Note: Fractus Learning shared this post with us in an effort to get the word out about their new online professional development program. We weren’t compensated in any way and just wanted to help them out. Hope you enjoy!

What would you consider the number one challenge to the adoption of technology in schools? I’ll give you a hint… It does not involve ‘flipping’, ‘poking’ or ‘MOOCing’. It is something far more fundamental.

The 2012 NMC Horizon Report > K-12 Edition concluded that although there are a number of challenges facing technology integration in schools, it was support and training for educators that was holding schools back:

“This challenge appears at the top of the list because despite the widespread agreement on the importance of digital media literacy, training in the supporting skills and techniques is still very rare in teacher education.”

This is a big problem for schools… And it is an even bigger problem for educators who do not have the confidence or the support to experiment and find the passion and value that technology can bring to learning.

It is this problem that the team at Fractus Learning are working with educators to try and fix. Focusing specifically on how technologies can be used for engaging students and improving education, Fractus Learning is growing their collection of online professional development courses to help schools put staff on the cutting edge.

What Do Courses Look Like?

Courses take the form of screen recorded lessons, presented by education leaders and technology professionals. Training courses are broken down into lessons and modules, each focusing directly on how tools can be applied in the classroom. Rather than describe it, check out an excerpt from the Introduction To Online Video And Screencasting course created by Brian Bennett.

See the video above for a closer look!

With a few courses already on offer and with many more in development, the training is already changing the way a number of schools are approaching their staff professional development.

Why ONLINE Professional Development?

To fully support staff in building relevant skills and embracing technology, there needs to be a rounded approach to professional development. This includes formal training, personal mentoring, and team sharing and collaboration. Online training offers a number of practical advantages as formal training, allowing finances, resources and time to be freed for the personal and team building side of school professional development.

Cost – Online professional development whether formal or informal, is a much cheaper option for schools than in-person consulting or off-site workshops. It can be a risk-free starting point for new technology adopters, as well as a cost-effective training program for more advanced technologists.

Convenience – Online training delivered through a modern Learning Management System allows educators to complete courses using desktop, tablet and mobile devices. This gives flexibility to complete professional development from home, work or any location that is convenient.

Learning – Video tutorials offer the benefit of letting educators learn at any pace they want. Already know how to mention someone on Twitter? Skim through that video. Don’t quite get how to embed a YouTube video on your class blog? Watch the video again.

Could Online Professional Development Work In Your School?

If you are interested in improving your own skills or are looking for a way to excite and engage your school staff, it’s free to sign up and try courses at Fractus Learning. Just visit the Fractus Online Professional Development page and create a free account.

Fractus Learning are also offering all Edudemic readers a 10% discount on all courses using the following promo code: EDU932LEARN

Simply enter the code on school or individual purchases within the next 30 days to take advantage of the offer.