CREATING A COURSE FOR DEVELOPING EDTECH SKILLS IN HIGHER EDUCATION TAKING INTO ACCOUNT INTERCULTURAL DIFFERENCES

Throughout the last decade the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway and Lomonosov Moscow State University (LMSU), Russia have cooperated in various projects directed towards researching effects of Educational Technology (EdTech) applied in higher education. The joint research have provided insight both in m-learning solutions, response systems, learning environments and online and blended learning approaches.

One of the obvious and significant results shown is that differences in culture, understanding, educational systems and approaches both for implementation of and pedagogical use of EdTech makes it more difficult to find universal methodologies for useful EdTech approaches in higher education.

NTNU and LMSU have therefore initiated a collaboration together with network partners to investigate and research a socio-cultural approach for utilizing EdTech best practices in Universities and University colleges. This will be done through developing a course in three steps; firstly providing data and research for available EdTEch and how its used in Russia and Norway, secondly developing a MOOC presenting best practice examples and practical use of tools and thirdly developing a blended learning professional development course to be delivered at pilot institutions in both countries. The aim is to sustain both the MOOC and the PD-course as parts of a master programme for students of pedagogics, teaching and other subjects with need of digital skills.

This article will outline the project, and discuss why a socio-cultural approach will be necessary in order to succeed in implementing EdTech in a universal way, not only in Russia and Norway, but throughout both Europe and the Eurasia/Russian area.

The consortium have applied for funding through the Norwegian National Agency for a three year project, but will start the collaboration also without receiving external funding.