Online Professional Development
Design, Deliver, Succeed!
Much-needed direction for navigating online professional development
Although many educators are on the fast track to embracing online professional development (OPD), choosing the best solution is not as simple as pushing a button. OPD expert John D. Ross's practical framework will guide you through asking the right questions and making sound development and purchasing decisions. The book's process is founded on proven principles of professional learning and instructional design. You will benefit from others' experience and expertise while efficiently charting a cost-effective course to success. This reader-friendly guide provides a path to answering these fundamental questions:
- Why online professional development?
- How much does it cost?
- How do I get started?
- What does high-quality online learning look like?
- What technologies are right for me?
- How do I put it all together?
- Did it work?
Included are an OPD decision matrix, a step-by-step planning and implementation framework, "buyer beware" guidelines, and real-life case studies from successful OPD providers. Whether you want to purchase or create OPD, this time-saving resource will help you understand your financial options and confidently chart your course to success.
"The practical applications offered in this book provide valuable resources for developing online professional development that is firmly grounded in best practices of e-learning. Ross provides solutions on how to transform your training program into digitally rich experiences that will engage, enrich, and enhance learning."
"A really helpful tool to keep up with the exploding online environment for professional development."
"Too often, new technologies take center stage without a real focus on what our learning outcomes will be or how the technology will be implemented. What I appreciated about this book is that it very methodically laid out a plan that could be easily utilized by school districts interested in online professional learning. The templates and the questions are easily transferable to any team or process."
"In this well-written, easy-to-digest resource, John Ross draws on his years of experience to help educators consider why an online approach might be the answer to their professional development needs. He carefully outlines the technical questions and processes needed to support a successful effort."
"John Ross provides real-life examples and resources that will ensure online professional learning produces changes in educator practice and student learning."
"John Ross provides a timely and unique look at online learning in this ground-breaking book. His thorough, practical, and state-of-the-art approach to online learning is critical to the future of online professional development."
"This book explores why online professional development is a good option, how to get started, which technologies to use and how to put it all together. Experiences of other educators in the book allow the reader to benefit and create a cost-effective path to success."