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This study examines the strategies used by teachers during a series of self-directed online learning (SDOL) experiences. Over a period of four months, the authors met with 12 practicing elementary teachers three separate times. During the meetings, the teacher participants informally used the internet for their professional learning in literacy. Their online navigations were captured using screen-recording software. Immediately following their navigations, a virtual revisit think aloud was conducted where participants verbalized their thoughts aloud while viewing a screen-recording of their navigation. Semi-structured interviews with each participant were conducted following the three meetings. Data were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Findings relate to the cognitive and behavioral strategies in which participants engaged during their SDOL experiences.

This study used a survey method to explore the perceptions of online professional development (PD) from a sample of Canadian teachers. Ninety-two practicing teachers completed an anonymous online survey between July and September 2020. Results were analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Findings highlight Canadian teachers' previous experiences with online PD, their perceptions of different approaches to online PD, and their motivations for participating in online PD. Investing in teacher PD is a critical factor in maintaining quality education in Canada and across the globe. Generating feedback directly from teachers can contribute to PD opportunities that are conducive to teacher learning.

This case study used screen-capture technology and a cued retrospective think aloud called the "virtual revisit think aloud" to understand teachers' self-directed online learning (SDOL) experiences. Three elementary teachers were involved in a series of in-depth, one-on-one SDOL sessions where they informally used the Internet for their professional learning. Nine think aloud transcripts and three interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative methods. Additionally, nine 20-minute screen-capture recordings were analyzed using a time sampling observation analysis in which participants' web-based actions were tallied in 10-second intervals. The analyses led to four main themes related to participants' cognitive processes as well as overall trends of participants' web-based actions. Findings from this study provide preliminary insight into the feasibility and value of SDOL over time.

This paper presents findings from a systematic review of 11 studies examining online teacher professional development (oTPD) in Canada between 2000-2020. A thematic content analysis of the articles led to four main themes associated with research on oTPD: 1. knowledge exchange; 2. reflective practice; 3. multifaceted learning opportunities; and 4. just-in-time support. The study contexts, research methods, and other relevant study characteristics are also reviewed and discussed. The results shed light on the current research trends on oTPD in Canada and highlight the need for continued research in this area. Data from diverse research methods across Canada's geographical regions can contribute to greater insight into the types of oTPD occurring in Canada and how various platforms and professional development opportunities can best support teachers' professional learning.

As elementary teachers increasingly turn to online environments for their literacy-oriented professional learning, evaluating website quality is of growing importance. Using screen capture recordings of participants' navigations, the purpose of this study was to identify the types of online learning environments that elementary teachers use to enhance their literacy practice as well as to evaluate website quality. Findings reveal that teachers access ten main types of online environments. Those that were resource-based were accessed with the highest frequency despite having the lowest quality. Implications for the design of online learning environments as well as self-directed learning are explored in depth.

This study used a survey method to explore the perceptions of online professional development (PD) from a sample of Canadian teachers. Ninety-two practicing teachers completed an anonymous online survey between July and September 2020. Results were analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Findings highlight Canadian teachers’ previous experiences with online PD, their perceptions of different approaches to online PD, and their motivations for participating in online PD. Investing in teacher PD is a critical factor in maintaining quality education in Canada and across the globe. Generating feedback directly from teachers can contribute to PD opportunities that are conducive to teacher learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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