June 2003 — Features

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Removing Barriers to Professional Development

By Lynn Feist, Ed.M., Grant MacEwan College

  • Workshops with a preferred format of mini-workshops with follow-up sessions. There could be a task to complete between workshops, with someone available to answer questions.
  • Pre- and postworkshop activities with the technology facilitator. These could be one-on-one meetings before a session to review a certain technological tool or a meeting after a session to consider how information could be incorporated into the instructor's teaching.
  • Friends, family or colleagues may be especially helpful for learning basic computer skills.

Stage 3: Course Development


Overview. In this stage, the instructor begins course development work and participates in professional development opportunities. The instructor may also use professional development resources to support course development tasks. A key feature of the collaborative professional development model is the integration of technology learning into the course development process.

Procedures and activities. The technology mediator consults with the instructor; provides one-on-one tutorials on specific topics as needed; facilitates instructor access to relevant professional development activities; provides continuity between professional development activities and course development work; and coordinates course development staff activities.

Stage 4: Course Review

In this stage, the instructor reviews the completed course and provides any changes or corrections. The technology facilitator may support changes being made. Changes could be made based on an instructor's beliefs about the course, student feedback or both. During this stage, the instructor and technology facilitator should also review professional development plans, and assess future course development and professional development goals. The professional development evaluation could include questions such as:

  • Will you use what you have learned in your teaching or course development?
  • Were the professional development activities presented at an appropriate skill level?
  • Did the provided professional development increase your confidence in your technical skills or abilities?
  • Were professional development opportunities varied to meet your learning style?

Stage 5: Preparation for Teaching


In this stage, novice online instructors work with the technology facilitator to prepare themselves to teach online. This could include reviewing student management procedures, registration procedures or other course issues. This stage also recognizes that some instructors may teach a course they have not personally developed.