How Distance Learning Has Changed Professional Development and Tech Coaching

Distance learning has changed a lot of things about K-12 education. From the role of technology in remote classrooms to student engagement and flexibility of choice, remote learning is going to change the way that teachers instruct in traditional classrooms moving forward. 

But what about those who provide professional development training and coaching for these teachers?

In a recent conversation with Eric Guise, Tech Coach at Hopewell Valley Central High School, we talked about how professional development and tech coaching has changed for him amid distance learning. 

How has distance learning changed professional development?

Prior to distance learning, Eric explained that he supported teachers at the high school level as a tech coach and by providing professional development. Now that distance learning is in place, he supports the whole district rather than just the high school faculty. The increased number of teachers he now supports has required some changes with his professional development tactics.

Supporting more teachers at different levels of technology comfort

With this increase in teachers whom Eric now supports, he explained that these teachers are all at different levels of tech comfort. He described these teachers as “tech comfortable” and “tech uncomfortable.” Since more teachers are now using devices to instruct, there are a lot more “tech uncomfortable” teachers who are getting acclimated to using devices for instruction. This means that not only does Eric have more teachers who need professional development during distance learning, but these teachers need more hands-on training and professional development resources.

Leveraging different technology for professional development

Previously, Eric Guise created a system using Google Calendar where teachers would submit requests for training and professional development. Now that he has a larger volume of requests, he is using a first-come-first-serve email system where teachers can submit requests through email. This allows him to manage the frequent requests better and deliver professional development to all his teachers during distance learning. 

Professional development in the midst of distance learning

Although the fundamentals of professional development will still be used during and following distance learning, the types of professional development and methods through which they are delivered will be effected. As the semester comes to an end it is important to begin thinking about how your professional development will be structured during the summer months and in the Fall.

We are hosting our first-ever completely virtual Professional Development Summit on Friday, May 29th where you can learn from EdTech and K-12 industry leaders about how to conduct effective professional development, what distance learning means for professional development, and how tech coaches should think about professional development moving forward.

Listen to our full conversation with Eric Guise