Transformative Dimensions of Online Teaching: A Critical Look at the Online Teaching Literature

• In Event: Poster Session 16
  In Poster Session: Online Teaching and Learning: Faculty Development

Abstract

This review formulates a critique of the standards- and competency-driven vision of online teaching from the perspective of transformative learning theory, thus providing an alternative exploration of professional development of online teachers as adult learners. The results indicated that while the research about online teacher roles and competencies guided the development of teacher preparation and training programs, it remained lacking in terms of addressing the issues of empowerment of online teachers, promoting critical reflection, and integrating technology into pedagogical inquiry. Different from these standards-driven and technical perspectives towards teacher knowledge and practice, the transformative learning perspective considers teachers as adult learners who continuously transform their meaning of structures related to online teaching through continuous process of critical reflection and action.

Authors

• Evrim Baran, Middle East Technical University

• Ana-Paula Correia, Iowa State University

• Ann D. Thompson, Iowa State University