In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, continuous professional development for educators has become more crucial than ever. With the increasing demand for high-quality education, teachers must keep pace with new teaching methods, technologies, and curriculum changes. Online Professional Development (OPD) offers a flexible and effective solution for educators seeking to enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest educational trends.
Fostering Active Learning with Evidence-Based Practice
Online Professional development in higher education is not just about improving performance but also about equipping faculty with the tools to foster independent and engaged learners. According to a recent study, Colleges need to produce graduates who are independent, able to apply their knowledge, solve complex problems, and work in teams among other attributes. This requires learning environments that focus on the acquisition of these skills, such as reformed teaching and learning approaches that encourage the use of active teaching techniques. (1)
To support this, many higher education institutions are incorporating professional development programs that encourage faculty to adopt evidence-based, learner-centered strategies. These strategies not only enhance student engagement but also create holistic learning environments where students can thrive.
The Shift to Learner-Centered Professional Development
Traditionally, professional development opportunities for educators were instructor-centered, relying heavily on workshops, lectures, and courses. However, research shows that these approaches are less effective than those designed to promote a learner-centered environment. Learner-centered professional development empowers faculty by focusing on individualized learning experiences and fostering academic discourse among colleagues.
As more institutions adopt this model, learner-centered strategies are proving to increase faculty satisfaction and improve the transfer of knowledge into classroom settings. These strategies promote engagement with educational content and encourage meaningful interactions among peers. Learner-centered professional development has been shown to result in higher satisfaction and transfer of knowledge to the classroom setting. (2)
Learner-centered strategies, such as coaching and peer-to-peer collaboration, are becoming more common in faculty development programs. By integrating these approaches, institutions can offer more effective professional development experiences that are aligned with the individual needs of educators and their teaching goals.
Necessary Conditions for Successful Professional Development Programs
Implementing an effective online professional development (OPD) program requires several key conditions at the institutional level. First, there must be technology planning and leadership to guide the integration of digital tools into educational practices. Leadership teams must define how technology will support faculty and student success. Second, cooperation between teams and across institutions is essential for fostering a collaborative professional development environment.
Moreover, educators must have access to resources, including hardware, software, teaching materials, and training documentation. Without these resources, the effectiveness of professional development initiatives can be hindered. Finally, institutions need to ensure that their OPD programs promote systematic change efforts, allowing technology to be integrated into the curriculum in a meaningful and sustainable way. This systematic approach supports long-term growth and helps institutions keep pace with evolving educational needs.
By establishing these conditions, institutions can create robust professional development programs that drive both faculty growth and student success.
The Role of Technology in Facilitating Professional Development
The introduction of modern technologies into higher education has revolutionized the way professional development is delivered. Institutions now recognize that support mechanisms should be interactive and faculty-based to facilitate the integration of technology into teaching. This approach allows educators to focus on developing technological proficiency that aligns with their specific teaching environments, ultimately leading to more meaningful learning experiences. (3)
At Aquinas Network, we understand the importance of equipping educators with the tools and resources they need to succeed in the digital age. Our Technology services are designed to support educational institutions in providing effective online professional development programs. We offer solutions that help institutions create interactive and engaging OPD courses, tailored to the needs of their faculty. From developing user-friendly platforms to providing ongoing technical support, Aquinas is committed to helping institutions enhance their professional development offerings.
Online Professional Development offers a powerful way for educators to stay current with the latest educational practices and technologies. By providing flexibility, personalization, and accessibility, OPD enables teachers to continuously improve their skills and, in turn, enhance student outcomes. However, to maximize the benefits of OPD, educational institutions must establish the necessary conditions and provide the right support for their faculty.
Aquinas Network is here to help institutions navigate the challenges of implementing effective OPD programs. Our Technology services are designed to ensure that your institution’s professional development efforts are successful, providing your educators with the tools they need to thrive in today’s dynamic educational environment. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your institution’s professional development initiatives.
References
- Mataka, L.M., Saderholm, J.C., & Hodge, T. (2022). College STEM Faculty Teaching Practices: The Influence of a Professional Development. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1366302.pdf
- Bedford, Laurie & Downs, Lyda & Mcdowell, Melissa. (2021). Coaching for Professional Development for Online Higher Education Faculty: An Explanatory Case Study. XXIV. https://www.westga.edu/~distance/ojdla/fall243/bedford_downs_mcdowell243.pdf
- Theodorio, A. O. (2024). Examining the support required by educators for successful technology integration in teacher professional development program. Cogent Education, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2298607