On-screen with Martel: Digital Education in the Time of COVID-19

Martel launches a new video series by interviewing online education expert and experienced classroom educator Dr Zoe Badcock on how COVID-19 containment affected teachers and students. Martel is coordinating the H2020 DEL4All initiative to transform European research and innovation initiatives in digital enhanced learning into a participatory and sustainable ecosystem – so is very keen to hear the voices of educators.

Dr Zoe Badcock is IB Diploma & AP Coordinator at the International School of Zug and Luzern. Martel’s Katherine Anderson asked her about the sudden and monumental changes that occurred when schools were forced to close and students had to study remotely.

Students’ reactions ranged from shock to jubilation. It is likely that there will be less emphasis on final exams. This could be a good thing in Dr Badcock’s view. Although exams are important, other teaching methods are more effective, such as preparing school children to self-reflect and university students to assume responsibility for their own study.

Dr Badcock runs an online International Baccalaureate course on Environmental Systems and Societies which surged in popularity when it was made available for free – but what is the longer term outlook for subscriptions to online courses?

Dr Badcock outlines some of the online tools and platforms available to teachers – as well as some of the considerations to safeguard online study with children. There’s an ethical challenge in wanting to use the best tools to empower students, while adhering to data storage and privacy policies, including GDPR.

Watch the interview to learn more about digitally enhanced learning: