Enhancing techno-pedagogical competences for virtual education

Introduction

This initiative was a Triangular Cooperation effort, developed with the support of the ADELANTE Window, aimed at strengthening the pedagogical capacities of the State University of Haiti (UEH) to ensure that its virtual programs meet the required quality standards.

Objectives

This Triangular Cooperation Initiative enabled the Beneficiary entity of the Partnership to harness the Provider entities’ knowledge of distance learning and virtual education models, with a strong emphasis on technical and pedagogical quality to promote access to lifelong learning and social inclusion.

Leveraging international expertise

To achieve this, the initiative drew on the expertise of:

• University of Girona (UdG, Spain)
• Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios (UNIMINUTO, Colombia)

Their support helped enhance the technological and pedagogical skills of UEH’s teaching staff, as well as the technical competencies of the university’s administration. As a result, UEH expanded its virtual academic offerings, increasing its geographical reach and accessibility.

Academic collaboration and long-term impact

This Triangular Cooperation Initiative fostered a sustainable academic partnership, allowing knowledge exchangeamong participating universities and promoting long-term collaboration.

Through the support of UNIMINUTO and UdG, UEH:

• Strengthened its capacity to implement virtual teaching methodologies.
• Enhanced the skills of its faculty to deliver quality online education.
• Developed a diagnostic model assessing UEH’s technical and pedagogical capabilities in distance and virtual education.
• Designed a roadmap for implementing the knowledge generated during the initiative.

By improving digital education infrastructure and pedagogical strategies, this initiative contributes to UEH’s long-term strategic goals, ensuring greater access to quality higher education in Haiti.

Project activities

This initiative was structured around five key activities, aimed at identifying training and institutional strengthening needs while creating opportunities to enhance the techno-pedagogical skills of the academic and administrative staff of the State University of Haiti (UEH). The activities included two study visits and three workshops.

Key activities included:

• Capacity building: training for UEH representatives on the use of virtual education models, equipping them with the skills needed to implement and manage online learning effectively.
• Model implementation: development of a techno-pedagogical training programme for UEH’s academic staff, including:
  • The use of digital tools for online education
  • Guidelines for identifying investment needs to improve UEH’s technical infrastructure
• Research collaboration: a comprehensive study assessed UEH’s technical and pedagogical capacities, including:
  • The state of its technological infrastructure
  • Availability of specialised technical personnel
  • Curricular and pedagogical strengths and gaps
• Community engagement: by enhancing virtual training capacities and expanding academic programme offerings, this initiative benefits Haitian students, ultimately positively impacting the entire Haitian population.

Cross-cutting themes

Throughout the initiative, a cross-cutting approach was applied, integrating:

• Gender equality
• Environmental sustainability
• Climate change considerations

These themes were highlighted through specific experience-sharing, incorporated into joint work sessions, and integrated into the final diagnosis of UEH’s technical and pedagogical capacities, addressing the challenges of distance and virtual education.

By strengthening UEH’s digital education framework, this initiative contributes to expanding access to quality higher education in Haiti and fostering long-term institutional resilience.

Results

Through this Triangular Cooperation Initiative, the knowledge and expertise of the Partnership’s member entities in the field of education were leveraged to develop the "Diagnosis of UEH’s Technical and Pedagogical Capacities in the Face of the Challenges of Distance and Virtual Education."

The initiative has contributed to and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• Target 4.3: "By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university."
• Target 4.C: "By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries, especially least developed countries and small island developing states."

By enhancing virtual education capabilities, improving teacher training, and expanding access to quality higher education, this initiative contributes to inclusive and sustainable educational development in Haiti.

Implementing partner 

State University of Haiti - UEH