Research/Report
Author(s): Simone C. O. Conceição, Administrative Leadership, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Lilian H. Hill, School of Education, University of Southern Mississippi
This paper presents reflections from the developers of a professional development program designed to address critical gaps in digital literacy training for educators. Drawing from program evaluation results and their experiences developing and facilitating the program, the authors highlight strategies emphasizing accessibility, hands-on engagement, and practical application. Delivered through five interactive webinars, the program incorporated globally recognized frameworks, equipping educators with tools to align digital competencies with instructional and workforce readiness goals. Participating educators engaged in practical activities, including lesson planning and assessment, to immediately apply their learning. Guided by learner experience design (LXD) principles, program developers prioritized relevance, engagement, and flexibility through multimodal resources such as blogs, podcasts, and an online learning community. Their reflections focus on key design decisions, challenges encountered, and lessons learned, offering insights for future professional development initiatives to empower educators.