TY - JOUR
T1 - Online professional development
T2 - Lessons from the field
AU - Vrasidas, Charalambos
AU - Zembylas, Michalinos
PY - 2004/8/1
Y1 - 2004/8/1
N2 - This paper discusses the lessons learned from applying a theoretical framework for the professional development of teachers. This framework draws three interrelated theoretical areas: constructivism, situated and distributed cognition, and communities of practice. We first present the theoretical ideas on which this framework is based and discuss two projects that were developed following the framework. We then discuss the lessons learned and present the implications for the design of online professional development. The values of commitment, innovation, assessment, evaluation, communication, and interaction that underpins successful online professional development projects are highlighted. It is argued that using technology by itself does not support professional development; however, using technology in ways that are consistent with constructivist learning, and recognizing that online professional communities of practice can contribute to professional growth is something worthwhile to explore.
AB - This paper discusses the lessons learned from applying a theoretical framework for the professional development of teachers. This framework draws three interrelated theoretical areas: constructivism, situated and distributed cognition, and communities of practice. We first present the theoretical ideas on which this framework is based and discuss two projects that were developed following the framework. We then discuss the lessons learned and present the implications for the design of online professional development. The values of commitment, innovation, assessment, evaluation, communication, and interaction that underpins successful online professional development projects are highlighted. It is argued that using technology by itself does not support professional development; however, using technology in ways that are consistent with constructivist learning, and recognizing that online professional communities of practice can contribute to professional growth is something worthwhile to explore.
KW - Distance learning
KW - Education
KW - Teachers
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84986106079&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1108/00400910410555231
DO - 10.1108/00400910410555231
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84986106079
SN - 0040-0912
VL - 46
SP - 326
EP - 334
JO - Education + Training
JF - Education + Training
ER -