Use of Social Media for Professional Development by Physical Educators Who Teach Students with Disabilities

Abstract

ABSTRACT Faced with a lack of formal professional development, physical educators are turning to social media networks (SMN) to access professional communities and informal professional development. Yet, to what extent physical educators who teach students with disabilities are using SMNs for PD purposes is currently unknown. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore how physical educators who teach students with disabilities are using SMNs for professional development purposes. Online survey data was collected from 94 participants. Descriptive statistics were reported and SMN usage patterns were examined by age, gender, and previous professional development experience. Results showed that a variety of SMN platforms were used by participants to receive information on a range of topics (e.g., instruction, equipment). The potential of SMN for professional development in the field of adapted physical education and future research recommendations are discussed.