Online Professional Development Through Virtual Learning Communities

Powerful collaborative learning--anytime, anyplace!

Online learning seems like a perfect solution for cost-conscious districts and busy teachers, but can these programs also deliver high-caliber professional learning? Using one districts success story as a model, this timely book shows you how to combine well-designed online instruction with the energy of peer-to-peer collaboration. At the heart of this book is a model that supports powerful professional learning that increases educator effectiveness and results for every student.

Sonja Hollins-Alexander writes from her own experience building a successful online professional development (PD) program for a large urban district. Readers will find

• Research-based support for online PD and the authors original Learner-Learner model
• A thorough planning guide and ten action steps for program development
• Best practices for managing staffing and resources
• Strategies for establishing a true community of learners online

Discover how to create a sustainable online PD program that promotes collaboration and growth!

"This book provides district and school leaders with a practical guide to shifting professional learning from more traditional sit and get models to technology-enhanced models that foster collaboration and co-creation."
--Catherine Huber, Principal
Northwood Elementary, West Seneca, NY