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Head of Training And Development at Mawar Sharon Christian School Official
Embracing EdTech: Revolutionizing Teacher Training
Amelia Febriani
Amelia Febrianiis the Head of Professional Development and School Relations at Mawar Sharon Christian School. With over 13 years of experience in K-12 education and a decade in training and development, she founded Upgrade Learning Center and Ruang Educator. Amelia actively trains teachers locally and internationally, advocates for technology integration in classrooms and is dedicated to fostering professional growth.
Through this article, Amelia Febriani explores how technology can transform teacher professional development (PD). She argues that traditional PD methods often fall short due to irrelevance, lack of interactivity, and timing issues. Amelia highlights how AI-driven personalized learning, interactive tools like VR and AR and accessible online platforms can enhance engagement and support. She advocates integrating EdTech to make PD more effective and equitable, ultimately revolutionizing teacher training.
When "professional development" comes to mind, many envision tedious seminars or training sessions that leave us feeling unengaged and uninspired. Traditional teacher professional development (PD) often falls short because the topics presented are irrelevant to current needs, the sessions lack interactivity and frequently conflict with teachers' busy schedules. For instance, PD sessions held during exam weeks or before long breaks are ineffective because they do not allow teachers to apply their new knowledge immediately. Finding the perfect time for PD is always challenging.
Despite these challenges, teachers must learn and grow significantlyas they shape the future generation. Therefore, it is time to be more intentional in developing and delivering effective PDs. As technology continues transforming the educational landscape, we must embrace and utilize it to enhance teacher growth. Here are several ways technology can revolutionize PD:
Providing Personalized Learning
With the advancement of AI, technology can analyze teachers' needs and knowledge levels, tailoring personalized learning experiences. Platforms like DuoLinggo and Khan Academy use adaptive approaches to ensure the material is relevant and engaging. This customizedapproach motivates teachers by addressing their specific needs and allows them to learn at their own pace, at their most convenient time.
Enhancing Engagement with Interactive PDs
Technology offers the opportunity to make PD sessions more engaging and interactive. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) can provide immersive simulations, while gamification platforms such as Kahoot, Quizziz and Blooket make learning fun and interactive. These tools ensure that every teacher has an equal opportunity to participate and engage, regardless of their device.
Technology can transform professional development by personalizing learning, enhancing engagement and making quality education accessible, ultimately revolutionizing teacher training
Making Learning Accessible
High-quality educational content in populous countries like India and Indonesia is often limited to urban areas, leaving rural regions behind. With sufficient infrastructure, technology bridges this gap by providing PD anywhere and anytime. Webinars and massive open online courses (MOOCs) now allow teachers to learn from experts worldwide, democratizing education and fostering global collaboration.
Providing Collaboration and Support
Technology has also revolutionized teacher training by facilitating collaboration and support across borders. For example, a coach over 5,000 miles away can meet regularly with teachers. This global connectivity enables teachers to connect, collaborate and seek expert support worldwide, enhancing their professional development.
Educators, school leaders and policymakers must leverage technology to enhance the quality of our teachers. By providing PD that matches their needs, is accessible during their prime learning time and offers opportunities for collaboration and support at any time, we can move beyond ineffective conventional PDs. It is time to embrace EdTech and revolutionize teacher training to equip our educators for the future better.
