Ghana Educators Visited Tallinn University to Learn About the Integration of Digital Technology in Education
From September 2nd to 6th, as part of the project "Building Capacity for Online Tuition in Ghana" (GOT), four educators from two Ghanaian universities, the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and the University of Education Winneba (UEW), visited the School of Educational Sciences and School of Digital Technologies at Tallinn University.

In collaboration with Tampere University, the GOT project's goal is to develop a digital education development plan that includes a learning system and training, contributing to the growth of teachers in Ghana's higher education landscape while creating and implementing appropriate strategies and regulations for them.
During the week, several professors and lecturers from Tallinn University shared their experiences and tips on using digital technology in education. The guests also received a thorough overview of new trends in educational technology and lifelong learning. Furthermore, there were discussions on the opportunities for integrating educational technology into teaching, and multiple practical workshops were conducted where participants could share their experiences and plan personal digital teaching practices.
A vital visit aspect included discussions on lifelong learning and engaging communities in the educational process. Particular focus was placed on the involvement of civil society and the promotion of science using innovative technological solutions. Additionally, workshops explored the role of artificial intelligence and robotics in education and their possible applications in teaching.
At the end of the week, the Ghanaian educators deepened their knowledge through practical workshops and observed how educational technology and innovation are applied within the Estonian school system. The event concluded with discussions among participants and future planning for the next steps in implementing digital teaching methods.
The educators from Ghana who participated in this visit included:
- Japhet Osiakwan (mathematics educator in the Department of Mathematics and ICT Education at the University of Cape Coast), focuses on Teacher Professional Learning, Teachers' Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics, and Teaching and Assessment in Mathematics Education.
- Stephen Osei Akyiaw (Senior Lecturer at the Department of Strategic Communication, School of Communication and Media Studies, University of Education, Winneba, Central Region – Ghana) is an expert in graphic design, advertising, and entrepreneurship and a PhD student.
- Dr. Nelly Abaidoo (Senior Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana) specializes in ICT in Education and E-learning.
- Peter Akayuure (an Associate Professor of mathematics education at the University of Education-Ghana) has a rich background in teaching mathematics, and ICT courses and integrating digital tools into mathematics education.
From Tallinn University, the visit involved Tiia Õun, Director of the School of Educational Sciences; Evelyn Grünberg, project coordinator; Professor of Adult Education and Non-Formal Learning Kai Pata; Associate Professor Janika Leoste; Junior Researcher Fellow Aalo Banko; Junior Researcher Fellow Andrea Annus; Director of the School of Digital Technologies Peeter Normak; Research Fellow James Sunney Quaicoe; Professor of Mathematics and Computing Education Mart Laanpere; Research Professor in Digital Transformation Merja Bauters; Visiting Research Fellow of Learning Analytics Merike Saar; Associate Professor of Educational Technology Hans Põldoja; and IT technician Ragnar Pääslane.
The third and final group of Ghanaian educators is scheduled to visit Tallinn University in the last week of October 2024. The first group visited the university from April 9th to 12th.