Birzeit University faculty review e-learning methods, assessment in Academic Development Unit virtual workshop

Birzeit University instructors discussed online teaching, learning, and assessment methods in a virtual workshop coordinated by the university’s Academic Development Unit and presented by staff and fellows at the University of London’s Centre for Distance Education on Monday, March 8, 2021. 

The virtual workshop is the first in a series of 6 meetings designed to build the capacities of instructors and professors in four main areas related to blended- and distance-learning: effective learning, teaching methodologies, student engagement in the learning process, and digital assessment.

The program, funded by the UK-based Friends of Birzeit University organization, included teachers and instructors from universities across Palestine such as An-Najah National University, Bethlehem University, and Al-Azhar University in Gaza. Participants will lead similar programs at their own universities at the college or department level once the meetings are completed by the end of March. 

Refa' Al-Ramahi, an assistant professor of mathematics education who directs the Academic Development Unit’s efforts, noted that the program is part of the unit’s recent shift in focus on distance and blended learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant movement restrictions.  

The academic development team, Al-Ramahi added, is planning a host of training sessions and symposia on increasing the quality of distance learning and providing fair and balanced online assessment in the coming weeks and months.