1. Set Clear Objectives, Expectations and Roles
Similar to planning for an in-person session, it’s important to first identify goals and how they’ll be measured. Facilitators should think about what their participants’ current needs are and what they should know and be able to do by the end of the session. Goals should also align with the school’s or district’s vision and learning objectives.
Designating supporting roles is also crucial. A facilitator may find it difficult to manage all the digital tools that come with running virtual PD, explained Matthew X. Joseph, director of curriculum, instruction and assessment for Leicester (Mass.) Public Schools, during a Tech & Learning webinar. Therefore, assigning roles such as moderator, technical support and timekeeper can ensure the session goes smoothly while empowering people to participate, he said.
DISCOVER: Find out how to prepare and support educators teaching from home.
2. Find the Right PD Format
When planning for virtual PD, facilitators should look at different delivery methods and select the one that best meets the session objectives they’ve identified. They’ll also need to consider how many people will attend the session and how it will be structured to be intentional about providing effective learning opportunities. Will the session be a whole group or small group discussion? Will it involve collaboration or real-time feedback?
Using videoconferencing technology is one way of encouraging live interaction from a distance. Many videoconferencing platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, Google Meet and Zoom have features beyond chat boxes that help mimic real-time collaboration and make PD sessions more engaging — from polling to screensharing.
There are also plenty of ed tech vendors that offer free, online training for teachers, which districts can incorporate into their PD. For example, Google for Education has its Teacher Center, which features training courses that help new and advanced users leverage Google tools such as Classroom, Docs, Forms and Slides for in-person and remote instruction. Educators can also find additional resources such as a digital citizenship and safety course and accessibility tools training.