A list of links to free computing CPD for primary teachers (UK).
The list includes primary computing CPD (for teaching the curriculum), cyber security training, as well as links to training on how to use apps and software from the main companies.
Computing at School (CAS) Communities*
EDGLUE RECOMMENDED
CAS communities are highly recommended. There are frequent online meetings and events, which provide training and introduce new resources and concepts for the classroom.
CAS @CompAtSchool is very active on Twitter, as are their regional hubs. If you like to keep track of new developments, they are well worth following.
Teach Computing
Most of the online training here is provided through FutureLearn (see below). The in-person / live remote courses are part of the Teach Primary Computing Certificate. The certificate is funded by bursary for one person per school per year.
Barefoot Computing
Free Primary School Workshops about using the Barefoot materials and resources
FutureLearn
The online Teach Computing CPD courses are all on Future Learn. Future Learn also has lots of other useful self-paced teaching courses, mainly for STEM subjects. The courses are free, but you need to pay if you want to get a certificate.
Many of the FutureLearn courses form part of the Teach Computing Primary Certificate.
- Primary Education Courses Menu – all subject areas
General Use of Technology
Computing
National Cyber Security Centre
Free certificated Cyber security training for school staff. The training is available in two formats:
- downloadable scripted presentation pack (ideal for inset delivery)
- self learn YouTube video (36 minutes with a link to downloadable certificate)
Visit the NCSC Schools page.
Apple – Apple Teacher
EDGLUE RECOMMENDED for iPad users
Apple Teacher is the most useful of any of the free computing CPD offered by hardware/software companies. It is completely free and includes the Apple Teacher certificate, which is very well recognised. This training is online and self-paced. It teaches you how to use an iPad and its native apps properly. Even if you have been using an iPad for years, you are likely to learn something new. This is not just for teachers – TAs and office staff who use iPads will also benefit.
There are 3 main Apple Teacher certificates:
- iPad
- Mac
- Swift Playgrounds (coding upper KS2+)
To achieve each certificates, you work through a course then take a quick test. For each section completed your earn a digital badge. When you have achieved all the digital badges required, you are awarded the certificate.
There is also a fourth, newer certificate – Apple Teacher Portfolio. This is slightly different. Instead of taking a test at the end of each section of training, you have to make and upload resources.
Sign up for Apple Teacher Here
Unlike Apple, you have to pay to get Google’s Certified Educator Certificates. The training however, is free. Google’s help pages are sometimes more useful than their Certified Educator training courses. It might be a good idea to look at the content of the training, then refer to the help pages to learn how to do things.
Fundamentals Training
This covers how to use most of the Google apps productively (office apps, Mail, Drive, Classroom, Calendar and Meets). There is a focus on learning how to share and collaborate within your school to help you work more efficiently. You don’t have to complete the whole thing and can dip in and out sections as needed.
Fundamentals is the training suggested for the Certified Educator Level 1 exam ($10)
Advanced Training
This is more in depth than the fundamentals training and seems to be for Digital Leads. This course includes information about using Blogger and Google Sites.
Advanced Training is suggested for the Certified Educator Level 2 exam ($25)
Other Courses
- Tools for Diverse Learners – extensions, apps and accessibility features
Useful Links
Microsoft
Microsoft Education Centre has many free CPD courses, all with digital badges and certificates. Unfortunately, most of the courses are not that great. Many of the courses on here (and MIE) are more about promoting Microsoft and their partners, rather than helping you. Pick and choose carefully so you don’t waste your time. Choose courses about how to use the software you have and already use more effectively.
If you complete a couple of hours of training, you can earn the Microsoft Innovative Educator Certificate (MIE).
Adobe
Adobe Creative Educator – Another software company’s self-promotion, geared towards schools/countries with specific time requirements for CPD. These courses encourage you to use Adobe’s excellent Spark apps but don’t actually teach you how to use them.
- Adobe Education Exchange Courses – far more useful courses that teach you how to use the apps and software.
More?
Do you know of any other free computing CPD or EdTech training for primary school teachers that should be on this list? Please get in touch.
Have you taken any of the above courses? Share your experience and recommendations in the comments below.