Share Paper: Professional development communities as a model for staff development online

  1. Dorit Maor, Murdoch University, Australia
  2. Catherine McLoughlin, Australian Catholic University, Australia
Tuesday, October 25 3:05-3:25 PM Grand Ballroom D

Abstract: In traditional approaches to professional development, much effort has been devoted to enhancement of the use of technology. However, the challenge now is to encourage the use of pedagogically-sound technologies. In this paper we discuss models of online professional development that include a ‘whole of institutional approach’ to staff development of online teaching skills and professional development that engages staff in reflective practice and immerses them in experiential learning online. We conclude that transformative and reflective models of online professional development are more likely to be sustainable and effective in supporting professional learning communities when introducing technological innovations in teaching.