The year of 2020 has changed the face of teaching, with schools all over the world moving classrooms online to teach, access and collaborate. At The Skills Network, we saw a surge in enquiries back in March 2020, as schools across the UK reached out for expert support on how to create an effective virtual classroom environment for their pupils.
The pace of change went further and faster than many thought possible, but what impact has this had on the professional development of teachers? How can a teacher develop their skills further, if they are not in a traditional classroom setting, and what training has been provided by schools to ensure teachers are effectively meeting the needs of all students?
In this article we will address these questions and highlight how the skills acquired through moving to an online teaching approach can have a positive impact on the professional development of teachers themselves. We will also discuss how teachers themselves can access online resources to help develop their own skills for virtual teaching.
Adopting an online learning culture – for both pupils and teachers
In a new online teaching world, the importance of professional development remains as prevalent as it would do for those teaching in the traditional classroom. The path towards this is dependent on both teachers and the cultures of the organisations they work for. If the culture of the school is fully supportive of online teaching and provides staff with the relevant training, teachers should have the ability and opportunity to continue to develop.
Whilst this may seem simple, training on the transition towards online teaching is something that has been overlooked by some schools. At The Skills Network, we provide support to schools by embedding high-quality online learning into their curriculum through the development and provision of well-designed e-learning content. Our resources are sequenced in a way that supports students to develop a depth of new knowledge and presents learning in an engaging and accessible way, focussing in on student learning rather than their ability to just pass a qualification.
Schools need expert support and consultancy on how to effectively implement resources, putting learning and management systems into practice, enhancing student online learning experiences and progression, whilst also allowing teachers to have a smooth transition between classroom-based delivery to online learning.