Research article
English Language Teachers Practices of Online Professional Development using Facebook
KeywordsFacebook, online professional development, social media, social networking sites
Article content
Abstract
Social Networking Sites (SNS) are a relatively new strand of the Internet, and are rapidly emerging as a popular and meaningful platform for teachers to engage in online professional development activities (OPD). However, literature indicates that very little studies have been done on how teachers actually use SNS, specifically Facebook, for professional development. Hence, their practices and experiences of Facebook for professional development are not well understood. Therefore, this study, which involved 113 English language teachers, was undertaken with the aim of understanding English language teachers practices of online professional development using the Facebook platform. Findings do indicate how Facebook may have contributed to teachers OPD. This has meaningful implications for planners and organizers of teacher development programmes to better integrate Facebook in enhancing teachers meaningful learning and experiences, particularly during their professional development.
