ABSTRACT
Text chat is universally common to synchronous teaching platforms. Students face a number of challenges when studying online. Teachers can experience the same sense of isolation as students, so supporting and developing them is important. A classroom teaching qualification does not necessarily mean that teachers can transfer their skills directly to online teaching. Teacher observation is common in many schools, and observing online teachers can be made easier and more effective, particularly if the school uses a platform that records lessons. Peer-to-peer observation can be incredibly valuable within an online school, as it gives teachers the opportunity to share ideas with their peers. Student feedback on teacher performance can form a vital part of a teacher development program. Bridging the isolation when working online and the "creation of more opportunities to learn from other members" by building a strong sense of community among online staff are vital to any online teacher development program.
