Let’s Ask the Educators: What changes should be made to online professional development?

Shaun Kellogg

Research Questions

  1. What are the eductor recommendations for online professional development and how do the differ by resource type?

  2. What aspects of online professional development did educators find most beneficial?

Benefits of Online PD

Words teachers frequently use when making recommendations to improve professional development.

Top 20 Words

Information Shared

  • “It could be completed at home in my free time. It had lots of good information that helped me understand the terminology.”

  • “the information about the way our common core was created for our system”

  • “Informative information on the 21st century learner and teacher.”

  • “The most beneficial aspect was the information about types of data and where we get it from.”

Videos and Resources Provided

  • “Printable resources to keep on hand and example videos of how to use formative assessments in the classroom.”

  • “I was able to see other lesson plans and resources that other schools are doing.”

  • “Viewing teacher videos, especially Dan Meyer and Finland classroom. I was also introduced to new online resources that will aid my students and me in learning.”

Time and Pace for Learning

  • “The ability to schedule the time to work on the module so that it does not interfere with my commitments as an educator.”

  • “time to talk with peers”

  • “The most valuable aspect was the time factor… I could walk away and work on it at another time, so this is a tremendous aspect for the online learner.”

  • “Teachers are able to go back to the information at anytime to view the information to ensure understanding of the material.”

Top 5 Words by Resource

Conclusions

  1. Teachers found the information shared beneficial, such as new terminology, the common core standards, and types of data.
  2. Teachers appreciated the resources and videos provided including lesson plans and printable materials.
  3. Use of words like time, pace, and format suggests teachers valued the convenience of online professional development.

Discussion

  • Limitations: While able to provide quick insight into a large number of responses, analysis raised as many questions as it answered.
  • Implications: Validation of design decisions such use of videos and inclusion of practical resources.
  • Next Steps for Analysis: Dig into recommendations for improvement.