DTeEM re-launch in Thai

SEAMEO Secretariat, in cooperation with UNESCO Bangkok and Global Partnership for Education (GPE), has launched the Disability-Inclusive Teaching in Emergencies (DTeEM) online course batch 2 with the objective to capacitate educators of all nationalities with essential skills and knowledge to support students with disabilities in the face of emergency which includes, but not limited to, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As of now, the course is available in 8 languages, namely, English, Bahasa Indonesia, Dzongkha, Tetum, Vietnamese, Laotian, Khmer, and Thai.

The pilot implementation took place in Bhutan, Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Timor-Leste in 2021, and with the success and satisfactory feedback of the course, the second launch was later done on 17 March 2022. With the intention to spread such a great opportunity to a wider range of Thai audiences, SEAMEO Secretariat has held a virtual re-launch and course orientation of the DTeEM online course in the Thai version on 31 March 2022. A considerable number of viewers on YouTube live have sent in questions which Dr Kritsachai Somsaman, Deputy Director (Administration and Communication), SEAMEO Secretariat, has answered and elaborated in the Q&A session.        

In this event, speakers had altogether expressed their support by demonstrating sign language for the word ‘support’ for participants watching from YouTube Live to see. Furthermore, Dr Suphat Champatong, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Thailand has given the honor by delivering a message of support to the DTeEM online course and all participants. Dr. Suphat has specifically addressed the need for assisting learners with disabilities as he mentioned in the virtual orientation:

“In Thailand, the number of students with disabilities has been increasing, particularly with the policy which mandates the rights to education of all children with disabilities, and the obligation of all schools to accept them. In this connection, we are providing great care for the children with disabilities and children with special needs which teachers in special education programs will greatly benefit from this course accordingly.” 

For the testimonials from Thai participants who have completed the course and earned the certificate, Mr Pongsakorn Rudravanija, Foreign Relations Officer, Regional Cooperation Unit, Bureau of International Cooperation, Office of Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education (Thailand) has shared his comments on the DTeEM online course and what to expect in each module. Mr Pongsakorn has concluded:

“After completing this course, educators will be able to apply these technologies to assist learners with disabilities. Students and others involved with learners with disabilities will gain comprehension of their basic needs and apply it to policymaking, including supporting teachers in order for them to assist learners with disabilities.”

For joining the course and more information regarding the instruction on enrollment and web navigation, please go to the DTeEM website https://onlinecourse.seameo.org/