Case Study: Education Support Centres of Ireland achieves nationwide, accessible professional development with Zoom Video Communications

How the Education Support Centres of Ireland used Zoom to create an accessible training model for teachers across the country

The Education Support Centres of Ireland (ESCI), a network of 21 full-time and nine part-time regional centres that deliver continuing professional development (CPD) to teachers, faced a sudden disruption when the COVID-19 pandemic ended their traditional face-to-face workshops. They needed a way to keep CPD accessible, inclusive, and engaging for hundreds to thousands of educators — including those with disabilities or travel and childcare constraints — while preserving interactive, community-style learning.

ESCI partnered with Integrated Media Solutions and adopted Zoom webinars and Meetings to scale virtual CPD, using Breakout Rooms, polls, chat and Live Transcription to boost engagement and inclusion. The shift produced exponential growth (500-person webinars and 13,500 attendees in January 2021), allowed shared courses and a virtual diploma programme, widened access to national and international tutors, and earned strong positive feedback from teachers who want the model to continue.

Education Support Centres of Ireland

Shane Hartigan

Integrated Media Solutions