Computing CPD - How Often and Why?
Mon 24 September, 2018
Continuing Professional Development, or CPD, is a necessary part of the workplace. It allows individuals the opportunity to continue to feel confident in their career, as they can reflect on their experiences and refine their skills.
Computing CPD, in particular, is vitally important. ContinuingProfessionalDevelopment.org notes how CPD is required as ‘the pace of change is probably faster than it’s ever been’. Nowhere is this truer than in technology, which moves at a faster pace than most industries. As a result, it is key that teachers understand that there are always more things to be learnt. Continuously revisiting their skills is crucial in order to ensure that they are up to date. Teachers’ increased understanding - or, on the flip side, their misunderstanding - will be immediately evident to students, leading either to a more respectful and disciplined classroom, or to a chaotic one.
On a personal level, computing CPD should be occurring as a constant process, as teachers continue to try and learn more about this field in order to provide the best teaching for their students. This self-improvement can take the form of teachers recognising areas they are lacking in, keeping diaries in order to examine their progress, and generally researching how computing can help them in their particular discipline.
However, more specifically, Computing CPD can take the form of INSET training, E-Safety training for parents or staff, or can be especially related to one particular piece of software. provides a flow-chart that demonstrates how computing CPD can work through a number of different questions posed to teachers. Such questions encourage teachers to consider their own use of technology in the classroom, as well as how to teach students the best way to use this technology.
It is worth focusing on such CPD training sessions when there is an important new change to the way in which your institution operates, such as the implications that GDPR had for schools. Drastic changes such as these can bring with them doubts and confusion, and so it is important for computing CPD to be effectively handled so as to keep any transitions smooth.
Overall, computing CPD is a hugely important part of the teaching experience, as it allows both teachers and students to benefit from an informed, and stable, atmosphere.