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RP leaders, facilitators, and Digital Champions pose for a group photo after exchanging on the way forward to sustain digital pedagogy.

The University of Rwanda (UR) and Rwanda Polytechnic (RP) are strengthening their commitment to advancing digital pedagogy as a key driver for modern, inclusive, and flexible teaching and learning. With support from the HEP-TED Project, both institutions are making significant efforts to integrate digital tools and approaches in teaching, ensuring that educators are well equipped to prepare learners for the digital era.

This commitment has been demonstrated during a four-day training of Digital Champions from UR–College of Education (UR-CE) and RP, conducted under the HEP-TED Project and facilitated by partners from JAMK University of Applied Sciences, Finland. Held at RP Huye College, the workshop provided a platform for experience sharing, collaboration, and skills enhancement in digital pedagogy practices.

Leon Ntabomvura during an interview on sustaining digital pedagogy at UR-CE.

Leon Ntabomvura, Instructional Designer at UR-CE and HEP-TED EdTech Expert, highlighted that UR-CE is embedding digital pedagogy principles and competencies into its teacher education programs to make digital teaching skills a core part of teacher preparation. “We are building institutional capacity through a network of Digital Pedagogy Champions who continue to support colleagues in course design, online facilitation, and digital assessment,” he said.

Daton Ngilinshuti sharing insights on digital transformation within RP.

Daton Ngilinshuti, Division Manager in charge of Digital Content and Connectivity at RP, noted that collaboration with Finnish partners has significantly advanced RP’s digital teaching capacity. “Through HEP-TED, RP introduced a Digital Pedagogy Training Program that developed champions to lead technology integration in teaching. The training emphasized hybrid learning, AI-supported instruction, and inclusive online environments aligned with competence-based curricula,” he explained.

Prudencienne Ugiriwabo reflecting on her experience as a Digital Champion.

Sharing her experience, Prudencienne Ugiriwabo, Assistant Lecturer at UR-CE and HEP-TED Digital Champion, said she gained new skills in using collaborative digital tools such as Miro board, Kahoot, and Mentimeter. “It has been a great opportunity to share best practices with RP teaching staff and to reflect on how learning activities and assessments can help students meet their expectations,” she shared.

The Higher Education Pedagogies for Teacher Education (HEP-TED) Project is a collaborative initiative between Finnish universities and Rwandan higher education institutions. It aims to enhance the quality and relevance of teacher education in Rwanda, with a strong focus on sustainable development in both general education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Story by
Ntirandekura Schadrac
PRO, UR-College of Education