Towards an Online eLearning Network Across African Universities

Leaders:

• Tony Carr, University of Cape Town, South Africa
• Virginie Aimard, United Nations University, Germany
• Nnenna Nwakanma, Free Software and Open Source Foundation for Africa – FOSSFA, Ghana
• Ryan Kelsey, Columbia Center for New Media Teaching and Learning, USA

Content:

The e-learning professions are growing rapidly across Africa. However, there is an ongoing need for rapid capacity development. Part of this relates to the need for formal training, although there is also a definite need for the continuing professional development of e-learning practitioners in communities of practice, and opportunities for researchers to network and develop collaborative projects. Traditionally, these activities would happen face-to-face, but the inconvenience of spending extended periods outside the office combined with the expense of travelling across Africa tend to prevent regular professional meetings, especially where the community of expert practitioners in a particular country or region may be quite small.

It’s time for us to unleash the power of online networking for eLearning in Africa! This meeting is intended to encourage discussion among organizations and individuals interested in developing e-learning research and professional networks across Africa, focusing on the purposes, opportunities, partnerships and parameters for such a network. Another major goal is to identify some of the “magic” factors that can spark and sustain engagement in network activities. The meeting is co-convened by the United Nations University and the Centre for Educational Technology at the University of Cape Town as part of a six-month process to create a funding proposal for the development of an ongoing online network for educational technology researchers and practitioners throughout Africa.

Agenda:

The meeting will include short presentations by participants with experience of developing professional and research networks. There will be time for open discussion with formats such as the World Cafe’ and graphic facilitation as used in unconferences to maximise engagement and ensure that all voices are heard. Speakers will include Dr Thierry Karsenti of the PANAF research network; Nnenna Nwakanma, consultant on ICTs in development; Dr Virginie Aimard of the United Nations University; Ryan Kelsey from Columbia University and Tony Carr from the University of Cape Town. Nancy White from Full Circle Associates will play a key role in the facilitation of the meeting.

Target Audience:

1) Organisations and individuals with experience in developing networks across African universities who wish to collaborate in the development of an e-learning network for African universities.

2) Organisations and individuals who would like to be part of shaping and planning this network.

Prerequisite Knowledge:

Experience and knowledge of the educational technology profession.

Outcomes:

• Awareness and knowledge of existing networks for e-learning professionals in Africa
• Knowledge of some of the resources and infrastructure available for the continuing professional development of e-learning professionals in African universities
• An understanding of some of the success factors for the development of online networks of professionals
• Plans for informal online networking activities during 2011
• Experience of being involved in the shaping of an exciting new initiative