English as a foreign language : teachers' professional development via the Internet

Abstract

Teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) are required to enhance their teaching strategies and skills so as to cope with the recent trends in the educational field of learning and teaching such as the use of Internet material. Computer-mediated communications that utilise online teacher communities can help teachers develop professionally in the areas of adult learning and language acquisition, and so enhance their teaching practice. However, there are different challenges that teachers might face while seeking their professional development, for example, theories of adult learning, computer-mediatedcommunication, principles of effective online professional development and the EFL teachers' online community. Professional development activities via the Internet should be well planned, designed and evaluated to ensure teaching strategies and skills.