PCF5:CYP - Technology in support of worldwide networks

Title of session
Technology in support of worldwide networks

Session details

 * Date: 16 July 2008
 * Time: 11.00
 * Room: WLE

Session papers

 * Dr. Carolyn Anderson and Yasmin Dean, Uncharted Territory: Creation of Interactive Online International Community Courses (253)
 * Dr Jeanette Bartley, Facilitating Global Development Dialogues: Increasing Access to Learning in Developing Countries (522)
 * Dr Nancy George, South South Collaboration; using D groups to develop information and communications technologies policy for open and distance learning (408)

Key Issues that arose in the session
The three presentations covered 3 diverse projects but we have tried to distil some of the common issues arising from each;


 * Cultures need to be taken into account when developing ODL resources / systems
 * The needs of each set of participants needs to be taken into account – previous experience / access to levels of technology / support from their own institution / even different time zones
 * Protocols – expectations
 * Use a technology that is relevant to the needs of the project and the participants.
 * Language – even a ‘common’ tongue can be misunderstood – e.g. different types of English across the globe.
 * Impact assessment – needs to be considered
 * Milestones need to be planned for the developmental pathway of any project
 * Find out if there is something similar already happening
 * Have a back up plan in case a session fails and to help report to those who could not take part
 * Sustainability of project – how will it be maintained?

Points for future action (Policy, recommendations, commitments etc.)

 * PCF to allow more demonstrations of the sort of projects that are being discussed
 * PCF itself to demonstrate the methods / technology that the conference is at least part based upon.
 * Make known to participants opportunities for accessing resource support to develop some of the ideas being discussed
 * Policy development at all levels MUST include those who are going to be the implementers of that policy. This is very important to keep in mind when developing new projects.