Bridging the realms of educational technology and teacher education, this book offers instructional design models, strategies, and tools for online delivery of continuing professional development (CPD) for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers. Acknowledging that successful STEM education demands strategies grounded in specific instructional design frameworks, this complex integration of pedagogical strategies with teaching and facilitation practices creates unique challenges for developing effective online learning environments.
In this volume, editors Heejung An and Woonhee Sung have invited STEM teacher educators to share feasible models, strategies, and research-proven practices to enhance instructors’ knowledge and practices and enable them to design, develop, and implement their own online CPD. To that end, chapters contextualize online STEM education course designs and teaching trends across degree-based continuing education, professional development, and teacher professional learning. The chapters focus on the most essential pedagogical components of STEM education CPD, including hands-on, real-world-based projects, learner practice and reflection, interaction with peers and instructors, as well as how to effectively design and deliver these elements. The practical applications in the various chapters demonstrate how online programs can use various technological tools to educate STEM teachers in online settings with a variety of STEM materials.
The book also provides concrete lesson plans that online faculty and CPD providers can apply in any teaching setting to strengthen STEM teacher educators’ capabilities. Ideal for instructors of CPD who design and teach STEM-related educational disciplines, this unique collection responds to the need to bring online and blended learning to the STEM education community while maintaining quality and standards-based content acquisition.
Table of Contents:
Foreward Preface Acknowledgements List of Contributors 1. Setting the Stage: Supporting STEM Teachers Through Online Continuing Development in a Diverse and Digitally Connected World Section 1: Desiging Effective Online Continuing Professional Development for STEM Educators: Models, Strategies, and Case Examples 2. Professional Development Pathways That Support Inclusion and Innovation: A STEAM Education Approach to Virtual Educator Training 3. The TMSR and 4-Ons Model: Design-Based Learning in Online Continuing Professional Development Integrating Arts in STEM 4. Online Professional Development on Integrating Literature into STEM Education to Create Meaningful Connections: The ATTACK Model 5. STEM Professional Development for K-12 Teachers: An Online Flipped Learning Model 6. Application of the R2D2 Model: Designing Online STEM Teacher Professional Development to Meet Diverse Learning Preferences 7. Radio JOVE Citizen Science Training Modules: A Self-Paced, Inquiry-Based Environment for Learning Science Through Radio Astronomy 8. TPACK-Informed Online Continuing Professional Development: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence Tools for Inquiry-Based STEM Instructions 9. Enhancing STEM Education Through AI-Infused Sustainability Lessons: The Design and Impact of an Asynchronous Online Professional Development for Middle and High School Science Teachers 10. Integrating Hazard Resilient Housing Into STEM Classrooms: Using the Model of Authentic Learning in Online Professional Development 11. Extended TPACK for Online Professional Development: Addressing the Dual-Layer Challenge of STEM Teacher Educators Section 2: Support Materials to Design Equitable Online Continuing Professional Development for STEM Instruction 12. Gender-Equitable Online STEM Teaching: Evidence-Based Rubrics for Inclusive Instruction 13. Open Educational Resources and Online Professional Learning Networks in STEM Education Postscript Index
About the Author :
Heejung An is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Educational Leadership and Professional Studies in the College of Education at William Paterson University of New Jersey.
Woonhee Sung is an Assistant Professor of instructional technology in the School of Education at The University of Texas at Tyler.
Review :
Designing Online Continuing Professional Development for STEM Teacher Education: Models, Strategies, and Practices is a timely and essential contribution to the field. The editors and contributors offer research-informed models, strategies, and real-world examples that not only respond to the challenges of online learning but also reimagine what professional growth for STEM educators can look like in inclusive, digitally connected contexts. This volume bridges theory and practice with clarity and purpose, equipping teacher educators, practitioners, and instructional designers with concrete tools for fostering innovation, equity, and collaboration. It is an indispensable resource for anyone committed to advancing meaningful and accessible professional learning in STEM education.
— Matthew Farber, EdD, Associate Professor of Educational Technology, University of Northern Colorado
Designing Online Continuing Professional Development for STEM Teacher Education is a practical bridge between research rigor and classroom reality. It integrates learning theories, instructional design, technology integration, and STEM pedagogy into a clear, step-by-step guide for online professional development. Grounded in constructionist and design-based learning, it centers on accessibility, culturally responsive practice, and meaningful assessment. This book is essential reading for faculty, instructional designers, and district leaders building scalable and equitable online professional development in teacher education.
— Nari Kim, Ph.D., Professor, School of Education and Human Services, University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
Designing Online Continuing Professional Development for STEM Teacher Education is a timely and useful book for anyone seeking to enhance STEM education in contemporary schools, which are increasingly becoming more diverse and interested in new technologies. Editors Heejung An and Woonhee Sung have brought together leading researchers and experts to share research-backed models and practical methods, such as flipped learning, R2D2, TMSR, place-based learning, and AI-infused approaches, that make online professional development easy to access and beneficial. What makes this book different is its strong dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. This means that every administrator and teacher may find resources and motivation to help all of their children. This book provides you with the vision and real-life examples you need to create online professional learning that truly transforms your school teaching. Curriculum designers and school administrators will also find useful information here.
— Marc A. Medley, Principal, Paterson Public Schools; Book Talk Radio Host, 88.7 FM and gobrave.org (Brave New Radio)
This timely book addresses today’s rapid advancement of technology and offers practical and plentiful resources for the professional development of STEM educators who are struggling to keep apace. The authors understand that online environments require attention to thoughtful instructional design that ensures meaningful teaching and learning. They offer research informed methods, models, and strategies for Continuous Professional Development of STEM educators and administrators. This book is an excellent resource for not only STEM educators but for anyone interested in staying informed on best practices in STEM education and online professional development.
— Geraldine Mongillo, PhD, Professor Emerita, Department of Educational Leadership and Professional Studies, William Paterson University
Designing Online Continuing Professional Development for STEM Teacher Education is an indispensable resource that bridges research and practice to support educators, leaders, and instructional designers. With research-informed models, real-world case studies, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, this book offers practical strategies for designing meaningful and impactful online professional learning. It is a must-read for anyone dedicated to advancing STEM education through innovative and inclusive professional development.
— Meina Zhu, PhD., Associate Professor, Wayne State University
