Teacher professional development remains a high priority, regardless of whether districts have funding for expanded teacher support. In order to improve teacher effectiveness while not raising the cost of professional development, districts are looking towards online professional development. For the Mississippi Department of Education, putting professional development online for their new teacher training and COOL (Certification of Online Learning) programs resulted in a more student-centered experience. Unlike traditional professional development, by delivering courses online, teachers receive more than a "sit and get" experience. Teachers learn and apply concepts, discuss them with peers and refine them as they move through the program. Dr. Marilyn Bowen, Online Learning Coordinator, and Dr. Leanne Long, VIP Coordinator, share how they use online learning solutions to provide accessible, sustained and personalized professional learning opportunities. Also explored is how online learning solutions, like Blackboard software, enables institutions and districts to deliver ongoing, job-embedded and relevant professional development in a cost-effective manner.

1. Tuesday December 8, 2009 Dr. Marilyn Bowen , Online Learning Coordinator, Mississippi DoE Dr. Leanne Long , VIP Coordinator, Mississippi DoE Mike Petersen , Manager, K-12 Solutions Engineers Delivering Engaging and Relevant Professional Development

2. 20 million users 9 global offices across 4 continents Born from education in 1997 1,000+ of us, working with 5,200+ of you Extended by 2,500 developers and partners +

5. Client Community THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA

7. Online Learning is C.O.O.L. Dr. Marilyn Bowen Online Learning Coordinator Dr. Leanne Long VIP Coordinator

22. Online PD Offerings

24. Best Practices - DB

26. Best Practices - Blog

27. Teacher Example

28. Best Practices - WIKI

29. Webcasts

38. www.k12perspectives.com The new technology infrastructure supports teachers with a constant community presence, in which content, curriculum and professional practice are integrated and immediately accessible . John Canuel, Director of Technology Jefferson County School District, CO