Since the conception of The MTPT Project, technology has been integral in connecting members of our community across the country, and enabling access to events and CPD opportunities that would otherwise potentially be off limits, especially to very new mothers. For a tech-dummy like me, every new opportunity, from Twitter to the services offered by organisations like IRIS Connect (and other similar organisations that I don’t know about… yet!) have been a revelatory explosion, and after every period of over-excitement and mind-racing attempt to understand, I have had to sit down with a cup of tea and debrief, or have a nap to recover.
What has become very apparent is that this EdTech is not the faffy and time-consuming wires and gadgets that seem to litter the IT Technician’s office (scary!) but an important and empowering tool for anyone in remote circumstances like parents on leave. Increasingly, providers are developing technology that is intuitive, mobile and cost-effective, if not free, and when used properly, it is having a profound impact on individuals and on the education system as a whole. Let’s have a look at how it has benefitted the MTPT community so far, and how we might continue to use it in the future to empower and connect teachers on parental leave…
@chemDrK and @CatCampbell15 have cited social media sites like Twitter and the regular ‘chats’ hosted by them, and the free resources provided by platforms such as YouTube as essential to their CPD journey. If you’re reading this post, it’s highly likely that you have been directed here through the @maternityCPD Twitter feed, which is where the whole project began. Twitter provides a great space for parents at home to keep updated with the education system, create community by connecting with likeminded individuals and engage in debates that are important to them. Already, @maternityCPD has started discussions around choice, parenting, teaching and CPD that have inspired and empowered the emerging MTPT community.
One thing that The MTPT Project is looking into as we develop is the idea of hosting a specific #MTPTchat at a dedicated and regular time, inviting MaternityTeachers, PaternityTeachers, their advocates and even their opposition to share CPD experiences, struggles and intentions, as well as exchange tips and advice to develop their CPD further, or debate the big issues linked to the project: teacher retention, work-life balance in the education system, flexible working, shared parental leave, gender equality.
@eyebeams has been a great advocate and support to the project by sharing his EdTech expertise, specifically surrounding livestreaming, podcasts and the use of video technology to make CPD accesible to remote audiences. The simple act of live streaming events, for example, enables parents with tiny babies, or busy family schedules to attend events like ResearchEd or The MTPT Project Forums and benefit from and contribute to these CPD experiences. Knowing how to use iMovies or Camtasia, and YouTube is an easy way to contribute expertise to TeachMeets over baby’s bed time. The software and equipment offered by companies like IRIS Connect could provide a fantastic opportunity for MaternityTeachers and PaternityTeachers to access the classrooms that are closed to them whilst at work because of timetabling or workload impracticalities to develop teaching and learning, coaching or mentoring skills.
What has struck me particularly, though, is the importance of empowering know-how amongst the MTPT community because SLT and CPD providers often don’t have this knowledge, or the thought of its relevance simply has not occured to them. Maternity leave has given me the time and curiosity to explore this world of EdTech that I have previously found very overwhelming, and the more I upskill myself and suggest simple solutions to CPD providers and my own school, the more I realise that teachers entrenched in their day-to-day responsibilites simply don’t have the time to take advantage of the opportunities that EdTech provides.
What a powerful tool it is for me, therefore, to explain to big networks that I can in fact contribute to their event, even though I can’t (would rather not) show up in person because I prioritise bed time over networking on this particular ocassion, and to go on to train their facilitators in the simple EdTech solution of laptop speed-dating using a pre-recorded teaching and learning video. What’s more, I am already seeing the value of this EdTech expertise every time that a facilitator or Line Manager’s eyes light up as I demonstrate these simple solutions. Evidently, EdTech is not simply the domain of the nerdy or geographically isolated – it has an important place in the day-to-day running of an effective and impactful CPD programme.
For the uninformed, this EdTech seems like magic, and suddenly, because of my maternity leave needs, I have learnt to be the magician!
I empower you, therefore, if you are a MaternityTeacher or PaternityTeacher, to explore the EdTech solutions that are relevant and purposeful for your CPD goals and be 10% braver in inviting CPD facilitators and SLT to use them in order to make their events accesible to you and your circumstance. In short, be the solutions-focused change you want to see in the MTPT, CPD, EdTech world. Even the exploration of the different options available will be a very big gold star on your CV upon your return to the classroom, and could even lead to entirely new career opportunities.
If you are an SLT member, CPD facilitator or in any other way an advocate of the cause of The MTPT Project, then I also challenge you to explore these options, or if you don’t have time (which might be a frustrating reality!) then to empower those teachers who have been able to develop their expertise by providing a space for them to experiment and take risks with EdTech.
Recent Comments