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.

Diplomacy

Diplomacy and Development?

Diplomacy

Before…

Diplomacy

… and today

Training and Education

Online Learning

The Case for OL

Course Design

Course Delivery

Organisation and Management

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

Alumni Map

Current Access Map

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.

Theory and Practice Combined

Textus Learning System

Facilitates collaboration (hypertext, blog, forums, online meetings)

Asynchronous, text-oriented, interactive Includes advanced hypertext system

Advanced Hypertext

Demo

Alternative Navigation

Collaboration

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

DiploFoundation

www.diplomacy.edu