Web-Based Tools and Environments for Teachers’ Professional Development

Authors : Soner Mehmet Özdemir, Volkan Lütfi Pan

Pages : 251-261

View : 24 | Download : 8

Publication Date : 2016-06-01

Article Type : Research

Abstract :Today, teachers and students spend most of their time on the Internet. They use the Internet not only for communication, playing games, having fun, listening to music, watching movies and sport games, shopping, and so on but also use for getting information about lessons, learning activities, researching and improving themselves. Using internet resources or web media it is possible for teachers to be able to access new methods, techniques, materials and activities related to their lessons, and be aware of their domestic and international colleagues' practices. By this way they develop themselves in terms of personal and professional aspects. In this study, web based applications, tools and resources that support teachers' professional development on the internet are introduced. In addition to Facebook, twitter, YouTube, blogs and wikis that teachers use personally, they can also benefit from e-learning tools such as Educational Information Network (EBA), which is offered to teachers by Ministry of National Education and webinars for professional purposes. These are not only a formal education and training portal, but also serve as a professional development tool for teachers. In this context, this study discusses how teachers can enrich learning-teaching practices through these web resources, how they can communicate in an informal way with their students and colleagues, and how they can improve themselves professionally.
Keywords : professional development, teachers, internet, web based tools and environments