UArctic Thematic Network on Distance Education and E-learning was started in 2008 with funding received from the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research. University of Tromsø, Department of Education, is the lead and the host institution in the network, with partners from Nordic countries, and along with from Russia, and Canada.
The aim of the TN is to exchange knowledge and research about E-learning, and a discussion of methodology of the field. It will focuses on the learning processes, pedagogy, and appropriate information technologies necessary to deliver content to and support distant learners.
The TN will have a main focus on teacher training. It is divided in groups with individual experts as members. The groups covers areas like: English as a foreign language, Polar astronomy and space science, Flora and vegetation in the Arctic.
Goals:
Share experience from E-learning with members of the network Identify the relevant challenges and problems in the field of E-learning in the Arctic countries Facilitate student and teacher exchange Increase collaborative international E-learning within the northern region Facilitate collaborative research projects, conferences, and publications in the area of E-learning.
Planned activities:
- Edit a special issue of the IRRODL Journal
- Conference January 2011: Arctic Frontiers in Tromso
- Increase student and staff exchange
- Send applications for funding the network and activities within the network.
Link to the institutions with members for The Thematic Network:
Russia (Murmansk), Canada (Athabasca), Norway (Tromsø).
For more information, please contact
Steinar Thorvaldsen,
Section for Informatics, Dep of Education, University of Tromsø, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
e-mail: steinar.thorvaldsen (at) uit.no