Online learning for networked diplomats putting it all

Online learning for networked diplomats (putting it all together) www. diplomacy. edu Diplo. Foundation Dejan Dincic

Content Practitioners' View! n Introduction: Diplo, Diplomacy, ICT, Distance Learning, Development… what is the connection? n n The Case for OL Course Design Course Delivery Organisational Issues

Diplo. Foundation … 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 and Development?

Diplomacy Before…

Diplomacy … and today

Training and Education

Online Learning n The Case for OL n Course Design n Course Delivery n Organisation and Management

The case for OL n More than 50% of MFA staff abroad at all times n Access to computers and the Internet n Basic computer literacy n Civil society activists and other new actors usually experienced Internet users n Multi-stakeholder, multi-cultural audience desired n Flexibility of time n Integration with work – immersion

Audience n n 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/alumni/map. htm

Alumni Map

Current Access Map

Courses n n n Internet Governance Capacity Building Programme MA in Contemporary Diplomacy PGD in Contemporary Diplomacy n Short Online Courses Blended Courses (face-to-face, followed by online phase, which may be followed with participation in a real multilateral diplomatic event) n Regional Capacity Building Programmes n

Courses (examples) n Language and Diplomacy n Internet Governance n Bilateral Diplomacy n … n New courses are being developed in cooperation with other organisations and experts (human rights, health diplomacy…)

Concept, Content n n n 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 n n n Web based, in-house VLE Creative use of text and light multimedia for low-bandwidth access Good moderation! Learner support! Asynchronous, weekly cycle

Interactivity n 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 n Facilitates collaboration (hypertext, blog, forums, online meetings) n Asynchronous, text-oriented, interactive n Includes advanced hypertext system

Advanced Hypertext Demo

Alternative Navigation

Collaboration

Organisational Issues n n n Moderators (course coordinators and tutors) recruited from alumni De-centralised structure Different time-zones Different professional cultures Accreditation Work relevance

Conclusion and self-promotion n 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: n n n smaller and more flexible = personal approach, less administrative burden appropriate innovative practices no compromise on educational standards

Diplo. Foundation www. diplomacy. edu