Online Professional Development to Advance High School Biology: Two Studies

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

Abstract

There is a growing interest in, and use of, online platforms for teacher professional development. This paper presents results of two studies, one experimental and one quasi-experimental, designed to evaluate the impact of an online professional development course for high school biology teachers on teacher knowledge and student learning. Analyses revealed gains in teacher content knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge, and knowledge of digital media use. Analyses also showed greater gains in student knowledge of genetics and evolution in the treatment group, compared to the control group. These gains support the notion that online professional development can be effective for teacher learning and student outcomes.

Authors

• Lauren B. Goldenberg, Education Development Center, Inc.

• Scott A. Strother, Education Development Center, Inc.