Faculty development online

Abstract

Online learning has assumed a mainstream role in health professions education. Abundant evidence across all levels of learners shows that, when properly implemented, online learning can be as effective as traditional teaching activities. However, online learning has thus far been used infrequently to develop the education, research, and leadership skills of faculty members. This chapter will describe past and potential roles for online learning in faculty development. After a brief overview of online learning, the chapter will discuss innovations (published descriptions of creative approaches to online faculty development), instructional design (a review of evidence-based principles), implementation (anticipating problems and practical solutions), and integration (coordinating online elements with other activities). It will conclude with a brief comment on evaluation and research.