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By Margaret Orr, National CPD Team
For many years technology has played a key part in supporting CPD, initially mainly as an online reference source which could be perused by staff as they identified the courses and events which would best meet their professional development needs. Technology has also provided a comprehensive management tool for individuals, schools and authorities to record and evaluate CPD experiences. In addition to these 'pedestrian' applications of technology, we are seeing an increasingly innovative use of the medium as a means by which colleagues can share practice; engage in online discussion and debate; be actively involved in events which are taking place three or 3,000 miles away; collaborate in curriculum development with colleagues in authorities across the country and reflect on their professional practice as well as record the development opportunities which they have undertaken.
The National CPD Team, in collaboration with colleagues in LTS, has been a key player in developing and disseminating the potential and capacity of technology.
Technology is not, however, an end in itself. Its impact on the delivery of CfE relies on the application of what it offers by the colleagues who engage with it. The establishment of CPD Communities on GLOW is aimed at both supporting and challenging colleagues. The support is available through connections with like-minded colleagues, sharing practice, and accessing recent research. The challenge is in sharing how practice has been developed and the impact it has had on learning and teaching. This remains the challenge for all CPD activity - how do we know that it has led to enhanced learning experiences for our pupils? Only you have the answer!