Professional Development in a Digital Age: Issues and Challenges for Standards−Based Reform

Abstract

This paper discusses possible roles for online technologies in professional development begins by describing characteristics of professional development approaches that enable teachers to engage in standards−based teaching. Electronic technologies offer two leverage points that bridge time and place constraints imposed by onsite professional development: (1) ubiquitous access to resources that support student and teacher learning; (2) expanded opportunities for teachers' learning communities through electronic conferencing systems, whose common features, designs, and uses are described. Finally, challenges and potential solutions for making effective use of electronic technologies for professional development are described.This paper discusses possible roles for online technologies in professional development begins by describing characteristics of professional development approaches that enable teachers to engage in standards−based teaching. Electronic technologies offer two leverage points that bridge time and place constraints imposed by onsite professional development: (1) ubiquitous access to resources that support student and teacher learning; (2) expanded opportunities for teachers' learning communities through electronic conferencing systems, whose common features, designs, and uses are described. Finally, challenges and potential solutions for making effective use of electronic technologies for professional development are described