Topic outline

  • Welcome


  • Introduction to Unit 14

    • Why this Unit?

      ICT-enabled Teacher Professional Development (TPD) has become an essential approach for supporting teachers in continuous learning and adapting to modern educational needs. With digital tools and platforms, teachers can now access resources, collaborate, and learn beyond the boundaries of their schools. In this unit, you will explore how to implement School-Based Learning Communities (SBLCs) to foster collaboration and peer learning. You will also gain skills to participate in MOOCs and Online Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) that connect you with global networks of educators. Finally, you will learn to design an ICT-enabled TPD plan that ensures sustained growth and professional excellence.

      Unit Competencies

      By the end of Unit 14, you will be able to;

      1. Apply School Based Learning Communities (SBLCs) to support peer learning and professional growth.
      2. Participate in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) to expand knowledge and skills.
      3. Engage in Online Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
      4. Design an ICT-enabled Teacher Professional Development (TPD) plan



      Recommended time: 2 hours

  • Lesson 1: Implement School-Based Learning Communities

    • Introduction

      Schools can strengthen professional growth by establishing School-Based Learning Communities, where teachers regularly come together to share ideas, reflect on their teaching, and solve challenges collaboratively. These locally based groups—sometimes called professional learning communities (PLCs)—provide a supportive space for teachers to discuss lesson plans, analyse student work, experiment with new teaching strategies, and observe one another’s classes. In the Tanzanian context, where access to external training may be limited, such school-level communities create powerful opportunities for ongoing development using the expertise already within the staff. By meeting consistently and focusing on practical classroom improvement, learning communities help build a strong culture of collaboration and continuous learning across the school.

      Instructions

      Read the following case of school-based learning communities implementation in Zambia from this link and complete the learning activity below.

      1. Reflect on the needs of your school by identifying at least three professional development priorities (e.g., ICT integration, subject mastery, classroom management, learner-centered pedagogy).

      2. Outline the CPD activities you can organize at your school (e.g., peer observation, lesson study, workshops, professional learning communities, mentoring).

      3. Develop a School-Based CPD Plan (use the provided sample) that includes:

            • Title of the plan
            • Objectives of the CPD program
            • Activities to be carried out (who will be involved, how, and when)
            • Expected outcomes
            • Monitoring and evaluation strategies
      1. Present your plan in 2–3 pages as a Word document. Submit your document as an assignment below

  • Lesson 2: Engaging in Massive Open Online Courses

    • Introduction
      You can greatly expand your professional knowledge by exploring Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), many of which are free and designed for flexible, self-paced learning. Platforms such as Coursera, FutureLearn, edX, and the Commonwealth of Learning’s MOOCs offer courses on pedagogy, subject content, ICT integration, and classroom management. These courses allow you to learn from global experts, access high-quality materials, and connect with peers from around the world—without needing to travel or attend formal workshops. By seeking out MOOCs that align with their subjects and professional goals, you can continually upgrade your skills and bring new ideas directly into your classrooms.

      Instructions

      1. Watch the following video to learn more about MOOCs.
      2. Use ChatGPT to learn about the advantages of MOOCs for Teacher Professional Development
      3. Learn about the MOOC platforms available by 2025. Open the link below:

    • Lesson Activity

      Goal: To enable you to gain hands-on experience in accessing and enrolling in online professional development opportunities using the Coursera platform.

      Task Instructions

      1. Visit the Coursera platform at https://www.coursera.org.
      2. Create an account by registering with your email and setting up a password.
      3. Log in to Coursera using your registered username and password.
      4. Use the search bar to explore courses relevant to your teaching practice (e.g., ICT in Education, Classroom Management, Pedagogy, Assessment, etc.).
      5. Enroll in one course of your preference.
      6. Prepare a short Course Summary Report (1 page) that includes the following details:
          • Course name
          • Course objectives
          • Offering institution
          • Course instructor(s)
          • Duration and weekly modules/structure
          • Why you chose this course and how it will benefit your teaching practice


                Submit your Course Summary Report (1 page) as a Word document on the Assignment below:

            1. Lesson 3: Engaging in Online Professional Learning Communities

              • Introduction

                ICT offers powerful opportunities to support ongoing professional development for you, helping you continue learning even when formal training workshops are limited or costly. With access to devices and basic connectivity, you can participate in online courses, join subject-specific WhatsApp groups, watch demonstration videos, and access open educational resources that strengthen your teaching skills. Even in low-connectivity environments, offline platforms like Kolibri, downloaded materials, and shared digital libraries allow you to learn at your own pace and revisit content as needed. By using ICT for continuous learning, you can stay updated with new pedagogical approaches, curriculum changes, and digital tools—ultimately improving classroom practice and supporting student achievement.


                Instructions

                Watch the following video to learn about the meaning of PLCs and its components.

              • Online professional learning communities (PLCs) can be created using accessible platforms like social media (e.g., WhatsApp groups, Facebook, Twitter), general Google tools (Classroom, Drive, Meet), and collaborative platforms such as Padlet and Miro. Watch the following video on best practices to support PLCs.

              • Lesson Activity

                Goal: To enable you to create and facilitate an online Professional Learning Community (PLC) using readily available digital tools, for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous professional growth.

                Instructions

                1. Identify a professional need or theme relevant to your teaching practice (e.g., improving student engagement, integrating ICT in lessons, assessment strategies, or subject-specific teaching).
                2. Choose a digital tool that is easily accessible to you and your colleagues. In this case, use WhatsApp – for daily updates, discussions, and sharing teaching tips
                3. Set up your PLC space on WhatsApp and name it meaningfully (e.g., Tanzania Secondary Teachers PLC on Active Learning).
                4. Invite at least 5 fellow teachers (from your school or professional network) to join your PLC.
                5. Post an introductory message outlining:
                    • The purpose of the PLC.
                    • How members can contribute (e.g., share resources, discuss challenges, celebrate successes).
                    • Simple ground rules for participation (respect, consistency, focus on professional growth).
                1. Within the first week, share at least one professional resource (video, article, or teaching strategy) and initiate a discussion question that encourages members to respond.
                2. Document your experience by preparing a brief summary (1 page) including:
                    • The theme of your PLC.
                    • The platform chosen and why.
                    • How you engaged members.
                    • The kind of interactions that took place.
                    • How you think this PLC will help sustain continuous professional development.

                1. Upload your summary report as an Assignment on PLC provided below.
              • Assignment on PLC
                Make a submission

            2. Lesson 4: Designing ICT-enabled TPD Plan

              • Introduction

                Designing effective ICT-enabled Teacher Professional Development (TPD) plans allows schools to use digital tools strategically to strengthen teaching skills over time. A well-designed TPD plan identifies the specific competencies teachers need—such as digital literacy, blended learning skills, or subject-based ICT integration—and then maps out training activities that can be delivered through workshops, online modules, peer learning, and coaching. In the Tanzanian context, ICT-enabled TPD can combine low-cost tools like WhatsApp groups, offline learning resources, and school-based mentoring with more advanced options such as MOOCs or virtual webinars when connectivity allows. By setting clear goals, providing consistent support, and monitoring progress, schools can ensure that ICT becomes a meaningful part of teachers’ professional growth rather than a one-off training event.

                Instructions

                Read this paper (page 1-5) on Using ICT for scalable, sustainable Teacher Professional Development in Developing Country Contexts from the Centre for Excellence in Teacher Education, under TATA Trust. Click here

              • Based on the paper you have read, complete the following activity to design an ICT-enhanced TPD Plan.

                Lesson Activity
                Goal:                 To enable you to design a school-based Teacher Professional Development (TPD) plan that uses technology to enhance continuous professional learning in your school.

                Instructions

                1. Reflect on the key professional development needs in your school (e.g., use of ICT in teaching, student-centered pedagogy, assessment methods, etc.).
                2. Choose one digital tool/platform (such as WhatsApp, Google Classroom, TIE TCPD platform, Zoom, or YouTube) that can be realistically used by teachers in your school.
                3. Design a simple TPD Plan showing:
                    • The focus/theme of professional development.
                    • How the chosen technology will be used.
                    • Activities teachers will engage in.
                    • Timeline and expected outcomes.

                1. Submit your completed TPD Plan as Assignment on Technology-powerd TPD Plan. Use the provided sample of ICT-powered TPD Plan

            3. Unit Discussion

              • How can School-Based Learning Communities (SBLCs), MOOCs, Online Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), and ICT-enabled TPD plans transform the way teachers in Tanzania engage in continuous professional development?"

                Instructions for participation

                1. Reflect on the four aspects (SBLCs, MOOCs, PLCs, ICT-enabled TPD plans) and choose at least two to focus on in your response.
                2. In your post, briefly explain how the chosen approaches can benefit you as a teacher and your school community. (Write at least 150–200 words).
                3. After posting your response, read the contributions of at least two colleagues and provide a short comment (3–4 sentences) either by adding insights, asking a question, or sharing an example from your own experience.
                4. Remember to keep your contributions respectful, constructive, and practical.
              • Discussion Forum for Unit 14
                Make forum posts: 1

            4. Unit Assessment

              • After completing all the Unit 14 activities let us test your general understanding. Access the short unit test below.

            5. Summary and Conclusion

              • In this unit, you learned how to strengthen your professional growth through different approaches to continuous professional development. You gained insights into the importance of collaboration within your school, expanding your knowledge through MOOCs, and engaging with global online professional learning communities. You also explored how to design an ICT-enabled TPD plan tailored to your school context.

                The Unit concluded by guiding you through four key areas: implementing School-Based Learning Communities, learning through MOOCs, engaging in Online Professional Learning Communities, and designing ICT-enabled TPD plans. Together, these sections provide you with practical skills to sustain your professional learning journey. They also equip you to adapt technology to support both individual and collective teacher development.

            6. Attribution, References and Licence