On Monday, June 21, 2004, "Global Knowledge Dev. Moderator" asked:
> 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? I will leave question one to those currently working in a developing country. Regarding the second question, technology can revolutionize professional training by cutting costs - the cost that is reduced is travel expenses to either bring experts in repeatedly or to transport interested parties to a location where there is expertise. I am not advocating no travel. Even a virtual program is more effective when everyone is able to meet, as virtual communication has a long way to go before it will replace a face-to-face discussion. The Internet though allows us to bring images, dialogue, technical information, and continuous follow-up to the needed area, and we can still sleep in our own bed at night. If the cost of housing and transporting experts is minimized, then those same funds can be redirected to creating desired communications network. I would guess that in the beginning the cost would not be reduced. The beauty of this metamorphosis though is that the network, once built, can be used for many projects, thus the long term costs are reduced. The tough nut to crack is that first year. Cost can be reduced though by utilizing recycled equipment, and software with minimal license fees (Open Source), and sharing training and materials with similar organizations. Other costs can be reduced if groups like the UN help to develop the infrastructure. I know I am harping on infrastructure development, but these costs are too great for small organizations, so governments and other organizations with strong financing capacity will need to tackle this part. The other part of the puzzle I believe comes from providing a way for small groups to meets others with common goals (such as training in Portuguese). An organized method for networking to find the right contacts. This is not so much a new technology as a way to use what we have. This is where I see great value in a discussion group like this, and others, as a sort of nexus where roads cross and people meet. > 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? The technology that we are hoping to refine and share with the UN's Global E-Schools and Communities Initiative is the Sakai Tools. These web tools and the course management software are written in open source, so the interface can be adapted into a variety of situations. It is free - a key element. And it is well supported by many of the major US Universities, so it is here to stay - sustainable. Having universal, standardized tools is one part of creating a platform for idea exchange. If we can get others to use these tools, then maybe we can pool our resources to develop modules that we all can use, thereby reducing our cost. > 5) Where are the pitfalls in using these new ICTs in developing > countries? Pitfalls - professionals in other location give advice without ever seeing the situation first hand, and thus giving advice that is not appropriate for the local situation. Blending approaches in general will probably work better. Maybe more face-to-face initially, with IT tools used for follow-up and rapid feedback. > 6) How do we want to be using ICTs 3 years from now? Where is the line > between hype and reality? To unite groups with common objectives. Probably the most advanced use will be one way video streaming, used in conjunction with e-mail for response due to limited band width. Most developing countries will not have high speed access to homes, but should have ample capacity at education sites. If some of the technologies like Wi-Max move faster than expected though, urban areas could have more connectivity capacity. Wi-Max is suppose to have a 55 km radius. > 7) How can GKD members be effective advocates for reaching these goals? Act as a crossroads for exchanging ideas and discussion. GKD's diversity is one of its great strengths. It is fascinating to see both theoretical discussions as well as real life situations. For now discussing scripted questions is ok, and probably the best approach for the objective of writing papers. However, I would like to see the group tackle a real project or projects. Not just a hypothetical case study either, but one where the debate and decisions count. I believe that you develop and refine best practices by doing. So why couldn't the GKD group choose a group to help. Incorporate those with a vested interest in the project to be a part of the discussions. Go though all of the steps, including implementation, and adjustments. That is where I would learn best, this how you could also train the local participants. Each project could be archived as a case study for others to look at as well and see what worked well and did not work so well. I am sure we could come up with some ideas. I know one in San Jose del Negrito, Honduras. ------------ 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]>. 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