Especially in the COVID 19 era of virtual education and the swiftness of technology innovation,
teachers, schools, personnel, districts, and states have gained from online PD to improve student
learning. Online PD can be in the form of webinars and conferences from the cloud directly from
the desktop. An effective online PD has also created an opportunity and provided more options
to change teachers' practice. Online PD's other benefits include
flexibility and versatility: Online PD allow teachers to balance a busy work and personal life
schedule with the most flexibility and versatility. Teachers can have the opportunity to listen to
recorded PD or webinars in the evening at teachers' pace and time. According to National
Research Council (2007), Online PD can allow teachers to interact online in real-time, virtually,
or asynchronously. Online PD will enhance teachers' connections, collaboration, and interaction
with the school administrators and education researchers. Teachers can relate to teachers in any
location or state, or elsewhere. Also, teachers with technical expertise will have the opportunity
to act as coaches and instructors of online courses (National Research Council, 2007). Teachers'
accountability is also vital in online PD. Teachers have the responsibility to show up or listen
than a face-to-face PD. The online PD facilitator or IC can acknowledge engaged teachers and
call attention to inattentive teachers. Comments, responses, feedback are posted in real-time, and
teachers are involved in this collaboration. Unlike face to face, teachers must think before
posting online and are accountable for their actions and activities online.
The Benefits of face-to-face PD include having a defined and enclosed location such as a
building or classroom that could enhance teachers’ focus, discipline, and minimal or no
distractions. Teachers will be sitting on a chair with tables fully engage without multitasking on
several activities. Another face-to-face pro is the encouragement of professional networking.
Teachers will have the opportunity to interact, socialize, and collaborate in person with
facilitators and coaches, fostering connection and collaboration between teachers and
professionals.
Reference
National Research Council. (2007). Enhancing Professional Development for Teachers: Potential
Uses of Information Technology: Report of a Workshop" at NAP.edu. Washington, DC: The
National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/11995.