(Since the benefits of online learning networks are often given as a reason to bridge the Digital Divide, I wanted to pass on the following. Please note that I am NOT involved in any way, shape or form with this initiative)
Over the past several months, learning network experts and practitioners have been coming together to explore what capacities or characteristics make learning networks "tick, in a research initiative conducted by Pact's Capacity Building Services Group (CBSG). This research project is funded by a grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Pact is a networked global organization that seeks to build the capacity of local leaders and organizations to meet pressing social needs in developing nations. http://www.pactworld.com/ A recent USAID study, NGO Networks: Building Capacity in a Changing World (http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/cross-cutting_programs/private_voluntary_cooperation/conf_leibler.pdf), recommends that more effort be put into encouraging the development of learning networks, noting that "networking for learning avoids many of the pitfalls associated with technical cooperation, and marks a significant development in the field." Dynamic learning networks enable people and organizations to exchange experience, strengthen capacities, and scale-up impact. Connecting people for knowledge sharing and learning has a tremendous positive impact on their ability to improve organizational performance and achieve their goals. By building skills systematically across local organizations, and among organizations in different countries, learning networks help facilitate an environment of inquiry, entrepreneurship and experimentation. That environment, in turn, makes organizations and the civil society sector as a whole more effective - and leads to lasting development impact. Building on this assumption, Pact is drawing on the combined knowledge of experts and practitioners worldwide to learn what makes some learning networks more effective and scalable than others, focusing on two fundamental research questions: 1. Which characteristics (such as leadership, strategy and resources) are most highly associated with high performing learning networks? 2. Which of these high performance characteristics are most easily influenced through training, new technologies and/or other intervention strategies over time? Pact hypothesizes that a core set of characteristics will emerge that clearly drive high performance in learning networks and that those characteristics will require particular intervention strategies to ensure that they support high performance over time. By shedding light on these characteristics, the research findings will advance the development sector's understanding of what matters most to learning network effectiveness and will guide practitioners in building and supporting high-performing learning networks across the sector. Pact is testing a framework for measuring network viability using a simple online questionnaire that includes six survey questions. Those who fill out the questionnaire are to receive a score as well as ideas for strengthening the network described in critical performance areas. They will also have the opportunity to share ideas and approaches to fostering a viable network. You can access the survey here: http://www.pactworld.com/network/index.php (posted by Jayne Cravens, who is NOT involved in any way, shape or form with this initiative) _______________________________________________ DIGITALDIVIDE mailing list DIGITALDIVIDE@mailman.edc.org http://mailman.edc.org/mailman/listinfo/digitaldivide To unsubscribe, send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the body of the message.
