Teaching Days: Distance learning

The Teaching Days of the Teaching Academy begin on Friday, March 13th and last for a whole week until Friday, March 20th, where the public universities organize open and in-person events in all departments of the University of Iceland and the other public schools. 

Digital lecture hosted by the School of Social Sciences at the University of Iceland: Flexible distance learning in museology at the University of Iceland. 14:30-15:30. Here is a link to the event.  

Guðrún Dröfn Whitehead, Assistant Professor in Museum Studies. Since 2009, museology has offered the option of distance learning. Initially, a mix of on-site and distance learning was offered, but in 2014 it became clear that most students were enrolled in distance learning. Considering this, it was decided to design the study line in museum studies entirely based on the criteria of distance education. Since the autumn of 2016, all core courses in museum studies have been offered exclusively as distance learning. The aim is to offer a variety of teaching methods in lectures and assignments. The programme is constantly evolving, as the teachers of museology strive to promote the quality and diversity of teaching methods.   

In this lecture, Guðrún Dröfn Whitehead, assistant professor of museology, will present the development of distance learning in museology, with a special emphasis on the challenges and opportunities inherent in a course of study taught only through distance learning. An attempt will be made to provide a practical overview of the prerequisites for the change, what the first steps were, and what lessons can be learned from it. Special emphasis will be placed on considering the importance of flexibility in distance learning.  Not least considering assessment, real-time student participation, and the different needs of students.   

At the end, there will be time to chat and ask questions. All those who are interested in distance learning are encouraged to attend, whether they are taking their first steps or are experienced and ready to give advice.