UNVEILING THE POTENTIAL OF ONLINE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: A SELF-STUDY APPROACH FOR EDUCATOR GROWTH

Abstract

The digital revolution in education has transformed professional development opportunities for teacher-educators. While a wealth of resources exists for teacher-educators, accessibility remains a significant challenge due to their busy schedules. This study explores the effectiveness of online distance platforms for professional development, specifically emphasizing the self-study of teaching practice (S-STP) approach that provides new perspectives for evaluating my self-motivated and self-directed professional development in obtaining strategies for improving the quality of my teaching practices. This research assesses free online educational webinars, focusing on 10 sessions accessed through the edweb.net platform in February 2024. It presents a detailed examination of the content and structure of these professional development sessions, offering insights into strategies for acquiring and applying new knowledge, skills, and viewpoints shared by professionals in the field. A key component of this study involves maintaining a reflective journal and engaging in active learning reflection through quizzes, program slides, and recorded videos available on the platform. By embracing the S-STP approach, I obtain micro-credentials and gain practical knowledge that can be directly implemented and customized in my daily teaching. The digital landscape providing professional development sessions encourages ongoing professional development and promotes a dynamic exchange of innovative practices within the educational community.