online learning for networked diplomats (putting it all together) diplofoundation dejan dincic
Post on 21-Dec-2015
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Online learning for networked diplomats (putting it all together)
www.diplomacy.eduDiploFoundation
Dejan Dincic
Content
Practitioners' View!
Introduction:Diplo, Diplomacy, ICT, Distance Learning, Development…what is the connection?
The Case for OL Course Design Course Delivery Organisational Issues
DiploFoundation
… is a non-profit organisation which works to assist all countries, particularly those with limited human and financial resources, to participate meaningfully in international affairs, through education and training programs, research, and the development of information and communications technologies for diplomatic activities.
The case for OL
More than 50% of MFA staff abroad at all times Access to computers and the Internet Basic computer literacy Civil society activists and other new actors
usually experienced Internet users Multi-stakeholder, multi-cultural audience
desired Flexibility of time Integration with work – immersion
Audience
Majority from developing countries and countries in transition
Young professionals from government, civil society, media, private sector
More than 140 countries http://www.diplomacy.edu/edu/alumni/
map.htm
Courses
Internet Governance Capacity Building Programme
MA in Contemporary Diplomacy PGD in Contemporary Diplomacy
Short Online Courses Blended Courses (face-to-face, followed by online
phase, which may be followed with participation in a real multilateral diplomatic event)
Regional Capacity Building Programmes
Courses (examples)
Language and Diplomacy Internet Governance Bilateral Diplomacy … New courses are being developed in
cooperation with other organisations and experts (human rights, health diplomacy…)
Concept, Content
Topic experts: active and retired diplomats with strong academic background
Ethnic and cultural diversity – important to avoid western-centric view in global courses
Work with a support team combining educational, multimedia and software support
Delivery
Web based, in-house VLE Creative use of text and light
multimedia for low-bandwidth access Good moderation! Learner support! Asynchronous, weekly cycle
Interactivity
Typical weekly schedule
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
Reading online text; hypertext or forum discussion
Hypertext or forum discussion
Assessment (Q&A or similar)
Online meeting with lecturer
Transcript hypertext discussion
Time management is very important.Coordinator makes a difference.
Textus Learning System
Facilitates collaboration (hypertext, blog, forums, online meetings)
Asynchronous, text-oriented, interactive Includes advanced hypertext system
Organisational Issues
Moderators (course coordinators and tutors) recruited from alumni
De-centralised structure Different time-zones Different professional cultures
Accreditation Work relevance
Conclusion and self-promotion
Small and agile organisations can delivery quality online education and training
The new learning organisation can be as innovative as the medium of delivery
In certain contexts: smaller and more flexible = personal
approach, less administrative burden appropriate innovative practices no compromise on educational standards