Implementation of Online Teacher Professional Development Programs: Physical Education Teacher Perspectives

Abstract

One current focus in education is the importance of developing professionalism among physical education teachers to meet the demands and challenges of physical education in the 21st century. Several challenges faced by physical education teachers in implementing online professional development programs include limited access to technology, reduced social interaction, and difficulties in assessing and providing immediate feedback. Additional challenges that require further investigation include the relevance of content and its adaptation specifically to the physical education curriculum and practical contexts. The relevance of physical education teachers' understanding of online professional development programs involves program design and improvement, professional growth and efficacy, implementation and adoption, policy, and advocacy. This study aims to explore the perspectives of physical education teachers on participating in online professional development programs. The method used is quantitative research with a descriptive quantitative design. The sampling technique employed is census sampling, involving all members of the population in the survey, thus including 245 teachers from across Indonesia who are participating in the online development program. The results show that over 80% of participants were able to receive and assimilate the material provided by instructors through a Learning Management System (LMS) during the specified duration of the online teacher development program. Indeed, more than 75% of participants were able to not be disturbed by network issues in their area. Significant differences were reported beyond these percentages, including differences in age groups, teaching experience, and geographical location. Other findings from this study reveal that more than 50% of participants were not interested in the online teacher development program. Factors causing this lack of interest include limited social interaction, digital fatigue, mistrust in effectiveness, and limitations in technology and internet access. The practical implications of these findings are to enhance interactivity, address digital fatigue, improve content relevance, and provide technological support. Future research directions on this topic include longitudinal studies to evaluate the long-term impact of online learning programs on teaching practices and learning outcomes, aiming to identify ongoing changes and improvements in teaching practices.