“That ICPA Qld lobbies the Department of Education (DoE) to develop a “Distance Education Ready Program” to equip teachers coming into Distance Education with the necessary knowledge, digital and interpersonal skills to effectively support online learning.”
Online learning requires leaders and teachers to have a distinct skill set and awareness of the geographically isolated (GI) classroom.
The DoE should develop a “Distance Education Ready Program” to equip DE leaders and teachers with the necessary digital skills, knowledge and resources to effectively support online learning prior to their commencement at an SDE.
Currently, the onus is on the SDEs to provide professional development in online learning. However, waiting for the teacher to be well into the school year to provide this guidance leaves no room for proactive planning or early adoption of best-practice strategies. It also means they are being pulled off-line mid-term, causing disruptions for the GI student.
Our branch members have recent experiences of what it’s like when the teacher on the other side of the camera is yet to develop this skill set; simple things like font sizes, number of slides, how to position themselves on the screen, administrative efficiencies and when the kids should have their mics on or off.
Clarke Creek Branch presented motion A24 at 2024 State Conference seeking to recognise the unique challenges faced by teachers in isolated locations. In the feedback from ICPA State Council, provided to all branches on 19 March 2025, it calls for suggestions on how to further support new teachers in rural areas.
We believe a “Distance Education Ready Program” would support new teachers by providing tailored professional and personal learning, on how to manage and engage GI students, cultural immersion and context of what a DE classroom is like, before they sit on the other side of the camera and deliver a lesson.
This also builds on P&C Qld’s idea for P&C branches to support new teachers with cultural immersion, as mentioned in the 2024 State Conference feedback.
The DoE have precedence for contextual learning with their “Remote Ready Program”, which aims to ensure teachers and leaders have the best possible start to their rural and remote career. This program connects educators with resources, offers clarity, on site learning, and localised knowledge prior to commencement in a remote role.
Other benefits:
If teachers were aware of the “Distance Education Ready Program” they could feel more supported and equipped to take up positions at SDEs.
It could benefit all DoE teachers when online learning becomes necessary due to pandemics or natural disasters
