In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, digital coaching has emerged as a vital tool for enhancing the skills and competencies of practitioners. The recent study titled Defining digital coaching: a qualitative inductive approach by Diller and Passmore (2023) offers valuable insights into the nature and effectiveness of digital coaching. This blog will explore the key findings of this research and how they can be implemented to improve your practice.
Understanding Digital Coaching
The term 'digital coaching' encompasses various forms of coaching conducted through digital means, such as video calls, audio calls, and other online platforms. According to Diller and Passmore (2023), digital coaching is defined as a synchronous, technology-enabled conversation between a human coach and a human coachee. This distinguishes it from other digital formats like AI coaching, digital training, and digital mentoring.
Key Findings and Their Implications
The study identified several key aspects that differentiate digital coaching from face-to-face coaching and other digital interventions:
- Synchronous Interaction: Digital coaching involves real-time interaction, which is crucial for maintaining the conversational dynamics similar to face-to-face coaching.
- Human-to-Human Interaction: Unlike AI coaching, digital coaching requires a human coach, emphasizing the importance of empathy and personalized feedback.
- Technology-Based: Digital coaching leverages various technologies, such as video conferencing tools, to facilitate coaching sessions.
Advantages of Digital Coaching
The research highlights several benefits of digital coaching, including:
- Accessibility: Digital coaching can be accessed from anywhere, making it easier for individuals with mobility issues or those living in remote areas.
- Flexibility: The flexibility of scheduling and the elimination of travel time make digital coaching a convenient option for both coaches and coachees.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Digital coaching can reduce costs associated with travel and venue rentals.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite its advantages, digital coaching also presents certain challenges:
- Loss of Nonverbal Cues: The lack of physical presence can make it harder to interpret nonverbal signals, which are crucial for building trust and understanding.
- Technical Issues: Connectivity problems and technical glitches can disrupt the flow of coaching sessions.
- Zoom Fatigue: Prolonged use of video conferencing tools can lead to fatigue and reduced engagement.
Implementing Research Findings
Practitioners can leverage these findings to enhance their digital coaching practices:
- Emphasize Synchronous Interaction: Ensure that coaching sessions are conducted in real-time to maintain engagement and responsiveness.
- Focus on Human Interaction: Prioritize building a strong coach-coachee relationship through personalized feedback and empathetic communication.
- Leverage Technology Effectively: Use reliable and user-friendly platforms to minimize technical disruptions and enhance the coaching experience.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study by Diller and Passmore (2023) provides a foundational understanding of digital coaching, further research is needed to explore its long-term effectiveness and potential improvements. Practitioners are encouraged to stay updated with the latest research and continuously refine their digital coaching strategies.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Defining digital coaching: a qualitative inductive approach
