Online Professional Development

Abstract

There are a number of similarities but also important differences between training and development, including time required, timing, and outcomes. Some of the key features of professional development are: choice; trust; mutuality and reciprocity; and more effective and efficient learning, as a result of teacher professional development (TPD). Although online TPD has changed the ?where,? ?when,? and ?how? of TPD, it has not altered the fundamental characteristics of the ?who,? ?what,? and ?why? of TPD. Online TPD has enabled collaborative and international TPD in ways that were not possible previously. However, in spite of the convenience and flexibility of online TPD, the time needed remains the same. Therefore, teachers need to choose their online TPD programs carefully, to match their needs and the time available with what the online TPD program offers and the time required.