E-Learning: Transforming Challenges of Online Education Into Advantages

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The journalism faculties’ professors from Central Asia gathered to discuss online education and methods of effective communication with students.

Commitment to Development

During the one-week workshop, professors learned specifics of digital tools for online learning, analyzed the features of Google Classroom and Zoom platforms, and exchanged experiences of building an interactive lessons and effectively communicating with students via the new media.

They practiced gained knowledge: completed homework every day, received grades and successfully completed short-term training.

This workshop was held within the framework of the Development of New Media and Digital Journalism in Central Asia project, implemented with the financial support of the UK Government.

The Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Bishkek Jennifer Tasker welcomed the participants of the workshop and noted that her diplomatic mission is committed to the development of quality and affordable education. She expressed gratitude to the professors for their flexibility and commitment to develop not only their own skills but also the skills of their students.

МWe are happy to support this educational initiative. Now, when self-isolation is at the core of our health, practical skills and the usage of the digital tools are essential,” said Tasker

The workshop is very clear and detailed; I will implement the pedagogical methodology and organizational structure of the course. Diana Khairullaeva (Uzbekistan)

Online Education for Journalists

Online education is not any worse than offline; it just uses different methods. If the reality requires going online, then we need to use it for our advantage as much as possible.

Anastasia Valeeva, Head of the Journalism and Mass Communication Program at the American University of Central Asia (AUCA), shared the university’s experience in online learning before and after the pandemic and told about the principles of online education in general and their implementation in journalism.

The workshop participants – teachers at the journalism faculties of the region’s universities – shared their opinions, discussed the educational methods in Central Asia and relevant teaching techniques.

During the workshop, Anastasia also noted that it is important for teachers to gather and voice ideas and experiences of the organization of the online learning process and that this workshop is very relevant for journalism teachers.

The Journalism and Mass Communication Program is the official partner of the workshop for teachers and CABAR.asia Media School.

During the workshop, I systematized the educational material, determined the goals and objectives of further work and the application of the acquired skills. I am determined to actively use the digital tools and platforms that we analyzed at the workshop in the educational process. The workshop allowed expanding the horizons of teachers’ professional cooperation; it was a good networking for the workshop participants. We realized that “we are not alone in the universe” after learning about the experience of British universities facing similar problems in the field of e-learning.
Aydar Beiseev, Kazakhstan

CABAR talks: British Universities’ Experience in Online Education

Dilmurad Yusupov, Doctoral Researcher at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Sussex, UK, shared his teaching experience. He spoke about specific technologies that were used in online learning, and emphasized the importance of observing students and, accordingly, choosing the right teaching approach.

Our main approach to education is learning from each other when the goal of learning is not just to transfer knowledge from teacher to student, but also the simultaneous development of everyone.

Kanatbek Abdiev, Independent Researcher, Master in Conflict, Security and Development at King’s College of London, demonstrated the online education system of his institution, and gave an example of how the education process can be organized by the teacher.

The teacher prepares the study materials in advance for the whole semester and publishes them in the system; this is very convenient.

During this workshop, we met with colleagues from the Central Asian region, analyzed practical tools for improving video lessons, reviewed the Classroom and Zoom platforms in detail, and learned how to create game tests and how to diversify the educational material. I should note that CABAR.asia Media School purposefully prepares good projects for journalism teachers, improving their skills, which ultimately improves the quality of training for future journalists.
Aita Sultanalieva, Kyrgyzstan

View videos and notes from the workshop

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This workshop was held within the framework of the Development of New Media and Digital Journalism in Central Asia project implemented by IWPR with the financial support of the UK Government. The opinions expressed during project events and/or in the publications do not reflect the official position of the UK Government or IWPR.

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