Panel discussion: Open COVID Pledge for Education

The Open Covid Pledge for Education (https://www.alt.ac.uk/about-alt/what-we-do/open-covid-pledge-education) commits people and organisations to sharing what they know, to support the world-wide educational response to COVID-19. Supported and hosted by ALT, the Pledge has been signed by representatives of nearly 200 organisations and initiatives.

The pandemic demanded an immense response: shifting learning online, building new environments, developing new policies, and supporting students in new ways. That response would not have been possible without the know-how of online and open educators and learning technologists. The Pledge recognises the wealth of open resources already available to support policy and practice at this time of extraordinary challenge. The Pledge also encourages educators to find reasons for sharing, and persuading their departments and organisations to share too. OERs for educators, policy documents, open research and public reflections are all of value. It is a chance to make this an ‘open pivot’ rather than just an online one.

As we turn towards a post-pandemic world, what have we all learned from this extraordinary time? And how could initiatives like the Open Covid Pledge for Education help us share that learning, and prioritise more sustainable and equitable approaches? Join this panel session with Helen Beetham, Lorna Campbell, Catherine Cronin and Momodou Sallah, chaired by Elizabeth Charles.