Due to the coronavirus outbreak this year, teaching remotely has become more relevant than ever on a global scale. In answer to the current situation, the University of Helsinki Centre for Continuing Education HY+ has created online learning solutions so that training and learning can continue.
HY+ and the Sharjah Private Education Authority organised an online training programme called “Learning from a Distance” for leaders of private schools in the Emirate of Sharjah of the United Arab Emirates.
The programme was designed based on the Finnish education system and teacher training practices, with an emphasis on 21st century skills and student-centeredness. The programme covered how to apply distance learning into daily working processes.
The Finnish education expertise was delivered by professional coaches from the University of Helsinki, which is one of the leading universities in the world, and is ranked first in Finland. The university has a solid international reputation in teaching, research, and high-quality innovation. The Faculty of Educational Sciences is among the most recognised departments of the University of Helsinki.
The “Learning from a Distance” programme is a good example of how to handle the school closures. The participants found it very useful, not only in terms of delivering online teaching in the face of COVID-19, but also in developing their pedagogical skills and school operations in general.
Both the participants and the Sharjah Private Education Authority were pleased with the progress and outcomes of the training. “We don’t want education to stop. Education is really important specifically during these days”, says Mrs. Hunada Kanbar, the School Improvement Advisor of the Sharjah Private Education Authority.
According to Mrs. Kanbar, one of the main objectives was to allow schools to see, that distance learning can offer an amazing opportunity.
Watch the video in which Mrs. Kanbar describes her experience of the training programme designed by HY+: https://hyplusglobal.fi/blog/2020/03/24/leading-by-example-and-bringing-the-world-to-you/
Article Submitted by:
Saara Kankainen
University of Helsinki Centre for Continuing Education HY+
Finland
