Monday, April 11
10:45 AM-11:15 AM
PDT
Tidepool 2

Creation of the Gorkha E-Learning Collaborative: Lessons Learned from Teacher Development in Distance Learning in Marginalized Communities in Nepal during the COVID Pandemic

Full Paper (F2F) ID: 59713
  1. aaa
    Jo Anne Pandey
    California State University Northridge

Abstract: The Gorkha E-Learning Collaborative was established in the fall of 2020 in response to extended school closures in Nepal related to the COVID Pandemic. The project started with a 15-day teacher training in the technology and pedagogy of distance learning. This training was so well received that teachers requested more time for development and have continued their teacher development in digital technology, low tech distance learning responses, and pedagogy in a community of inquiry that continues to be active as of the time of writing. However, as much work as the teachers have put in to their own learning in response to the COVID crisis, the cyclical nature of the COVID Pandemic, and the inconsistent responses of the educational system in Nepal have erected substantial barriers to the successful implementation of this work in the classroom. Despite these challenges, this project has illuminated several key lessons for E-Learning programs in marginalized communities including: a) the importance of teacher collaboration for both professional development and socio-emotional support during a time of crisis; b) the positive impact that a Community of Inquiry for teachers around E-Learning can impart, even remotely, even in rural Nepal, even with major connectivity issues; c) the relationship between local community empowerment and finding effective solutions to problems in the community; and d )barriers to translating that success in teacher development into the classroom.

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