What are the benefits for providers? Providers get fully trained PDAs to lead on staff development for supporting and enhancing learning and whole organisational improvement through effective use of technology. PDAs will cascade training and provide coaching and mentoring support for identified staff as part of developing successful e-mature organisations.
What about quality and standards? Providers’ eCPD action plans will align with whole organisational self assessment processes and staff development plans. They will meet the new Ofsted inspection criteria, the 30 hours or pro rata IfL CPD requirements and will be mapped to the new teaching standards and e-learning application guides.
What about funding? The training, materials and online support are free. In return, providers are asked to release their nominated PDAs for two days’ face to face training and give them sufficient time to cascade in-house staff development and support. Funding will be available for showcase projects, and providers meeting these criteria will be given additional support from lead eCPD facilitators to publicise their practice on the LSIS Excellence Gateway.
How does the eCPD Programme complement the E-Guides programme? The E-Guides programme has been developed and delivered successfully by NIACE on behalf of LSIS. The programme focuses mainly on the ACL sector and gives a thorough introduction to e-learning and the skills required to use technology effectively in teaching and learning. The eCPD Programme complements the E-Guides programme by providing PDAs with training and support to cascade practical e-learning teaching approaches using technology across the whole organisation. It builds on the work of previous e-learning and e-leadership programmes.
What should I do now? Don’t miss the opportunity to get involved! If you think you have what it takes to be a PDA, complete a nomination form and ask for senior management support. You can download the PDA nomination form and find out more information from www.bdplearning.com/eCPD. BDP Learning are working with representative FE system partners and the Association for Learning Technology to deliver and support the eCPD Programme on behalf of LSIS.
4 Reference: eCPD_flyer2_1108