You can take advantage from a mass of learning opportunities to continue our professional development – formal or informal, directed or self-directed methods.
Self-directed CPD activities: reading, attending meetings, observing colleagues, practising clinical skills, keeping up to date, systematic reflection on practice, peer group discussion, coaching, professional committee work, personal study and research, preparation of new/updated material for teaching, training or publication,
Directed CPD activities: online learning, professional supervision, attendance at training courses, workshops or conferences, further education to gain new qualifications.
You may consider training in leadership or developing skills in quality improvement.
Making the most of technology
There are a wide range of educational activity in which the use of computers and technology can be an effective vehicle for knowledge exchange. It may involve the use of some, or all, of the following technologies: desktop and laptop computers, software, including assistive software, electronic communication tools (email, discussion/chat facilities, blogs, wikis), Virtual Learning Environments, eLearning activity management systems, video conferencing, interactive whiteboards, digital cameras and mobile phones.
Making the most of workshops and events
Although most people enjoy a mixed diet of approaches to CPD, we can simply opt to attend a workshop without thinking it through.
- On the plus side attending events can be reinvigorating, even inspiring, allow time for networking and enable inter-professional learning, and create some valuable ‘head-room’ away from the practice. Read the pocket guide for facilitators and educators of all professions.
- On the downside, there is a risk that some events may be too generalised to be helpful, and generate a passive rather than engaging or action–oriented approach for learning.
A little planning can be the key to getting the most out of the time and money invested in attending a conference.