What inspired you to join Pamoja online teaching community?
I was inspired to join the Pamoja online teaching community because the idea of fostering a learning environment that values diverse perspectives and cultural backgrounds resonated with me. I believe in the power of education to transcend borders, and Pamoja’s commitment to providing quality learning experiences aligned with my passion for making education accessible to a broader audience. Additionally, the prospect of being part of a community that embraces online teaching methods and encourages collaboration among educators was a compelling factor in my decision to join Pamoja.
Can you share a memorable teaching moment or success story with Pamoja?
At my school, we had a late transfer student who needed to join the ITGS course that had already started (this was before the course was revised and renamed DP Digital Society). This particular student was keen on majoring in business and information technology, so ITGS aligned with their higher education goals. Since the course hadn’t been offered at their old school, however, there was some catching up to do. Recognising a unique circumstance, we devised a catch-up plan along with the Site-based Coordinator to give the student access to previous units and recordings — a flexible arrangement that would not have been possible in a traditional setting. This enabled the student to efficiently study the materials and sessions they had missed. These individualised sessions addressed the challenges of a new learning mode and operating in a new culture, and led to a significant improvement in the student’s academic performance, underscoring the positive impact of addressing individual concerns within the supportive Pamoja learning community.
How has teaching with Pamoja influenced or enhanced your overall teaching philosophy?
Teaching with Pamoja has enriched my teaching philosophy by emphasising flexibility and adaptability in the online learning environment. The integration of technology tools like ManageBac and KeyChat showcased the transformative potential of technology in education. The global reach of Pamoja has deepened my commitment to inclusivity, cultural understanding, and fostering a global perspective. Additionally, collaboration with a diverse range of teachers in ITGS and Digital Society has been instrumental in expanding my knowledge and refining my teaching approach.
What strategies do you employ to ensure student participation and active engagement?
I focus on creating interactive online sessions. Tools like Kahoot quizzes add a playful dimension to assessments, while platforms such as Padlet and Google Jamboard facilitate collaborative idea-sharing in breakout rooms. These strategies not only make learning interesting but also foster engagement and teamwork, creating a dynamic online learning environment.
Sum up your Pamoja educator experience in 3 words.
Dynamic, inclusive, impactful
What advice do you give for future Pamoja students?
Pamoja courses go beyond simply preparing you for the subjects you’ve chosen; they inherently instill a diverse set of skills essential for personal and academic growth. Through the course journey, you naturally develop skills such as collaboration, leadership, self-responsibility, effective communication, and reflective thinking. These skills are seamlessly integrated into the learning experience, ensuring that along with academic knowledge, you emerge with a well-rounded skill set that prepares you for future challenges and successes.
