Developing web-based continuing professional development for IT teachers of the NCS

Abstract

This is a study about professional skills development for Information Technology (IT) teachers. The study aimed at developing an online learning ecology (LE) that hosts an online programme aimed at continuous professional teacher development (CPTD) focusing on IT teachers. The use of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in South African schools brought about the possibility of using webbased education (WBE) for the purpose of bettering CPTD for IT teachers in Further Education and Training (FET). The rationale for this study argues for an alternative way for a means of communication with and training of IT teachers in a more intensified manner. Theory on adult education, web-based pedagogy, and the available web-technologies, composes the theoretical framework for this study. Subsequently, theory on instructional design (ID) is applied in developing the online learning ecology, online programme, as well as developing a community of practise (CoP) for IT teachers.