Transitioning to Virtual Teacher Professional Development: Intentionality in a Virtual World Environment
Abstract: The demand for ubiquitous education that is adaptable to learner lifestyles is causing an evolution in how, where, and when teaching and learning occurs. To meet these needs, educators and institutions are turning to the technological facilitation of virtual classrooms. Maximizing learning outcomes in this new educational environment is requiring an evolution, and in some cases a revolution, in traditional instructional methodologies and pedagogies. This paper documents the rationale and processes involved in a pilot development and implementation of teacher professional development which was hosted within a virtual environment for the purpose of preparing teachers for the challenges and requirements of a virtual environment classroom.