Why start an online group?
Creating an online group can significantly enhance professional development among teachers. With a clear purpose and well-defined goals, these groups foster collaboration, sharing of best practices, and continuous learning.
Whether you aim to support local educators or connect with peers globally, this is a comprehensive guide on how to start up and manage successful online teacher development groups. Designed for educators worldwide, this toolkit offers the resources to help you create engaged and sustainable online communities for continuous professional growth.
Getting Started
The first step in setting up an online group is to define your objectives. Ask yourself:
- What are the aims of this group?
- How large should the group be?
- What activities will the group engage in?
Once you have a clear vision, conduct a needs analysis to understand the specific requirements of your potential members. This helps tailor the group's activities and tools to meet their needs effectively.
Choosing the right technologies
Selecting the right tools is essential for effective collaboration and the success of your group. Consider what your members are already using and comfortable with. Popular communication tools like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger offer various features, including text, audio, and video messaging, which can keep your group engaged and active. Remember, the right tool can make or break your group's sustainability.
Forming your team
Establishing a small committee of dedicated individuals can help distribute the workload and keep the group active and dynamic. This team can handle administrative tasks, plan activities, and ensure the group's objectives are being met. Regular meetings and clear communication within the team are essential for the group's success.
Running your group
Once your group is set up, it is important to keep it interactive. Plan regular training sessions, discussions, and other activities that encourage participation. Use feedback from members to continuously improve and adapt your group's offerings. Regular evaluations can help you understand what works and what needs adjustment.
Based on research
With our guide which draws on research into effective practice on how to create and running successful online groups, you have everything you need to create a thriving online community for teacher development.
To cite this publication:
Motteram, G. (2024). Creating and running successful online groups for teacher development. British Council. https://doi.org/10.57884/44ZX-3715
Watch our webinar:
Supporting teacher development through the effective use of social media groups
Read the associated research report:
Improving teacher development through the effective use of social media groups