The potential of research for professional development in isolated settings during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond

The global COVID-19 pandemic has created the urgent need for quality online instruction throughout all levels of educa- tion. However, this pandemic has found teachers physically isolated within their homes, and unprepared for the challeng- ing tasks of teaching online. Many of the challenges faced by teachers due to this isolation, are similar to those faced by teachers in remote areas around the world. One such issue, is the lack of access to traditional professional development op- portunities, which is frequently the only type of professional development offered to teachers in many countries. Thus, many teachers lack guidance on how to resolve many online teaching challenges during this period. Therefore, this study examines the potential of utilizing educational research for assisting teachers through this trying period of COVID-19