A delegation of Saudi Arabian education experts visited LUMA Centre on Thursday 5th of September to find out about Finnish e-learning solutions.
The delegation of Saudi Arabian education specialists, including deans and vice-deans representing Saudi universities and faculties among others, were visiting the University of Helsinki on a three-day training program focused on e-learning, distance learning and blended learning. The goal of the visit was to enhance the participants’ competence in the use and development of e-learning applications and methods in their own work fields.
At the campus the delegates were welcomed by vice dean Juha Karhu, who briefly introduced the Faculty of Science and the topics of the day: learning case studies in Finnish science and medical education.
LUMA was profiled as a science education model bringing new ways of learning to students and teachers by linking universities, schools and the business sector in a meaningful symbiosis. “Ten years ago we started with an eagerness to share our love for science education but now we have acquired good experience, practices and successful models of learning to share,” said professor Juha Oikkonen, vice director of the LUMA Centre of the University of Helsinki. “Some of the new practices and approaches we have developed at the university level can be applied to other levels of education as well,” he continued.
Distance learning possibilities are especially important for teachers and students in remoter areas. One of the tangible examples of e-learning was an in-service training course for teachers: “Electronic learning environments in STEM education”. The virtual course is organized by the LUMA Centre and includes lectures, group activities, practical exercises and discussions, everything online.
During the day the delegates were also familiarized with e-learning solutions and the organization of different learning environments at the department of Computer Science and the Medical Faculty.
“We have much to share but also want to develop our work. We are always open to new ideas,” Oikkonen reminded his audience.
Text: Maija Pollari.