Development Aspects Impressum Editors

Innovative capacity-building tools

New and innovative learning tools such as virtual courses, online tutorials and knowledge sharing websites contribute all to knowledge transfer and to a more efficient and responsible allocation of scarce development funds.

Today’s technologies allow a combination of face-to-face and virtual knowl- edge sharing which saves travel (cars, flights and hotels) and results in a low-car- bon approach to capacity development.
The possibility for participation is open to anyone with a computer or smart- phone and average speed Web connection. The rate of growth in connections worldwide and decreasing computer prices is so rapid that what was a limitation only a few years ago, with Web connections by phone and limited Web access, is part of the past. The level of accessibility makes these tools socially inclusive, gen- erating learning opportunities that were not possible before.

However, not all stakeholder groups have access to these technologies and tools. But these tools are not meant to replace traditional face-to-face courses and other capacity-building meetings. Virtual and face-to-face training do not need to compete, and one does not need to replace the other. They complement each other in transferring knowledge to a variety of target groups with different needs and possibilities. Together, virtual and face-to-face training constitute a complete demand-responsive approach and support for capacity development.

Virtual training is cost- and time-effective, as participants may follow contents at different moments and from different places, with some exceptions where con- ferences take place and participation at a given moment is required for all.

1. Virtual courses

Virtual training facilitates access to updated knowledge contents; an interactive learning process; a group setting which motivates exchange between participants and between participants and trainers; and the permanent guidance given by qual- ified trainers, tutors and technical support.

Today’s platforms for virtual learning comprise a variety of tools, which include video, facilities for group conferences where speech and documents can be shared and worked on together, online forums, library, calendar, comments and others, all in a user-friendly design.
Even though many training materials are available, this does not mean they are ready to be used directly in virtual courses. The way messages are given, con- tents and examples presented, questions raised, and participants are guided along virtual courses needs careful editing by specialists in virtual education and com- munication.
Virtual courses usually integrate (not necessarily all of the following):

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  A clear guide showing course methodology and platform functioning, including FAQs
  
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  Contents organized in modules (usually two weeks per module
  
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  Videos where trainers address participants
  
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  Other types of video and presentation
  
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  At least one forum per module where all participants are expected to