On-line Professional Learning Communities: Increasing Teacher Learning and Productivity in Isolated Rural Communities

Abstract

On-line and distance professional learning communities provides teachers with increased access and flexibility as well as the combination of work and education. It also provides a more learner-centered approach, enrichment and new ways of interacting with teachers in isolated rural areas. For educational administrators, on-line learning offers high quality and usually cost-effective professional development for teachers. It allows upgrading of skills, increased productivity and development of a new learning culture. At the same time, it means sharing of costs, of training time, increased portability of training, and the exchange of creativity, information, and dialogue.

Keywords

• Critical Reflection
• English Language Learners (ell)
• Collective Inquiry
• second language acquisition
• Professional Development
• Bilingual Education
• Digital Resources
• On-Line Professional Learning Community