1.Tuzlukova, V, Siyabi, J. Al-Kaabi, K., Hadra, M. (2021). Virtual professional development course on teaching visually impaired students: Focus on innovative ideas and technology. Asian Journal of Management Sciences & Education (AJMSE). http://ajmse.leena-luna.co.jp/ajmsevol10n2.php

Drawing on archival research analysis of data collected from policy documents of the Centre for Preparatory Studies at Sultan Qaboos University, its professional development needs surveys and materials of the in-house Moodle-based professional development courses, the authors offer a picture of the Centre’s virtual professional development courses. Using qualitative data, as well as literature review, they explore the rationale for the virtual professional development course for the English language faculty of the Centre for Preparatory Studies on teaching visually impaired students with specific emphasis on language education and use of innovative ideas and technology and its possible impact on both teachers and learners. To provide a more focused account, the authors’ exploration includes administrators’ and policy-makers’ views and perceptions. Their major finding is a role of a successful virtual professional development course as a synergy of technology, real life pedagogical issues and teaching and learning needs and online activities that encourage a sense of community and enable participants to successfully learn and contribute to the context, either in content or procedure.