Teachers' Technological Readiness for Online Professional Development: Evidence From the E-Learning for Educators Initiative

• In Event: Poster Session 16
  In Poster Session: Trends and Issues in Professional Development

Abstract

Research has established online professional development (OPD) as a viable alternative to face-to-face professional development. There are some obstacles, however, to the delivery of effective OPD. This study examined one such obstacle, teachers’ technological readiness for OPD participation. In particular, we examine elementary and secondary educators’ (N=7252) technological readiness for OPD vis-à-vis three teacher characteristics: teacher experience; school level; and school wide Title 1 status. A multivariate analysis of variance revealed statistically significant multivariate main effects for each factor. Univariate results revealed that disparities among certain subpopulations of teachers exist in terms of both computer skills and ease of access to technology. The implications of these findings for OPD stakeholders are discussed.

Authors

• Todd Reeves, Boston College

• Zhushan Mandy Li, Boston College