Dear GKD Members, The future of technology is exciting: online "face-to-face" courses with simultaneous translation; virtual reality training offering real-world experience; tiny hand-held devices providing just-in-time job mentoring from top experts. It is easy to imagine inspiring possibilities. Yet how much of this will actually be available to professionals in developing countries? And is this where our training investments should go?
This week we explore the cutting edge of technology for professional development and what it means for the future. Technology R&D investment for developing countries is limited and many promising new technologies flounder for lack of support. At the same time, there is much hype about what new technologies can deliver. We need to understand where the technology trends are going, and assess them carefully in light of our concrete experience with the needs and resources of developing countries. KEY QUESTIONS: 1) What are the most innovative, cutting edge ICT-related practices currently used for professional development in developing countries? 2) Can technology innovations revolutionize professional training for developing countries? What is needed to make it happen? 3) What new technologies will significantly improve and expand professional development? What will it cost to develop these technologies -- and is it worth the cost? 4) What do cognitive and pedagogical sciences tell us about using these technologies effectively? 5) Where are the pitfalls in using these new ICTs in developing countries? 6) How do we want to be using ICTs 3 years from now? Where is the line between hype and reality? 7) How can GKD members be effective advocates for reaching these goals? We look forward to your insights regarding these questions, based on your concrete experience with professional development in developing countries. ------------ This DOT-COM Discussion is funded by the dot-ORG USAID Cooperative Agreement, and hosted by GKD. http://www.dot-com-alliance.org provides more information. To post a message, send it to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd For the GKD database, with past messages: http://www.GKDknowledge.org
