Re-posted from Commonwealth of Learning website | 04 Oct, 2024
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In a major step to enhance Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education across the Pacific, the COL and the Pacific Centre for Flexible and Open Learning for Development (PACFOLD), its regional centre, recently organised a three-day ‘OER for STEM Education’ workshop in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. This workshop, part of the Partnership for Open and Distance Flexible Learning in the Pacific, funded by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, focused on integrating Open Educational Resources (OER) and the transformative potential of Generative AI into STEM classrooms.
This activity aims to revitalise STEM education in the Pacific by integrating OER creation and adaptation with cutting-edge technologies, including Generative AI. This blend of approaches in technology allows educators to create custom teaching resources, tailor content to specific classroom needs, and enhance student engagement in unprecedented ways. COL and PACFOLD seek to empower teachers and students with tools that can transform learning outcomes, especially in resource-constrained environments.
Hosted at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Tonga campus, the workshop drew a total of 40 participants from various secondary schools and adapted a now widely popular mentorship model, where teachers work with in-country education officials, subject specialists and education technology experts to explore ways of integrating OER and other digital tools into STEM education. Participants are trained to use these tools to improve pedagogy, collaborate effectively, and adapt teaching methodologies to local contexts.
While representing the Ministry of Education and Training at the opening session, Acting Director for Secondary Education, Mrs Óketi Akauola, thanked COL and New Zealand for their support towards improving the quality of science education in Tonga. Highlighting the long-term benefits of the initiative, Mrs Akauola added, “There is a huge need to improve the teaching approaches and resources used in teaching STEM subjects. For instance, in the 2023 Tonga National Form Seven Certificate, no student from Tonga qualified for admission into Medicine. This focus on STEM is therefore timely for our country.”
The Acting Director of USP Tonga Campus, Mrs ‘Ana Ve’ehala, acknowledged the importance of technology in the education sector, stating, “This workshop shows a shared commitment to advancing education through innovation. OER and AI offer the tools needed to overcome the challenges facing STEM education in the Pacific.”
Mentors from the Ministry and USP Tonga Campus continue to support peer engagement after the workshop to build a community of practice for STEM educators in the region.
COL’s Education Specialist: Teacher Education, Dr Betty Ogange, facilitated the workshop together with Dr Rajni Chand, Director of PACFOLD at USP in Fiji.