An effective model for professional development in using technology to Learn

Abstract

The Virtual Learning Technology Community (VLTC) is a collaborative technology professional development model that supports k-12 students, k-12 teachers, university faculty, university preservice teachers, and instructional technology staff developers at local service agencies. The mission of the VLTC is to establish and support a community of regional institutions actively engaged in using existing and emerging technologies to support learning by all members. The vision of the VLTC is to provide assistance to additional PK-12 schools seeking support for improving the use of technology to help students develop competence in [a] finding and evaluating information and ideas, [b] using available learning tools, and [c] communicating effectively. The VLTC has impacted 400 teachers in 27 schools, 6,000 students, and 20 preservice interns. The long-term impact of the model is enhanced by dissemination activities, archiving and sharing successful strategies and institutionalizing essential support structures.