Rethinking Teacher Education via Collaborative Learning

Abstract

This article focuses on peer online professional development methods for in-service English language teachers. In the digital era, teacher education is in constant change, and online collaborative professional development methods using social media, digital platforms, and tools can be an interesting way in which to create a community of practice where English teachers can engage in generating and jointly developing digital learning content, new conceptions, and models of teaching within an environment of trust. The selected examples will demonstrate how English language teachers can take the role of a teacher-coach and actively engage other English language teachers in tech integration that is deeply embedded in subject matter, as opposed to offering stand-alone lessons on how to use technology. The flipped classroom approach will be liaised with concrete techniques of developing ICT skills and enriching teachers' practices. The methods presented can be used to deliver refresher training, as well as to provide ongoing support and mentorship to hone and build English language skills.