Olga's passion for Educational Technology shines through

A new career in EdTech Coaching

Originally from Pervouralsk, Russia, Olga has been living in Chile since 2016. As a Russian-Chilean currently residing in the charming coastal town of Reñaca, near Viña del Mar, she already holds a Bachelor's degree in Oriental and African Studies, specialising in English and Japanese.

Throughout her career, Olga has dedicated her life to teaching English at the local university and subsequently worked as a primary years programme teacher at an International Baccalaureate school in Santiago. During the pandemic, she transitioned into an EdTech Coach role, where she provided professional development to teachers and integrated technology into the curriculum. In her current role as a Community Success Partner at Yellowdig, a leading platform for online student engagement, Olga helps schools, colleges, and universities to leverage technology to foster deeper student engagement.

'I work closely with faculty, instructional designers, and other stakeholders to seamlessly integrate Yellowdig into their classrooms. My goal is to bridge the gap between technology and education. I aim to share my knowledge and expertise with other educators to empower them to use technology effectively and to contribute to the development of educational technology resources that support teachers and students.’

Gaining a theoretical understanding of teaching and learning

Olga is currently completing the International Postgraduate Certificate of Education (iPGCE). This course has been invaluable in deepening her understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of teaching and learning. Though, she already has extensive practical experience as both an educator and educational leader, the coursework and reflection have provided her with deeper insights into international inclusive education, contemporary pedagogies, and professional identity. These theoretical foundations are directly relevant to her career aspirations as an educational leader.

'I believe that a strong understanding of teaching and learning principles is essential for creating engaging and effective learning environments. The iPGCE has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to advance in my career and become a more effective educational leader.’

Studying online while working full-time

The iPGCE programme has been a perfect fit for Olga as she is also working full-time. The programme's flexible structure and online delivery have allowed her to effectively balance her studies with her career commitments.

‘I have particularly appreciated the programme's emphasis on up-to-date pedagogical approaches and the integration of emerging technologies. The inclusion of topics like Artificial Intelligence and digital pedagogies has been especially valuable, as it has equipped me with the skills to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving educational landscape.

Reaching to the stars

Since joining the iPGCE program, Olga has achieved significant milestones in her career. In June 2024, she was honoured to receive the ISTE 20 to Watch Award, recognizing her contributions to the field of education. Additionally, she obtained Google Coach certification, further validating her expertise in educational technology. Olga says:

‘Moreover, I have been selected to participate in the AI+EDU Fellowship by Google for Education. This prestigious programme acknowledges my exceptional work and leadership in integrating artificial intelligence into the classroom. As a Fellow, I will have the opportunity to collaborate with leading AI educators globally, gain insights from AI experts, contribute to discussions on the future of education, and showcase my AI initiatives through artifacts and a video hosted on a global platform.’