I recently came across a blog that deals with online professional development. It raised the questions of whether teachers get more out of online PD or standard PD meetings. I personally believe that a mix of both is probably best. Online work saves time and money. Teachers are busy people and just being able to turn on the computer can be easier than driving to another school in another town for professional development. As well, it is easier to connect with more people online. For example, when I interned I would never have a chance to meet with some of the teachers in my division because they were too far away. If I was working through PD online I would be able to connect with teachers from all over the division. Teachers all have great ideas so I feel that the more people I can connect with the better.
However, I also believe that teachers need face to face communication. These teachers probably live near by and are therefore dealing with similar issues. By meeting with each other I believe teachers interact and create lasting connections that may not occur online. Therefore it seems to me that both online and face-to-face PD opportunities will benefit teachers. By taking part in both, teachers will get the widest range of information.
To read the blog entitled "Mind Over Medium" go to this link: http://www.teachermagazine.org/tm/articles/2007/01/01/04research.h18.html
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