S5.2.4

=E-Learning support is guided by a researched evidence base. =

Evidence
Professional development is a natural and continuous process that requires everyone in an organization. The e-learning discussion report ‘Highways and Pathways’ (Butterworth et al. 2002) noted that priority be given to professional development in the tertiary sector so that teachers can support and encourage student learning. Mansvelt et al. (2009) have found that professional development was believed to be important by the vast majority of teaching staff, but that low uptake rates suggested that it was not seen as intrinsic to their job. Informal e-learning professional development was seen as effective by staff, but this is not quality assured. New and/or reluctant e-learning users most often benefited from formal professional development courses. One great benefit of attending workshops and technical courses are the ongoing relationships formed with staff developers.