Characteristics of effective professional development for the implementation of interactive white boards in Lebanon

Abstract

This paper discusses the characteristics of effective professional development (PD) for teachers for the implementation of Interactive White Boards (IWB) in Lebanon. It offers a guideline for school leaders to use when designing learning opportunities for teachers for proper ICT integration. Effective professional development has the potential to engage teachers in ongoing learning practices that are pedagogically and technologically focused, collaborative, supportive, and adjustable to the learning situation of each, in an environment where people help each other rather than compete against each other. Human relationship of mutual support and help creates agility in action and maximizes the effectiveness of PD. This PD is a set of processes done before, during and after IWBs’ implementation throughout one academic year. These processes or actions complement the overall PD experience of teachers. This PD is done at all levels of collaborations and takes place during working hours and rarely beyond school hours.