Teachers' Views On The Potential Use Of Online 
In-Service Education And Training Activities

Year 2011, Volume: 12 Issue: 4, 68 - 87, 01.12.2011

Mehmet Kokoc Ayşenur Ozlu Atilla Cımer Hasan Karal

Abstract

This study examined teacher’s views on the potential use of online in-service education and training (INSET) activities. The study used a qualitative approach. A total of 13 in-service teachers from primary school, vocational school, science and art center, high school in Trabzon (on the Black Sea coast of Turkey) participated in the study. To determine opinions of participants about the potential use of online INSET activities, a online conference was held to determine teachers’ views. The participants who had experienced traditional and face to face INSET courses discussed their INSET experiences and thoughts about online INSET activities. These views were transcribed and then analyzed using content analysis. The main conclusions are: with online INSET activities, especially time and place dependency can be overcome, and accommodation and transportation issues can be resolved. Teachers feel that online INSET activities can promote effective use of resources.

Keywords

Distance learning, Online professional development, In-Service education and training, Professional development of teachers.