Category Archives: Commonwealth Scholarships

Another successful H890 Research and Scholarship in Digital Education Conference!

Four cartoon penguins seemingly attending a video conference with each in a separate location break the fourth wall by passing a cake from one to another outside of the cartoon frames.

H890 Conference image featuring cartoon penguins.

The 2026 edition of the H890 Research And Scholarship in Digital Education Conference has come to a close. With 27 superb presentations over 3 days, it has become an extremely diverse and rich event.

Day 1

The first conference session kicked off with a lovely welcome from IET Director Professor Bart Rienties in his ‘casual Friday’ blue hoodie, explaining how the conference and associated module align with the research interests of the Institute of Educational Technology.
We then welcomed our alumnus Sukaina Walji, now Director of the Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching (CILT) at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, for a wonderful keynote presentation describing a ‘research as storytelling’ innovation to gather a rich picture of how staff and students view the use of AI in assessments.

Sukaina Walji, Day 1 keynote speaker

Given the unenviable task of being first student presenter to take the floor, Robert Nixon impressed us with a project on evaluating the use of technology in supporting dyslexia. Next up was Carol-Anne Beardmore, with her project on the potential of ‘citizen humanities’ (as opposed to ‘citizen science’) to transform history education. Our first Commonwealth Scholar followed, with Aliyu Akilu Barau discussing the use of mobile learning to develop health literacy in rural Nigeria. The first part of the day was rounded off by Pam Geraldine, explaining her use of Augmented Reality to create a cultural heritage app.

The second part of Day 1 kicked off with Janix Asare, another Commonwealth Scholar, and his use of a systematic literature review to uncover the use and potential of AI coding assistants. He was followed by Millie Glazebrook and her investigation of the use of Virtual and Augmented Reality to enhance primary students’ learning. This was followed by Onick Gwayi, using his Commonwealth Scholarship opportunity to investigate the impact on student outcomes of enhancing accessibility and inclusive practice features of online courses for trainee social science teachers. Next we had Commonwealth Scholar Walusungu Ngulube giving us an insight into her development of a mobile-first careers guidance resource for students in sub-Saharan Africa who traditionally have very little access to careers advice. And rounding off the first day we heard from Rashida Newbill, and her analysis of how we as educators can balance the omnipresence of AI with the need for students to develop critical thinking skills.

Day 2

Our Saturday session kicked off with a keynote from our very own Professor Tim Coughlan, Professor of Learning Innovation and Accessibility at the Institute for Educational Technology, Open University, UK. Tim spoke to us about the opportunities afforded by AI for accessibility and supporting disabled students.

Professor Tim Coughlan

Following Tim was not an easy task but Claire Walder rose to the challenge, describing her project to investigate the usefulness and value of interactive online feedback resources for nursing students. Claire was followed by ChiaoYuan Chang, giving us an insight into teaching in Taiwan and teachers’ attitudes towards digital competency and technology use in the classroom. Then we heard from Commonwealth Scholar Michael Ngala and his project at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science & Technology (JOOUST) in Kenya to determine whether the choice of online versus face to face business management programmes is affecting learner outcomes. The first part of the session was rounded off by Helen Shepherd, and her investigating into ’emotional labour’ in a nursing degree, and whether online study and online spaces can help nursing students process emotionally difficult subject areas.

After the break we were listening to Professor Sammy Mutisya and his Commonwealth Scholarship opportunity to investigate the role of AI-powered Assistive Technologies to support disabled and traumatised students in two large refugee camps in Kenya. Andrea Mills then had us thinking about the use of tablet-based activities for enhancing the agency of under-fives and her investigation into this area. Zoe Dawson spoke next about Foreign Language Speaking Anxiety and how Immersive Virtual Reality may help students to overcome it. Then Commonwealth Scholar Keisha Campbell presented to us her project on using a Blended Learning MOOC to enhance STEM educators’ competencies. And finally we heard from Kim Froehler at some unholy hour in the Canadian morning, talking to us about the AI readiness of educators in British Columbia and her study to assess and support that readiness via online materials.

Day 3

Our planned keynote speaker for Day 3, Allison Littlejohn of University College London, had to step aside at a late stage due to health issues (Allison we wish you well for a speedy recovery!) and so we were extremely fortunate when Professor Emerita Rebecca Ferguson willingly stepped into Allison’s shoes and delivered us a fascinating keynote presentation on Research Futures and Grand Challenges, through the lens of the Learning Analytics community.

Professor Emerita Rebecca Ferguson

Following Rebecca is never an easy task but Commonwealth Scholar Florence Kamonjo rose to the challenge with an explanation of her work to evaluate the use of WhatsApp for equitable academic engagement of staff and students at the University of Kabianga, Kenya. Next to go was Lee Lindsay, talking us through his project to use introductory pre-courses to support retention, by providing accurate ‘tasters’ of full courses to ensure that students are in the right place for what they want to achieve. Finally in the first part we heard from Commonwealth Scholar Salima Sewani and her use of AI with teachers of disabled students in Pakistan, to produce colouring books, songs, poems and other teaching resources for student learning and engagement.

After the break we heard from Marta Asensio, describing her project to investigate the use of social learning activities to improve the retention of asynchronous online learners. This was followed by Megan Hyndman’s presentation on the retention and attainment of non-traditional students (those from low socio-economic backgrounds, first-in-family university students etc) on online distance learning undergraduate courses. And finally we heard from Emma-Louise Hague, wrapping up the conference with a presentation on the use of audio to support memorisation in adult learners – nobody present will ever spell the word ‘bananas’ without thinking of a certain song now!

To read the students’ abstracts and communicate with them directly through the comments function, please see the conference programme here: https://www.open.ac.uk/blogs/H890Conference/index.php/2026-h890-research-scholarship-in-digital-education-online-student-conference/

Commonwealth Scholarship applications now open for the MAOT

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Commonwealth Scholarships 2026

The Institute of Educational Technology, The Open University, UK

The Institute of Educational Technology building, The Open University, UK

Do you have a serious interest in online teaching, technology-enhanced learning and educational technology?

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships available for The Open University’s Masters in Online Teaching

The Open University’s Institute of Educational Technology (IET) has been awarded 5 fully funded Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships for citizens of the following countries to study IET’s Masters in Online Teaching (MAOT):

Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia

We are pleased to invite applications for these scholarships. The closing date for applications is 16.00 (GMT) on Tuesday 31 March 2026.

The Scholarships are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and are intended to contribute to the development needs of Commonwealth countries by enabling talented and motivated individuals to access training and skills required for sustainable development by undertaking part-time Masters study with UK universities while remaining in their home countries.

Intended beneficiaries

High-quality candidates from eligible Commonwealth countries who wish to access training not available in their home countries, who wish or need to remain in their home country while they study, and who have the potential to enhance the development of their home countries with the knowledge and leadership skills they acquire.

About the Masters in Online Teaching

The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are for three years’ part-time distance learning, commencing in February 2027. The scholarships will cover the full cost of tuition fees but no other expenses. You will need daily access to a computer and a good Internet connection to study the MAOT programme.

It is likely that Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship holders will study the following modules, in the order stated. However, there may be some variation in the exact content offered.

Stage 1 – February-October 2027:

· Compulsory module H880 Technology-enhanced learning: foundations and futures.

Stage 2 – October 2027 – September 2028
60 credits from the following 15-credit microcredentials, currently presented twice annually:

• Online teaching: Evaluating and improving courses.

• Teacher development: Embedding mental health in the curriculum.

• Online teaching: Accessibility and inclusive learning.

• Online teaching: Embedding social, race and gender-related equity.

Stage 3 – October 2028 – May 2029:

Compulsory module H890 Research and scholarship in digital education. This module develops skills in critically evaluating and conducting digital education-related research and scholarship and is suitable preparation for future doctoral study.

Who can apply?
To be eligible for a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship to study the Masters in Online and Distance Education you must:

Be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by one of the eligible developing Commonwealth countries listed above, or be a British protected person; and
Be permanently resident in one of the eligible developing Commonwealth countries listed above; and
Hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) standard. A lower qualification and sufficient relevant experience may be considered in certain cases; and
Be unable to afford to study the programme without this scholarship.

You will also need access to a computer with reliable broadband internet access. You do not need to be working in technology-enhanced learning, but you should be interested in developing expertise in this area.

General conditions for the Scholarships are available here: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-distance-learning-scholarships-candidates/.

How to apply

Visit the Masters in Online Teaching website to find out more about the programme. Do not attempt to register for any of the modules. There is no need to acquire or upload an offer letter from The Open University.
Read the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships Information for Candidates and the Advice for applicants pages
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] in the first instance, giving the subject ‘2026 Commonwealth Scholarships query’.
Complete the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship application form by 16.00 (GMT) on 31 March 2026 and submit it online. You should complete all sections of the application form as fully as possible as the form will be the basis for selection of candidates. Pay particular attention to describing in detail how you intend to achieve in-country benefit as a result of your study of the Masters in Online Teaching.
You should not use Generative AI to complete your form as we are assessing candidates on demonstrable experience and realistic, context-specific plans for the future. All applications will be checked for Generative AI use.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview.

Keynote speakers announced for H890 ‘Research and Scholarship in Digital Education’ Conference 2026!

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Much excitement! Three excellent keynote speakers have been announced for the 2026 edition of the H890 Research and Scholarship in Digital Education online conference due to take place in April. Alongside presentations from every one of our current students on the module, we are honoured to announce the following:

On Friday 10th April 2026 (starting at 09:00 BST) the conference will be opened by Sukaina Walji, Director Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching, University of Cape Town, South Africa (and one of our very own alumni).

Sukaina Walji

On Saturday 11th April 2026 (starting at 13:00 BST) we will enjoy a keynote from Tim Coughlan, Professor of Learning Innovation and Accessibility, The Open University, UK.

Tim Coughlan

And on Monday 13th April 2026 (starting at 18:00 BST) the final session of the conference will begin with a keynote from Allison Littlejohn, Professor of Learning Technology at University College London, UK.
Allison Littlejohn

The conference is free to attend and open to anyone, but you must please register in advance. You can do that on the conference web page here: https://www.open.ac.uk/blogs/H890Conference/index.php/2026-h890-research-scholarship-in-digital-education-online-student-conference/

The student presentation titles and abstracts will also appear on the same page once they have been finalised in March.

Commonwealth Scholarship applications now invited for The Open University’s Masters in Online Teaching

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Commonwealth Scholarships logo

Do you have a serious interest in online teaching, technology-enhanced learning and educational technology?

Would you like to gain a Master’s degree with one of the UK’s leading providers of digital education, for study commencing in February 2026? Are you a citizen of one of the following developing Commonwealth countries, a refugee from one of the following countries, or a British Protected Person?

Are you permanently resident in one of the above countries?

The Open University’s Institute of Educational Technology (IET) has been awarded 10 fully funded Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships for citizens of the countries listed above who wish to study IET’s Masters in Online Teaching (MAOT). We are pleased to invite applications for these scholarships.

The closing date for applications is 16.00 (GMT) on Tuesday 20 May 2025.

These Scholarships are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and are intended to contribute to the development needs of Commonwealth countries by enabling talented and motivated individuals to access training and skills required for sustainable development by undertaking part-time Masters study with UK universities while remaining in their home countries.

Intended beneficiaries

About the Masters in Online Teaching

The Open University’s Masters in Online Teaching (MAOT) is studied entirely online. The MAOT develops skills in the theory-informed design of technology-enhanced, blended and online learning. The MAOT is designed to address educational inequity in all its forms and, as such, is relevant to achieving inclusive, high quality, equitable blended and online education. The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are for three years’ part-time distance learning, commencing in February 2026. The scholarships will cover the full cost of tuition fees but no other expenses.

It is likely that Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship holders will study the following modules, in the order stated. However, there may be some variation in the exact content offered.

Stage 1 – February-October 2026:

Compulsory module H880 Technology-enhanced learning: foundations and futures.

Stage 2 – October 2026 – September 2027
60 credits from the following 15-credit microcredentials, currently presented twice annually:

Online teaching: Evaluating and improving courses.
Teacher development: Embedding mental health in the curriculum.
Online teaching: Accessibility and inclusive learning.
Online teaching: Embedding social, race and gender-related equity.
Online teaching: Addressing the climate emergency (first presentation date to be confirmed).

Stage 3 – October 2027 – May 2028:

Compulsory module H890 Research and scholarship in digital education. This module develops skills in critically evaluating and conducting digital education-related research and scholarship and is suitable preparation for future doctoral study.

Who can apply?
To be eligible for a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship to study the Masters in Online and Distance Education you must:

Be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by one of the eligible developing Commonwealth countries listed above, or be a British protected person; and
Be permanently resident in one of the eligible developing Commonwealth countries listed above; and
Hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) standard. A lower qualification and sufficient relevant experience may be considered in certain cases; and
Be unable to afford to study the programme without this scholarship.

You will also need access to a computer with reliable broadband internet access. You do not need to be working in technology-enhanced learning but you should be interested in developing expertise in this area.

General conditions for the Scholarships are available here: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-distance-learning-scholarships-candidates/.

How to apply

Visit the Masters in Online Teaching website to find out more about the programme. Do not attempt to register for any of the modules.
Read the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships Information for Candidates. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] in the first instance, giving the subject ‘2025 Commonwealth Scholarships query’.
Complete the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship application form by 16.00 (GMT) on 20 May 2025 and submit it online. You should complete all sections of the application form as fully as possible as the form will be the basis for selection of candidates. Pay particular attention to describing in detail how you intend to achieve in-country benefit as a result of your study of the Masters in Online Teaching.

From the MAODE to a PhD: Moses Mwebaze in focus

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We are delighted to learn that one of our MAODE graduates has been successful in applying for a PhD scholarship.

Moses Mwebaze, MAODE alumnus and now PhD scholar.

Moses Mwebaze studied with us from 2019 to 2021. His MAODE studies were facilitated by achieving one of the highly sought-after Commonwealth Scholarship places funded by the UK government (which we have been fortunate to also receive for the first two years of the new Masters in Online Teaching). Studying online from his home region in Uganda brought issues of connectivity, time zones, and fitting study around an already demanding role as an eLearning Specialist.

Since graduating, Moses has been an active member of our MAOT Community of Practice, continuing to support our present students and in particular the current group of Commonwealth Scholars. His inputs to our live events have always been valued, and he brings interesting and fresh perspectives to our discussions.

Now his talents have taken him on to the next step in his academic journey. Moses has successfully achieved a place at the University of Eldoret in Kenya to study for a PhD. His area of research focus will be instructional design and development. He has recently worked with a group of rural university campuses of Uganda’s Busitema University to promote online learning through the eLearning Initiative-Uganda project facilitated by the Mastercard Foundation. Moses’ roles include building capacity in digital pedagogy, instructional design, and content development, finding solutions to unstable internet connectivity, and supporting the Learning Management System (LMS) operations.

We are so proud of everything Moses has achieved and wish him every success with his PhD. We are looking forward to directing our future MAOT students to his thesis and research papers!

MAOT Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships – 2025 entry

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Commonwealth Scholarships logo

Do you have a serious interest in online teaching, technology-enhanced learning and educational technology?

Would you like to gain a Master’s degree with one of the UK’s leading providers of digital education, for study commencing in February 2025? Are you a citizen of one of the following developing Commonwealth countries, a refugee from one of the following countries, or a British Protected Person?

Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia

Are you permanently resident in one of the above countries?

The Open University’s Institute of Educational Technology (IET) has been awarded 10 fully funded Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships for citizens of developing Commonwealth countries who wish to study IET’s Masters in Online Teaching (MAOT). We are pleased to invite applications for these scholarships.

The closing date for applications is 16.00 (GMT) on 28 March 2024.

Intended beneficiaries

High-quality candidates from eligible low and middle-income Commonwealth countries who wish to access training not available in their home countries, who wish or need to remain in their home country while they study, and who have the potential to enhance the development of their home countries with the knowledge and leadership skills they acquire.

About the Masters in Online Teaching

The Open University’s Masters in Online Teaching (MAOT) is studied entirely online. The MAOT develops skills in the theory-informed design of technology-enhanced, blended and online learning. The MAOT is designed to address educational inequity in all its forms and, as such, is relevant to achieving inclusive, high quality, equitable blended and online education. The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are for three years’ part-time distance learning, commencing in February 2025. The scholarships will cover the full cost of tuition fees but no other expenses.

It is likely that Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship holders will study the following modules, in the order stated. However, there may be some variation in the exact content offered.

Stage 1 – February-October 2025:

Compulsory module H880 Technology-enhanced learning: foundations and futures.

Stage 2 – October 2025 – September 2026
60 credits from either four of the following 15-credit microcredentials, currently presented three times annually:

Online teaching: Evaluating and improving courses.
Teacher development: Embedding mental health in the curriculum.
Online teaching: Accessibility and inclusive learning.
Online teaching: Embedding social, race and gender-related equity.
Online teaching: Addressing the climate emergency (first presentation date to be confirmed).

Or one 60-credit postgraduate module chosen from:

Social justice, equity and equality: inclusive practice for all.
Exploring educational leadership: values, context and strategy.
Learning and teaching: educating the next generation.

Stage 3 – October 2025 – May 2026:

Compulsory module H890 Research and scholarship in digital education. This module develops skills in critically evaluating and conducting digital education-related research and scholarship and is suitable preparation for future doctoral study.

Who can apply?
To be eligible for a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship to study the Masters in Online and Distance Education you must:

Be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by one of the eligible developing Commonwealth countries listed above, or be a British protected person; and
Be permanently in one of the eligible developing Commonwealth countries listed above; and
Hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) standard. A lower qualification and sufficient relevant experience may be considered in certain cases; and
Be unable to afford to study the programme without this scholarship.

General conditions for the Scholarships are available here: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-distance-learning-scholarships-candidates/.

How to apply

Visit the Masters in Online Teaching website to find out more about the programme. Do not attempt to register for any of the modules.
Read the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships Information for Candidates. If you have any questions please contact [email protected] in the first instance, giving the subject ‘2024 Commonwealth Scholarships query’.
Complete the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship application form by 16.00 (GMT) on 28 March 2024 and submit it online. You should complete all sections of the application form as fully as possible as the form will be the basis for selection of candidates. Pay particular attention to describing in detail how you intend to achieve in-country benefit as a result of your study of the Masters in Online Teaching.

MAODE graduate nominated for Global Teacher Prize

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Our very own Masters in Online and Distance Education graduate, Stephanie Akinwoya from Nigeria, has been nominated as one of the 50 best teachers in the world in 2023!

A posed portrait photo of Stephanie Akinwoya

Stephanie studied for the MAODE while working as a Physics teacher in her native Nigeria, graduating from the MAODE in 2021. She was supported to study the MAODE as one of our Commonwealth Scholarship holders. Upon graduation Stephanie won a place as an Atlantic Fellow at London School of Economics in 2022 and became a 2022 Fellow of the prestigious Fulbright Teacher Excellence Achievement Program. She has since been awarded a PhD scholarship at The Open University and arrived in the UK just one month ago to begin her research doctorate.

Stephanie’s interest in education stemmed from watching her mother’s total dedication and passion as a Chemistry teacher – an interest that eventually resulted in Stephanie becoming a Physics teacher. Seeing her mother explain abstract concepts simply – through their connection to ordinary life – ignited a passion in Stephanie for the sciences and the teaching profession. Her teaching journey started as an undergraduate student, volunteering to teach Physics and Mathematics at rural schools that lacked teachers. Teaching in these communities made her realise how many students (especially female students) have a phobia for STEM subjects or courses. This experience strengthened her resolve to address the gender disparity in STEM and ignite a passion for the sciences in all her students.

To ignite students’ curiosity and sustain their interest in learning, Stephanie employed a student-centred approach – using bitesize explainer videos, animations, hands-on activities, edutech tools and gamification to encourage mastery of concepts. She also started her Girls-Pro-STEM initiative in 2018 to generate interest in STEM amongst girls in public secondary schools. As part of this initiative, Stephanie has partnered with international organisations to provide training, support and mentorship to over 200 girls, many of whom have gone on to represent their school in national and international competitions. Stephanie’s is the first public school to win first prize in the Agbami Chevron Innovative STEM Project Competition (for building a smart self-powered house), and over 80% of her students have gained admission to tertiary institutions. After losing one of her students to suicide in 2020, and seeing how others struggled with their mental health (which is often seen as a taboo subject), Stephanie also created a platform called “Safe Space” as part of her MAODE study which has been used by over 200 students to access help on mental health issues.

Everyone at IET is delighted to hear about Stephanie’s nomination for this Global Teacher Award and wishes her every success with her PhD!

Uganda: Barriers to Open Practice in Teacher Professional Development – paper by two former MAODE students

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Two of the graduates of our Masters in Online and Distance Education have published a paper entitled “An Assessment of Factors Hindering Educators in Primary and Secondary Education from Utilizing Open Education Resources, Open-Source Tools, And MOOCS in Professional Development and Practice in Kampala District, Uganda”.

These students, both participants in the Commonwealth Scholarship programme, have researched why Teacher Professional Development in their region of Kampala under-utilises the available Open Educational Resources, Open Source tools and MOOCs that could potentially transform knowledge of technology-enhanced education.

Their findings make for a very interesting read. The paper is published under a Creative Commons licence and can be accessed here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370299673_An_Assessment_of_Factors_Hindering_Educators_in_Primary_and_Secondary_Education_from_Utilizing_Open_Education_Resources_Open-Source_Tools_And_MOOCS_in_Professional_Development_and_Practice_in_Kampala_

Moses Mwebaze Mukisa, Head of Online and Distance eLearning at Avance International University, Uganda

Charles William Zulu, Learning and Innovation Adviser, VVOB Education for Development, Zambia

Global community led by award-winning MAODE student

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Since 2018 The Open University’s Institute of Educational Technology (IET) has hosted Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships for citizens of low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries to study IET’s Masters programme, fully funded. Pakistan-based Munir Moosa Sewani was in the first cohort of Commonwealth Scholars, commencing his study of IET’s Masters in Online and Distance Education (MAODE) in 2018. Since then Munir has led numerous initiatives in his home country, and beyond, intended to support social justice and educational equity, drawing on the knowledge and skills he gained from studying the MAODE.

In March 2023 Munir was awarded The British Council’s UK Alumni Award for Pakistan in the Social Action Category as recognition for his socioecoethical model of human rights education in addition to Munir’s leadership of the Global Forum for Teacher Educators (GFTE), which he created and runs voluntarily.

Photo of Munir Moosa

The GFTE now has over 22,000 members from over 65 countries around the globe. As Director of the GFTE Munir brings the community together online for regular knowledge-sharing activities, utilising crowdsourcing and his socioecoethical vision to build capacity and advance techniques that utilise technology in the most effective ways in education settings around the world. The forum also works to enhance access to education for elderly citizens and to increase drug literacy around the globe.

Recently, the GFTE 2023 International Symposium brought together a range of keynote speakers and educator stories to create an event that attracted over 3500 attendees. IET’s own Associate Director (Curriculum) and Qualifications Director Dr Leigh-Anne Perryman, and Associate Lecturer Dr Simon Ball, were both honoured to be invited as keynote speakers, alongside the distinguished guest speaker Jennifer Hancock, founder of Humanist Learning Systems. In addition Rosa Zubizaretta and Dr Patricia Omidian spoke together on “From Conflict to Creative Collaboration: Tips for Teachers”. A range of vignettes from educators around the globe were presented to highlight the passion and commitment of teachers to making their profession better at every turn. The event was extremely well received with many hundreds of positive comments from audience members.

Everyone at IET would like to congratulate Munir on his British Council award, and we wish the Global Forum for Teacher Educators every success as it grows and strengthens.

Commonwealth Scholarships available for Masters in Online Teaching

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Do you have a serious interest in online teaching, technology-enhanced learning and educational technology?

Would you like to gain a Master’s degree with one of the UK’s leading providers of digital teaching and learning, for study commencing in February 2024? Are you a citizen of one of the following developing Commonwealth countries, a refugee from one of the following countries, or a British Protected Person?

Are you permanently resident in one of the above countries?

The closing date for applications is 16.00 (GMT) on 28 March 2023.

Intended beneficiaries

About the Masters in Online Teaching

The Open University’s Masters in Online Teaching (MAOT) is studied entirely online. The MAOT develops skills in the theory-informed design of technology-enhanced, blended and online learning and is designed to address educational inequity in all its forms and, as such, is relevant to achieving inclusive, high quality, equitable blended and online education. The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are for three years’ part-time distance learning, commencing in February 2024. The scholarships will cover the full cost of tuition fees but no other expenses.

It is likely that Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship holders will study the following modules, in the order stated. However, there may be some variation in the exact content offered.

Stage 1 – February-October 2024:

Compulsory module H880 Technology-enhanced learning: foundations and futures.

Stage 2 – October 2024 – September 2025:
60 credits from either four of the following 15-credit microcredentials, currently presented three times annually:

HZFM882 Online teaching: Evaluating and improving courses.
HZFM883 Teacher development: Embedding mental health in the curriculum.
HZFM884 Online teaching: Accessibility and inclusive learning.
HZFM885 Online teaching: Embedding social, race and gender-related equity.
HZFM889 Online teaching: Addressing the climate emergency (first presentation date to be confirmed).

Or one 60-credit postgraduate module chosen from:

EE845 Social justice, equity and equality: inclusive practice for all.
EE842 Exploring educational leadership: values, context and strategy.
EE830 Learning and teaching: educating the next generation.

Stage 3 – October 2025 – May 2026:

Compulsory module H890 Research and scholarship in digital education. This module develops skills in critically evaluating and conducting digital education-related research and scholarship and is suitable preparation for future doctoral study.

Who can apply?
To be eligible for a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship to study the Masters in Online and Distance Education you must:

Be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by one of the eligible developing Commonwealth countries listed above, or be a British protected person; and
Be permanently in one of the eligible developing Commonwealth countries listed above; and
Hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) standard. A lower qualification and sufficient relevant experience may be considered in certain cases; and
Be unable to afford to study the programme without this scholarship.

General conditions for the Scholarships are available here: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-distance-learning-scholarships-candidates/.

How to apply

Visit the Masters in Online Teaching website to find out more about the programme. Do not attempt to register for any of the modules.
Read the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships Information for Candidates. If you have any questions please contact [email protected] in the first instance, giving the subject ‘2023 Commonwealth Scholarships query’.
Complete the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship application form by 16.00 (GMT) on 28 March 2023 and submit it online. You should complete all sections the application form as fully as possible as the form will be the basis for selection of candidates. Pay particular attention to describing in detail how you intend to achieve in-country benefit as a result of your study of the Masters in Online Teaching.