Release date：2020.06.24
On June 24th, UNESCO-Africa-ChinaHigh-Level Dialogue for Supporting Priority Africa in the COVID-19 and Post-COVID Context was held.
The dialogue was jointly initiated by China and UNESCO, aiming at exchanges and sharing experiences and good practices against the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, and exploring practical measures to support Africa in this backdrop. The conference received positive responses from both China and Africa, with leaders of local governments, universities, enterprises and research institutions in China attending the meeting to discuss how to consolidate exchanges and cooperation between China and Africa under the framework of UNESCO.
UNESCO-ICHEI introduced the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) project, which was initiated by UNESCO-ICHEI during the outbreak:
- IIOE mainly aims to provide teacher training to HEIs in Africa. Currently, more than 140 English courses are open for free on IIOE platform, with a focus on ICT related area. And there will be a total of 500 English courses and 300 French courses to be gradually online by the end of 2021.
- IIOE has a self-developed platform, with both web-based and HTML5 interfaces in Chinese, English and French.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, IIOE has organized 10 training sessions for HEIs in African countries, themed online teaching and learning. It is estimated that the training series has attracted more than 2,100 HE teachers from over 300 HEIs in 47 countries.
- IIOE will focus on enhancing the ICT competency of HE teachers, and at the same time strengthening online course development and mutual sharing. UNESCO-ICHEI plans to expand IIOE network to more education ministries and universities in Africa. It is expected that 100 HEIs in Asia and Africa will join IIOE network by the end of 2021.
- UNESCO-ICHEI and IIOE commit to assist digitalization and sustainable development of African higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the post-pandemic era.
Resource Link
International Institute of Online Education (IIOE)
