Networked Professional Development: Describing a Learning Activity Design that Utilizes Social Media and OERs

Abstract

This paper reports on an outcome of a design-based research (DBR) program evaluating the designand delivery of Networked Professional Development for Teachers (NPD): a learning activity design. With theincreasing use of blended and fully online spaces to support student engagement, it is critically important todevelop teacher capacity of online-networked teaching skills and strategies. Having teachers participate in NPDactivities is one manner in which this goal can be accomplished. The results of the research indicate that teacherparticipation in NPD develops TPCK skills, supports the sharing of instructional resources and engagesteachers in meaningful discussions about teaching and learning. This paper provides details about the specificNPD learning activities that were delivered using social media tools and Open Educational Resources (OERs).Further research around learning supports for NPD, as well as methods to develop networked communities ofpractice is needed.