5. Let teachers go at their own pace
At our virtual high school, Achieve Virtual Education Academy, many of the professional development “meetings” are led completely online in the form of learning modules. Teachers will work at their own pace throughout a given time frame on collaborative and engaging online activities. These learning modules are then available at any time should a teacher need to reference them later. Our teachers have responded positively to this because it gives them the freedom to learn at a speed comfortable for them while also modeling quality online learning techniques.
6. Build in time for learning
It is important to build in time for this type of learning. This should not be simply added on top of everything else on a teacher’s busy schedule. PLCs are much more likely to be successful if the time is given to truly participate.
7. Go slow; it’s not a race
Keep in mind that an environment and culture of sharing and collaboration is not developed overnight. You cannot simply create a group, place teachers in, and expect magic to happen. Most of our students have never experienced a world that they could not contribute to digitally. That is not the case for our staff, however. Sharing in online communities will be very new for most teachers, so it is imperative that collaboration is intentionally taught and continually encouraged. I remember months of encouraging teachers to share ideas and questions publicly after they would ask me a question or share a resource with me. After several months of modeling and guiding these activities, the sharing began to happen more frequently and organically. Now, I help facilitate several groups that are truly active, collaborative learning spaces.
Michele Eaton is the Virtual Education Specialist for the MSD of Wayne Township in Indianapolis, Indiana. Michele is Professional Development Chair for the ISTE Online Learning Network.
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is a nonprofit organization serving educators and education leaders committed to empowering connected learners in a connected world. Serving more than 100,000 education stakeholders worldwide, ISTE creates opportunities for educators to connect with peers, share knowledge and ideas, and help lead the transformation of education.
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