A new 12-part video series by Dr Tony Bates, renowned expert in the field of online and distance education, is now available for the Russian-speaking audience. The series was produced by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and later translated into Russian by UNESCO IITE within the framework of collaboration with COL.
What are the underlying principles that guide effective teaching and learning in a digital age? How can every instructor help students develop the thinking and attitudes that will set them up for success? By answering these questions, “Teaching in a Digital Age” aims to become a key resource for educators facing the forced transition to online teaching caused by COVID19.
With over 90% of students worldwide not able to attend schools due to COVID-19, open, distance and online learning have become the only means for educational institutions to keep the doors of learning open. For many, this is an entirely new experience and uncharted territory. These videos offer effective solutions to deal with the current crisis. They also guide educators to develop long-term strategies for the Digital Age.
Professor Asha Singh Kanwar, COL President and UNESCO IITE Governing Board member
The videos are based on the key ideas discussed in Dr Bates’ seminal book “Teaching in a Digital Age: Guidelines for Designing Teaching and Learning” and offer theoretical as well as practical tips to improve the quality of teaching in campus-based, blended or fully online learning environments. Topics range from the choice of teaching methods to implementation of online education and the use of emerging technologies. In addition, educators will learn how to provide targeted support to their students and understand different learner needs.
Above all, the book published by Dr. Tony Bates under the open license illustrates the power of open education. It has reached more than 500,000 downloads by now from all over the world. UNESCO IITE is pleased to provide Russian-speaking audience with the translated version of video lectures based on the book. We hope that it will contribute to teacher professional development in the region.
Dr. Svetlana Knyazeva, Senior National Project Officer in Education, UNESCO IITE
All videos are available on UNESCO IITE Youtube channel.