Chapter 6 Switching to Online Teaching within a Teacher Training Programme during the COVID-19 Pandemic
In: Pandemic, Disruption and Adjustment in Higher EducationSearch for other papers by Dana Crăciun in
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Abstract
During the education crisis generated by the COVID-19 pandemic universities and schools were forced to adapt and resort consistently to online technologies for continuing the teaching and learning process. The UNESCO report published June 2020 stressed the importance of free and open source technologies available to teachers and students, alongside access to public education and equal opportunities.
This chapter provides an overview of the emergency remote teaching strategy adopted by the West University of Timișoara, Romania during the pandemic crisis, which opted for digital courses and online learning and the manner in which the Department of Teacher Training met the challenge of preparing future teachers for the integration of digital resources and online activities in their teaching activity. Approaches previously used before, such as the BYOD approach in education (Bring Your Own Device), the need for learning in a hybrid/mixed environment, the integration of Open Educational Resources (OER) and Practices (OEP) and the importance of pedagogical models in integrating ICT in classes, have been readapted in this new context. Flexible learning, a student-centred approach, choosing free digital resources and appropriate delivery methods were a priority both in the strategy of the university and that of the department.