also indicated that the design and content were presented in a way that the participants’ skill level for using these tools in the classroom was increased.
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