We’re planning our professional development for second semester and are running into the two classic challenges—time and money. The committee wants staff to have valuable learning experiences that aren’t a burden either financially or in terms of time. Some are lobbying for a traditional model, while others want to try online sessions. Which is more effective?

Have you considered a hybrid professional development model that incorporates both face-to-face and online components? Face-to-face meetings are important because participants get to know one another and the instructor, and to realize that they are part of a larger learning community. Online time allows participants to work at their own convenience and at their own pace. When the two components are interspersed, the meetings can be scheduled far enough apart to not be a burden, but to still provide support to those participants who have difficulty pacing their online work.

Submitted by: Susan Brooks-Young

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