Continuous Professional Development of Teachers in India amid Covid-19 Crisis Leveraging ICT Tools in Online Environment

Abstract

Purpose: The study aims to find out the measures adopted by universities in India to
provide continuous professional development for faculty by using various online tools and
techniques during COVID- 19 pandemic lockdown.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was conducted using secondary data available
on various online platforms and institutions websites. Secondary data available in the form
of external and internal communications issued by universities, colleges and NGOs in
the form of e-circulars, e-brochures, academic activity reports of lockdown period were
considered for gathering the data. Data in the form of e-banners, brochures, pamphlets
related to continuous professional development activities such as webinars, virtual faculty
development programmes, online/virtual conferences and workshops was searched on
social media such as WhatsApp Groups and other social networking platforms created
by academic fraternity to share information for educational purposes.The data collated
pertained to continuous professional development activities conducted by educational
institutions in India from April 2020 to June 2020 only.
Findings: Results of the study showed that central and state-run educational institutions
in India took leverage of the technology by successfully conducting numerous professional
development activities beneficial for knowledge enhancement and career advancement of
university/ college teachers and growth of the educational institution. However, findings
also indicated some key challenges faced by institutions and faculty in providing and getting
training in online environment during the complete lockdown declared due to COVID-19
pandemic.
Originality/Value: The paper is original research work based on secondary data analysis.
This paper will provide insight to the policy makers, educational practitioners and trainers
into the use of online technology for continuous professional development programmes
for career and knowledge advancement of faculty. The paper provides suggestions to make
continuous professional development programmesfor teacher community more useful and
effective in the online environment.