COVID-19 Leap – not only digital but also pedagogical

Abstract

This article offers an overview of how Laurea, a Finnish university of Applied Sciences navigated the unprecedented situation with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. We also share our reflections on the support provided to online teaching and learning through the lens of TPACK, communities of practice (CoP), and learning design models. The empirical part describes how Laurea supported its academic staff in transitioning their teaching online, and at the same time, introduced a new learning management system. A support structure based on channels of peer support played a major role in the success of the transition. In retrospect, we have learnt the importance of routine and psychological safety, especially in these exceptional circumstances. Teachers feel more inclined to try out new technology and methods if there is a safe environment to learn from one’s earlier experiences and experiment with new methods.