ERIC Number: EJ1017550
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Dec
Pages: 24
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1492-3831
EISSN: N/A
Open Distance Learning for Development: Lessons from Strengthening Research Capacity on Gender, Crisis Prevention, and Recovery
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Ferguson, Jenna; Parsai, Nilam; Almoguera, Rose
International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, v14 n5 p27-50 Dec 2013
This paper documents the experience and lessons from implementing an e-learning program aimed at creating research capacity for gender, crisis prevention, and recovery. It presents a case study of bringing together a multidisciplinary group of women professionals through both online and face-to-face interactions to learn the skills needed to be a successful researcher. It reviews the issues related to distance learning programs with particular reference to the e-learning courses and highlights the constraints and challenges in implementing them. Lessons from the experience for future development of similar courses indicate that participant profiling prior to the course, user friendliness of technology, meeting various learning styles, encouraging and rewarding online exchanges, commitment of course moderators, a variety of learning materials, and mixed approaches to learning are some of the factors that can enhance the success of e-learning programs. The paper concludes that enhancing skills of developing country researchers through e-learning programs can increase learning accessibility to those living and working in remote and conflict ridden areas, and bring together a network of professionals to interact and exchange experiences on common problems and solutions.
Descriptors: Distance Education, Educational Technology, Females, Research Skills, Gender Issues, Crisis Intervention, Prevention, Online Courses, Blended Learning, Skill Development, Foreign Countries, Developing Nations, Social Science Research, Program Implementation, Web Based Instruction, Student Characteristics, Competition, Educational Quality, Instructional Materials, International Programs, Case Studies, Civil Rights, Program Development, Curriculum Design, Course Content, Workshops, Advisory Committees, Adult Learning
Athabasca University. 1200, 10011 - 109 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3S8, Canada. Tel: 780-421-2536; Fax: 780-497-3416; e-mail: irrodl@athabascau.ca; Web site: http://www.irrodl.org
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative; Journal Articles
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Africa
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A