Abstract:

The role of professional staff in schools is often overshadowed by the role of teachers and principals. However, their role in the preparation and implementation of distance learning during the COVID 19 pandemic proved to be extremely important.

The e-learning research and development department of the Croatian Academic and Research Network - CARNET conducted a survey on the application of digital technology in primary and secondary schools in order to determine the use of digital technologies in the school year 2020/2021.

The objectives of the research were to gain insight into the changing practices, attitudes and experiences of stakeholders (principals, teachers and professional services) in the education system related to the application of digital technologies in learning and teaching compared to the 2019-2020 school year and their needs for further support and education.

The hypothesis tested through the questionnaire was that regardless of possible changes in the attitudes and experiences of educators caused by distance learning, there is still a need for:
Further education on the implementation of ICT in schools
Further equipping schools and developing infrastructure
Advisory service to schools and individuals.

The questionnaire for professional staff was sent to three groups of users:
(1) pedagogues, psychologists and social pedagogues,
(2) librarians and
(3) speech therapists.

The majority of pedagogues, psychologists and social pedagogues are satisfied with working remotely with the help of digital tools (more than 80%), although a smaller percentage of them state that they were not satisfied (10%). The participation of professional staff in activities related to distance learning has proven to be significant, especially in certain aspects of teaching preparation, student preparation and preparation of parents. Of the 162 librarians, 90% say they have organized the lending of books from the school library in ways that support the implementation of epidemiological measures. 81% of them organized information on Internet search, and 70% on copyright and related rights. A large proportion of librarians assisted teachers in preparing the online resources needed for teaching (77%). Speech therapists state that they use various digital tools for the purpose of practicing and improving reading and writing skills, joint testing of knowledge and giving praise to students.

Research has shown that the role of professional services during distance learning has been very significant. Their role was realised through the whole range of activities: from the realisation of their work with the help of digital technologies, providing support to students, teachers and parents, providing equipment for teaching, to conducting research on satisfaction with distance learning.

Keywords:

Distance learning, COVID 19.