Using e-learning to deliver professional development training to teachers, in the area of ICT within design and technology

This paper discusses the action research that was carried out to deliver continuing professional development materials to design and technology teachers, through e-learning. The focus is the government’s New Opportunities Fund ‘ICT for Teachers’ initiative, which aims to train teachers to use information and communications technology (ICT) within their subject area. Staffordshire ICT for Teachers (SIfT), an approved training provider to the scheme, has delivered materials via the Internet, using a virtual learning environment. Such a delivery necessitated research into the instructional design model to be used, the associated pedagogical issues, the ICT software for teachers to access, the design and technology subject materials to be created and the necessary support mechanisms which needed to be put in place, in order to deliver such e-learning. This paper reflects the innovative design and technology training that SIfT offers (incorporating a wide range of materials into a coordinated system) and the lessons learned, providing suggestions for the way forward with e-learning, in the area of teacher professional development.