The University of Helsinki Centre for Continuing Education HY+ partnered with the Sharjah Private Education Authority to provide a training programme for leaders of private schools in the Emirate of Sharjah of the United Arab Emirates. The training programme took place in March 2020, and it was organised online.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, teaching remotely has become more important than ever on a global scale. HY+ has created solutions in answer to this, and is organising programmes online so that learning is not halted and training can continue, both in Finland and internationally. The training programme for the Emirate of Sharjah is a good example of how to handle the situation, with schools being closed.

Training Programme in Sharjah

The training programme for school leaders in Sharjah aimed to help teachers to teach online. The participants learned how to design learning processes and identify methods and procedures that support effective learning online. HY+ carried out the arrangements of the programme with Education House Finland, which operates locally in Dubai.

The first day of training was organised on Sunday 15^th of March, and over 150 people participated. Both the participants and the Sharjah Private Education Authority were pleased with the progress and outcomes of the training: the majority of the participants found the training helpful to their work. (Read more and watch a video about the training programme.)

HY+ designed the programme based on the Finnish education system and teacher training practices, with an emphasis on 21^st century skills and student-centeredness. The programme covered how to apply distance learning into daily working processes, with methods and examples derived from the Finnish model.

Finnish Education Expertise Delivered by Online Coaches

The University of Helsinki 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.

For the online training programme in Sharjah, the Finnish education expertise was delivered by professional coaches Dr. Kirsi Wallinheimo (Ph.D in Education) from the University of Helsinki, and Ms. Marjut Sadeharju (MA), an E-learning Development Specialist from HY+.

Dr. Wallinheimo has been a university lecturer at the University of Helsinki since 2003. Her pedagogical and research interests include the implementation of digital learning environments in language teaching and learning, a playful approach towards learning, subject teacher education, and primary school education. She is also constantly studying in programmes outside of the university, in addition to participating in many international network schemes and projects.

 

Further Information

Minna Saadé
International Business Development Manager
+358 50 311 5814
minna.saade@hyplus.fi

If you are interested in learning more about the online training solutions or other programmes offered by the University of Helsinki Centre for Continuing Education HY+, you can also contact us via this link.