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How can early childhood educators overcome barriers of access and convenience to obtain high-quality professional development online? Before enrolling in any program, explore the options reviewed here. Online Professional Development: Choices for Early Childhood Educators Heather Olsen, Ana J. Donaldson, and Susan D. Hudson More than 6 in 10 children in the United States now are cared for regularly by someone other than their parents (National Association for Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies [NACCRRA], 2006). Early childhood educators are responsible for providing young children with the best possible early care and education. Professional development has a positive effect on the quality of care young children receive. Research on child care workers’ education has shown that professional preparation makes a significant impact on children’s cognitive and emotional development (National Association for the Education of Young Children [NAEYC], 2005; NACCRRA, 2006). Therefore, the need for high-quality early childhood professional development has expanded across the United States. Although 97% of all states mandate some type of annual in-service work (Smith, 2006), many early childhood professionals face significant barriers as they seek to improve their knowledge and practices. These barriers include • lack of money, • accessibility, • scheduling problems, • institutional racism, • language/communication, and • literacy expectations (Ackerman, 2004; Bailey & Osborne, 1994; NAEYC, 2005; Smith, 2006). An increasing number of early childhood professionals engage in professional development online (Olsen, 2007). This article explores issues regarding online delivery of professional development. The discussion is intended to help early childhood professionals work through some of the possible training barriers and decide whether or not the online learning environment is a viable option. Online Professional Development In the 1990s, online professional development courses were seen as a model for delivering learning experiences to early childhood educators who often cannot afford to leave their jobs, homes, or families to travel to distant programs (Hyatt, 1992; Rowland, Rule, & Decker, 1996). The expanded availability of the Internet continues to create new avenues for professional development programs. Heather Olsen, Ed.D., is Assistant Professor, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls. She has developed and is the lead instructor for online training programs for the National Program for Playground Safety. Her research interests include online professional development, e-learning, and outdoor play. Ana J. Donaldson, Ed.D., is Associate Professor, University of Northern Iowa. She is the coordinator of the Instructional Technology Division and lead instructor for the Performance and Training Technology Center at the University of Northern Iowa. Her research interests include performance and training and learner-centered teaching approaches with emphasis on collaboration, communication, and interaction in the online environment. Susan D. Hudson, Ph.D., is Professor, University of Northern Iowa. She holds one of three endowed professorships in the United States in the area of Leisure and Youth Services. Hudson has a distinguished record of teaching, research, and service in the profession. 12 Volume 38, Number 1 DIMENSIONS OF EARLY CHILDHOOD Winter 2010
Online education can offer convenience to students while saving time and expense for instructors, who no longer have to travel to remote sites to teach. Online programs are professional development tools in which the curriculum is delivered electronically via the Internet to learners who are connected to one another and the instructor through computers. The words online education, distance education, E-learning, and distance learning are terms that are commonly used to describe this method of preservice and in-service education. Online Professional Development—What Is It? Online programs are professional development tools in which the curriculum is delivered electronically via the Internet to learners who are connected to one another and the instructor through computers. The words online education, distance education, E-learning, and distance learning are terms that are commonly used to describe this method of preservice and in-service education. The early child care and education profession is increasingly using technology as an educational tool with both adults and children. More early childhood centers are encouraging educators to integrate technology into their classrooms so that children learn to use computers. Educators and families share responsibility to ensure that children are equipped with the necessary tools for success in a technology-based society (Southern Early Childhood Association, 2008). Early childhood educators who have personal computer experiences are more comfortable and confident Subjects & Predicates The early child care and education profession is increasingly using technology as an educational tool with both adults and children. More early childhood centers are encouraging educators to integrate technology into their classrooms so that children learn to use technology. Educators and families share responsibility to ensure that children are equipped with the necessary tools for success in a technology-based society. in working with children who use technology. Enrolling in online professional development is an opportunity to better prepare teachers to integrate technology in their early childhood classrooms, as well as improve other teaching practices. Advantages of Online Professional Development Early childhood educators consider online professional development to advance their careers for many reasons. Online professional development courses enable early childhood educators to study on their own time and at the place of their choice. Those who choose online professional development courses have the freedom to decide when they want to engage in classes or workshops. Many learning opportunities are offered in a selfpaced learning environment. Early educators who are online can have access to knowledgeable instructors, regardless of their location. Online education offers freedom, convenience, and the ability to connect with colleagues all over the world (Bates, 2005). Online professional development programs reduce travel time and costs associated with traditional instruction for both students and leaders. Winter 2010 DIMENSIONS OF EARLY CHILDHOOD Volume 38, Number 1 13
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