Learning Forward

Equity and excellence in teaching and learning.

Menu

Think 'E' For Engagement

Use technology tools to design personalized professional e-learning

By Learning Forward
Categories: Learning designs, Technology
October 2015
As faculty chair of early childhood education at Vanguard University of Southern California, I was challenged each day by questions: How can I provide high-impact online professional learning to adult continuing education students? What barriers exist for adult learners seeking meaningful professional learning? How does my practice as a facilitator shift in an online learning environment? I have experienced professional learning that was at times a mile wide and an inch deep on content, short on engagement, and often overcrowded with participants hoping to fulfill continuing education requirements in a three-hour workshop. I returned to my classroom with a binder full of ideas and strategies but little follow-up or opportunity to collaborate beyond the workshop session. I have also experienced dynamic face-to-face professional learning that

Read the remaining content with membership access. Join or log in below to continue.

Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem.

Log In
   
Forgot password? Click here to reset
New User? Click here to register

Authors

Shari Farris

Shari Farris (farris.shari@gmail.com) is assistant professor of educational leadership at Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Tips For Designing Online Professional Learning

Consider the following when designing online professional learning:

  • Research how other providers of professional learning format and structure experiences using technology.
  • Research learning management systems that will best meet learners’ needs.
  • Collaborate and share your ideas for professional learning using technology with other leaders, experts, and those with course design experience.
  • Think about your goals and objectives for the learning experiences you are developing.
  • Conduct a preliminary needs assessment for learners to assess content pedagogical knowledge as well as technological pedagogical knowledge.
  • Carefully embed opportunities for true collaboration (Ingram, 2005).
  • Establish online etiquette, protocols, and rubrics for discussions and feedback.
  • Consider adult learning principles such as motivation, engagement, and trust (Knowles, 1984; Ginsberg, 2011) when designing online learning environments.
  • Be flexible and willing to adjust as you proceed.
  • Offer design choices to ensure that the learning experience translates into meaningful and transformative practice (Pappas, 2014).

References

Ginsberg, M. (2011). Transformative professional learning: A system to enhance teacher and student motivation. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Ingram, A.L. (2005). Engagement in online learning communities. In Bourne, J. & Moore, J.C. (Eds.), Elements of quality online education: Engaging communities (pp. 55-70). Needham, MA: The Sloan Consortium.

Knowles, M. (1984). The adult learner: A neglected species (3rd ed.). Houston, TX: Gulf Publishing.

Pappas, C. (2014, August 15). 9 tips to apply adult learning theory to eLearning. Available at https://elearningindustry.com/9-tips-apply-adult-learning-theory-to-elearning.

Image for aesthetic effect only - Learning-forward-logo-square
+ posts

Learning Forward is the only professional association devoted exclusively to those who work in educator professional development. We help our members plan, implement, and measure high-quality professional learning so they can achieve success with their systems, schools, and students.

Categories: Learning designs, Technology

Search
The Learning Professional

Published Date
Reset

CURRENT ISSUE

    • Recent Issues

    TAKING THE NEXT STEP
    December 2023

    Professional learning can open up new roles and challenges and help...

    REACHING ALL LEARNERS
    October 2023

    Both special education and general education teachers need support to help...

    THE TIME DILEMMA
    August 2023

    Prioritizing professional learning time is an investment in educators and...

    ACCELERATING LEARNING
    June 2023

    Acceleration aims to ensure all students overcome learning gaps to do...

  • © Copyright Learning Forward
    • Skip to content