Transforming online teaching practice: critical analysis of the literature on the roles and competencies of online teachers
Abstract
Understanding what is lacking in the online teaching literature is critical to helping researchers and practitioners develop programs and support mechanisms for online teachers in higher education. This review formulates a critique of the standards- and competency-driven vision of online teaching from the perspective of transformative learning theory, in order to offer an alternative exploration of the professional development of online teachers as adult learners. The results indicate that while research about online teacher roles and competencies guides the development of teacher preparation and training programs, it lacks in terms of addressing the issues of empowerment of online teachers, promoting critical reflection, and integrating technology into pedagogical inquiry. An alternative perspective is suggested that considers teachers as adult learners who continuously transform their meaning of structures related to online teaching through a continuous process of critical reflection and action.
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Cites
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“When Baran [44] looked at effective e-learning systems, it became clear that the role of the teacher was vital.”
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- Authors
- Baran, E., Correia, A.-P., & Thompson, A.
- Affiliations
- University of British Columbia (CA)
- Iowa State University (US)
- Corresponding author
- Baran, Evrim
- Venue
- Distance Education
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2011-11
- Volume
- 32
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 421-439
- ISSN
- 0158-7919 (ISSN-L)
- 1475-0198
- OpenAlex
- W2161245988
- Cited by
- 609
- References
- 4
- Citations by year
- 2026: 16 · 2025: 26 · 2024: 44 · 2023: 72 · 2022: 72 · 2021: 82 · 2020: 53 · 2019: 34 · 2018: 41 · 2017: 31 · 2016: 38 · 2015: 45 · 2014: 27 · 2013: 17 · 2012: 11
- FWCI
- 84.64
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Distance Education (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Education › Online and Blended Learning
- Social Sciences › Education › Adult and Continuing Education Topics
- Social Sciences › Education › Teacher Education and Leadership Studies
- Keywords
- online learning, teacher competence, transformative learning, adult learners, teacher professional development, critical reflection, technology integration in pedagogy, teacher education curriculum, higher education
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