Research in Online Teacher Professional Development: A Systematic Mapping Review

Abstract

This systematic mapping study examines 115 studies on online teacher professional development (OTPD) programs, including online-only and blended learning (BL) formats. Findings reveal that most programs combine synchronous and asynchronous phases, emphasizing collaborative, action-oriented, and reflective learning approaches. Frequently used technologies include discussion forums, videos, and learning management systems (LMS), while innovative tools such as virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) are less commonly implemented. Approximately half of the programs involve instructor guidance. These findings offer valuable insights into the design and implementation of OTPD and underline the need for further research into content-specific strategies and the effective use of emerging technologies.