Terms of Reference
UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (UNESCO IITE) and Shanghai Open University (SOU) jointly implement the project “Promoting ICT Capacity Building and Open Education in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies”. The project is aimed to support the development of teacher capacities in using digital technologies within formal and informal educational settings, including the promotion of digital citizenship education.
In particular, the Contractor shall contribute to Project activity 2: Digital transformation of educational approaches through ICT- and AI-enhanced models is promoted. Within this activity, an online 5-module training course on competency development for mainstreaming of AI and digital innovation was developed to support education. The modules of the course cover introduction to AI and digital education innovations for teacher development, data analytics, learning analytics, simulation and gamification, ethical considerations for the use of AI and advanced technology in education, strategies for incorporating AI and digital education innovations for teacher development.
In particular, the Contractor shall carry out the following tasks:
- Develop two application cases in a video format for each module (a total of 10 videos) based on the curricula of the training course on mainstreaming AI and digital education innovations for teachers’ competency development.
- The cases should cover Learning Analytics, Data-driven learning design, adaptive learning, smart learning environment, simulation and gamification of the education environment, and other topics related to the corresponding module of the course. Cases should include learning needs, theoretical basis, technical environment, learning design steps, effect analysis and future application suggestions. More detailed text materials of supporting videos should also be provided
- The video files should include high-quality graphic images, audio elements, appropriate background, and subtitles in the English language. The minimum length of the video should be no less than 10 minutes, and the maximum length of each video should not exceed 15 minutes.
- The format of videos: MPEG-4/H.264. Video recording should be carried out with a maximum level of quality, in full HD 1080p (minimum) or UHD 4K (desired), and optimized for mobile devices. Subtitle files are provided separately in SRT format.
The video and text materials shall be submitted to UNESCO IITE for consideration by August 1, 2022. The Contractor shall make changes based on the feedback provided and deliver the final version of the videos to UNESCO IITE by August 20, 2022.
2. Provide the outline for three online interactive training sessions (topics: learning design and analytics, simulation, game learning), which will be organized by SOU and IITE for master trainers and teachers. The sessions should mainly focus on the application cases of each module. Take part in the online discussions of these outlines with IITE-SOU project team specialists. Following the approval of the outlines, prepare concept notes, agendas, and announcements for the training sessions. The assessments and discussion boards for the participants should be carried out after each training session, incorporating content comprehension tasks. The finalized materials shall be submitted to IITE before the training sessions and no later than August 30, 2022.
3. Review the application guides developed by SOU to facilitate the training process. The application guidelines will focus on two aspects: (1) for the course module 2: a teacher-oriented instruction guide driven by learning Analytics and AI; (2) for the course module 3: educational Meta universe in simulation and gamification teaching environment. Both revised guides shall be submitted to UNESCO IITE no later than September 30, 2022.
4. Based on the agreed materials, carry out three online interactive training sessions on the abovementioned topics, where technical support, including registration of participants and arrangement of an online platform for the sessions, will be performed by the IITE-SOU team. Training sessions should be carried out before October 30, 2022. Presentations, results of the assessment, and other related materials shall be submitted to IITE after the training sessions, but no later than November 15, 2022.
5. Participate in the development of a feedback questionnaire for teachers and the revision of a training summary report to be prepared by SOU. The feedback questionnaire should be finalized no later than October 15, 2022. The revised document shall be submitted to UNESCO IITE no later than November 30, 2022.
6. During the contract period, participate in the online working meetings with the IITE – SOU project team and provide consultative support to the course and training sessions’ participants as written responses to their questions.
7. During the contract period, provide sufficient outreach support to gain visibility and get the target audience involved in the training course runs and three training sessions, including the information dissemination on the novel teacher training programmes within the Contractor’s educational community. Share this information with at least 5 international teacher networks/social media groups of teachers, 25 schools/colleges/institutes, and 5 NGOs. The copies of invitations to the abovementioned organizations/networks shall be submitted to IITE no later than December 1, 2022.
8. Prepare a final narrative report on the implemented activities and submit it to IITE by December 1, 2022.
The entire course materials, including video lectures and recordings, shall be openly disseminated under the Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license. Note to Article 11 of the “General Terms and Conditions for Services”: The course-related Intellectual Property (IP) assets developed under the contract shall be fully owned by UNESCO. That will not impact or infringe any copyright-related to pre-existing intellectual property owned by either UNESCO, the Contractor, or by the third party.
Qualification requirements for the potential candidate
- Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent degree) in instructional design, teacher education, social sciences, or related field;
- Demonstrated broad knowledge of AI-related tools and their use in teaching and learning;
- Background in the course development, using modern multimedia to enhance learner engagement;
- Proven experience in designing and arranging teacher trainings on digital innovations;
- Ability to communicate and work in English with strong management skills.
Submission of the application
Interested individuals are requested to submit their application in English to g.udayadas@unesco.org no later than 1 July 2022. The application should contain:
- Candidate’s latest Curriculum Vitae;
- Narrative description of contemplated assignment-specific activities;
- Proposed budget (in USD).
Please note that only successful candidates will be contacted.