Teachers share e-Learning best practices

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

More than 150 teachers across Dubai have met online to learn more about best practices in distance learning. Part of the ‘What Works’ series of collaboration events for teachers, the ‘What Worksx’ webinar included insights and tips on how teachers and students can balance their workloads while learning and teaching from home.

Hind Al Mualla, Chief of Creativity, Happiness and Innovation at Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) said, “Distance learning is a new experience for everyone. More than ever before, it’s so important that teachers are able to connect and learn from each other. Thankfully, the past eight years of ‘What Works’ have given us a culture of collaboration that we can draw on. We’re grateful to the expertise, wisdom and kindness of all our teachers in Dubai who are actively learning new skills and approaches to make sure they continue to give their students the academic and emotional support they need during this time.”

Hosted by KHDA, the webinar was presented by educators from GEMS Dubai American Academy.

Speaking during the session, Tammy Murphy, Superintendent & CEO of GEMS Dubai American Academy, said, “We know every school is different and has its own culture and values. Patience and agility have gotten us through the changes we’ve seen over the last six weeks. Having a plan for remote learning is critical and balancing the workload of both students and teachers is extremely important. Setting up routines has helped our students make the transition to distance learning.”

  Feedback from teachers attending the webinar centred on the benefits of learning how other schools approach the same situation. One teacher said, “We realise that we’re on very similar journeys. We’ve had an exchange of insights, and it’s good to know that we’re doing what other schools are doing.”

  Another teacher commented, “It was heartening to hear that we all face similar challenges. The best practices were shared very well and they’ve added to my learning.”

  The ‘What Worksx’ events will be held each week, and are open and free to all school teachers in Dubai. The next ‘What Worksx’ webinar, focusing on the wellbeing of students, teachers and parents during distance learning, will take place on April 30 at 4pm.

The ‘What Works’ series of events first started in September 2012. Since then, more than 14,000 teachers and school leaders have attended sessions delivered by their peers.