Abstract :
How can we accelerate innovation and ensure effective dissemination of
knowledge about online learning resources? This paper advocates strategies
that systematically link online professional development with the research,
development and diffusion cycle. The systemic approach we describe can
accelerate knowledge advancement and help manage change by improving
communication among teachers, trainers, developers and researchers. The
examples that are provided are set within two funded projects in the United
States that led to the development of two distinct but related strategies—the
Online Site Evaluation Form for educators (a web-based review form used
in workshops) and a six-week online course on technology-supported
assessments. Both strategies make it easier to give feedback to developers and
offer incentives to do so in ways that help teachers to learn about online
resources individually and with colleagues. The examples are discussed with
analysis of their strengths and weaknesses in supporting different modes of
interaction. We highlight implications for instructional development,
professional development, research and knowledge management in online
communities
