Because technology constantly changes, our understanding of the most effective and responsive means to connect with students must be as fluid. Ongoing professional development, then, is a central component to effective online teaching. Staying abreast of trends and resources is a vital part of teaching online. While the technology constantly improves, so too does research around how technology and education interact and therefore our understanding of what practices have the best outcomes for our students. An effective online instructor must find the time and energy to continually invest in their own professional development to best serve the students that they teach. They also much continuously seek to understand the changes in our student demographics so they can seek knowledge to best support their current student population and not a population of the past.
To remain relevant in online education, faculty must seek out ways to consistently improve their skills. This can be done in several ways. One easy step is for faculty to enroll in @One courses for professional development. The knowledge from these courses and the peer interaction they provide will improve online instruction greatly. They will also invigorate learners to continue to improve their practices. They cover a variety of topics and practices and are manageable alongside a full time teaching load.
Faculty can seek out conferences as well. Attending a field specific conference focusing on higher education often has online practices embedded. For example, attending the NAEYC's Professional Learning Institute last summer allowed me to take several workshops focused on online instruction and technology that was field specific. I learned about online resources that are unique to Early Childhood Education and what other instructors were doing to utilize technology in our field, such as using Swivl for practicum student teaching coaching. Conferences that focus on online instruction for all fields are available and can be a great way to learn and adopt new practices.
On campus professional development can be beneficial and free. Attending workshops hosted by other faculty, the online campus community, or your campus's professional development department can be a great way to improve your skills and create a network of peers. When all else fails, taking the initiative to host a workshop and share some of the skills you have learned can deepen your own knowledge.
Engaging in professional development and taking courses through @One has been so beneficial! I have been able to engage with a learning community that does exactly what I do and has the same heartfelt connection to my students. It has been so informative and empowering. I understand how vital this practice is to my daily life as an instructor in many ways.
First and foremost, I need to be reminded of what it is like to be a student. Being nervous about a new instructor, feeling that an assessment question was ill intended or tricky, or getting a lower grade than I wanted on something I spent a lot of time on are all things faculty must go through regularly to better serve their students. I am a more compassionate and empathetic instructor as a result.
Secondly, one must constantly learn how online teaching resources are changed to stay abreast of the practices and resources at their disposal. I started teaching online only four years ago. I cannot imagine using the same system for a decade and then attempting to learn all of the new ways of online teaching!
Lastly, seeking out additional ways to gain professional development has allowed me to grow in ways that I had not planned, but that have helped me in my career. I am serving on the Distance Learning and Technology Committee on my campus and that has been a wonderful way to stay informed. I am better able to serve my department as I have helpful information to share. I have even hosted a few trainings in my department to help others use a new tech skill. I have also sought out field specific training and my department is seeking out Swivl purchases for our practicum students. This technology will be a game changer for training students to work with children in highly effective practices. Without professional development, I would not be making an impact on my department and my students to the degree I am currently able to do so.