The primary objective of Digital Pedagogy Training is to clarify the digital pedagogical expertise, roles, and responsibilities of Digital Champions, who are professors and teachers at universities engaged in digital development within their respective institutions. Digital Champions maintain guiding and supporting their colleagues in developing online learning and teaching. During the Digital Pedagogy Training, Digital Champions have worked in learning circles composed of members from both Rwanda Polytechnic (RP) and the University of Rwanda College of Education (CoE) in each circle. The training has focused on both digital tools and, more importantly, on designing and implementing pedagogically sound learning processes that are enhanced and strengthened through the purposeful use of digital technologies. This collaborative work has strengthened cross-institutional cooperation and offered valuable opportunities for benchmarking and peer learning.
The final phase of the training, including workshops organized in October at RP’s Huye campus in Rwanda, facilitated by Jamk’s School of Professional Teacher Education, focused on digital pedagogical learning design, defining the role of Digital Champions, and aligning their work with the digital strategies of both institutions. Along the training process, the Digital Champions have been deeply committed to the process, actively integrating the training content and tools into their own teaching and that of their colleagues, creating new, high-quality digital pedagogy. Significant progress has been made in adopting digitally enhanced teaching methods, driven by the training participants’ enthusiastic and collaborative approach. They have been motivated to learn, explore new perspectives, and pilot new practices with a low threshold. As one participant put it: “I can integrate the gained skills in my daily teaching tasks.”
The collaboration with RP and CoE has been close and will continue through spring 2026. Digital Champions from both institutions will visit Jamk to explore digital pedagogy in practice and gain inspiration and support for pedagogical development in their own universities.
More information about digital pedagogy development at RP and CoE:
UR and RP commit to advancing digital pedagogy - College of Education
Digital champions share experiences in transforming teaching practices - College of Education
Authors: Mari Petäjä and Henna Pernu who are in the photo with some of the Digital Champions.
