Introduction to the Work of the Fjarska Preparatory Committee

Description

In the summer of 2023, preparations began for the establishment of Fjarska - an association for distance learning and digital teaching methods. This involved conducting interviews with representatives of similar associations in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and the Faroe Islands. On June 29, 2023, a brainstorming meeting was held via Zoom, attended by 35 individuals from twelve workplaces. The results of the meeting showed that 71% of participants felt there was a need to establish an association for distance learning and digital teaching methods, while only 4% thought it should focus solely on distance learning. Additionally, 21% were unsure whether the focus should include both distance learning and digital teaching methods.

The brainstorming session identified twelve main priorities for the purpose and focus of the association: 1) Accessibility; 2) Advocacy; 3) Implementation; 4) Development; 5) Quality; 6) Competence Development; 7) Dissemination; 8) Research; 9) Collaboration; 10) Visibility; 11) Platform; 12) Events; and 13) Development Work. The meeting concluded that the association should serve as a platform for dissemination and collaboration, host events, support and promote research and development work, increase the visibility of distance learning, and advocate for policy changes with the government.

At the end of October 2023, a preparatory committee was formed from those who expressed interest during the brainstorming meeting. The committee has held regular meetings since then, a total of thirteen, and prepared for the official establishment of the association, which took place on June 12, 2024.

Finally, the new website of the association was introduced: [https://fjarska.is](https://fjarska.is).

Period	12 Jun 2024
Event title	Stofnfundur Fjarska - samtaka um fjarnám og stafræna kennsluhætti
Event type	Other
Location	IcelandShow on map
Degree of Recognition	National