One in every four Ukrainian students are engaged in remote learning, while another 30 percent are participating in a hybrid education model.
One in every four Ukrainian students are engaged in remote learning, while another 30 percent are participating in a hybrid education model.
In an effort to address school disruptions caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine, UNESCO and Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Science have launched an online training program in digital pedagogy for 50,000 Ukrainian teachers.
The project, known as “Digital Teacher,” aims to enhance teachers’ digital skills to facilitate effective distance and hybrid learning.
Impact of edtech
The Ministry of Education and Science reports that approximately 25 percent of Ukrainian students are engaged in remote learning, while another 30 percent are participating in a hybrid educational model. Last year, UNESCO and its partners equipped 50,000 teachers with computers. The new initiative goes a step further by offering a curriculum designed to advance digital competencies.
“Since February 2022, UNESCO has continuously supported Ukrainian teachers to ensure that students continue learning in the midst of war … Education is the cornerstone on which Ukraine’s future is built,” said Stefania Giannini, UNESCO assistant director-general for Education.
Online training
Funded by Google.org, the “Digital Teacher” training seeks to fill gaps in the Ukrainian educational landscape exacerbated by the conflict. Many teachers, some of whom are among the internally displaced persons in Ukraine, often lack the necessary resources and training to conduct effective online or hybrid classes.
Developed in collaboration with a team of Ukrainian experts, the online training consists of seven modules, covering topics from digital tools to mental health support. Each module features interactive activities, practical exercises, and tests, providing teachers with a comprehensive set of resources to improve their teaching capabilities.
Mentoring network
Dmytro Zavgorodyi, deputy minister of education and science of Ukraine, emphasized the urgency of the project: “In the new school year, one million Ukrainian students are forced to pursue their education exclusively through distance learning … As we commemorate World Teacher’s Day, we join hands with UNESCO to empower teachers through the ‘Digital Teacher’ project.”
In addition to the training modules, UNESCO is establishing a Community of Practice and a mentoring network to foster a collaborative environment where teachers can share best practices and tackle challenges in digital teaching and learning.
The initiative marks a crucial step in ensuring that education in Ukraine remains resilient and adaptable in the face of ongoing conflict, providing students with the quality education they need for a stable future.
