Professional development, or continuous professional development (CPD) as it is sometimes referred to in Europe, is critical for enhancing instructional practices. Because the quality of the teacher has such an important impact on student learning, investing in the development of teachers makes sense for programs that want to improve their students’ performance of learning outcomes. Traditionally, that has meant sending teachers to conferences or bringing in speakers to present workshops or trainings. However, both of these options can be quite expensive and often lack follow-up opportunities, which are key for the successful implementation of new learning.

With tight budgets, some educators may find conference attendance out of reach. Today more than ever before, there are other alternatives for teachers seeking opportunities for professional development. Participating in Twitter chats, attending “unconferences” such as EdCamps, and taking advantage of free online courses are three relatively new options that educators should explore because of their flexibility, accessibility, and personalization.

Twitter Chats

One of the best ways to use Twitter for professional development is participating in Twitter chats. Chats are live, hour-long conversations focused around a predetermined topic. Often, the chat moderators share prepared questions in advance. Participants tweet their responses with a corresponding answer (e.g., A1) and the hashtag of the chat. Searching Twitter for the chat’s hashtag will let you follow the conversation.

Besides the focus on topics relevant to the group, chats allow Twitter users to connect with others who have similar interests. For example, #ELLChat on Mondays at 9 pm ET is a chat focused on Pre-K–12 ESL education in North America. In addition to discussing the weekly topic determined by moderators Judie Haynes (@judiehaynes) and Karen Nemeth (@KarenNemethEdM), people use the hashtag throughout the week to share ideas and resources connected to ESL in a Pre-K–12 setting. People who tag their tweets with #ELLChat likely have common interests and would make a good addition to an online professional learning network (PLN). For more on Twitter hashtags related to ESL, check out this article.

EdCamps

EdCamps, or “unconferences,” as they are sometimes called, are free events with topics determined that day by the participants. EdCamps are typically regional events, although they have also been conducted in an online setting, so anyone with an Internet connection can participate. Social media also plays a part with many EdCamp participants tweeting during the sessions and actively sharing their Twitter handles to encourage connections beyond the event. Networking with other educators is a key feature of EdCamps. Most include time in the schedule for meeting other people, and the informal nature of the sessions encourages participants to be more active in discussing ideas and viewpoints.

Because participants propose topics to build a collaborative schedule at the conference itself, there is a focus on active participation and discussion about topics rather than listening to a presenter like at a typical conference. Another aspect of the “unconference” is the “rule of two feet,” which encourages participants to go to another session if the one they are in is not meeting their needs. These characteristics mean that attendees have more control over and responsibility for tailoring the experience to meet their needs. It makes this kind of conference attractive to educators who want more out of their professional development.

Online Courses

Online courses are another option. Specifically, there are several opportunities that are available for free while still offering quality training for language educators from the comfort of home. Massive open online courses (MOOCs) are one such example. MOOCs are online courses available to anyone. Typically, they involve watching video clips, reading articles, and completing assignments similar to a college course. Depending on the offering organization, a MOOC may or may not have credits connected with it. One quality source of MOOCs for language educators is Stanford’s Understanding Language program.

Another option is TESOL’s Electronic Village Online (EVO). Each January, language educators sign up for 5-week online classes on a handful of topics proposed and selected by TESOL’s CALL Interest Section. The classes are free and available to anyone with online access. Find out more about how the EVO sessions work by reading Tara Arntsen’s TESOL blog post.

Language educators who have not taken advantage of these nontraditional methods of professional development should give them a try. Whether hour-long online discussions like Twitter chats, a face-to-face opportunity like an EdCamp, or more in-depth, online courses like a MOOC or EVO class are the best fit, there is something for everyone with these next-generation ways to improve pedagogy.

Shaeley Santiago is an ESL instructional coach for the Ames Community School District in Ames, Iowa, USA. She is an avid user of technology for professional development and is active on Twitter (@HSeslteacher). She has been privileged to serve on the Mid-America TESOL (MIDTESOL) board since 2010 and is currently director of communications for MIDTESOL.