Distance Learning for Sustainable Development: A concrete application by the World Agroforestry Centre

Tags: distance learning, agroforestry, reforestation, on line education

Panama City, Panama, 30 August 2007: The World Agroforestry Centre offers an innovative training course “Contextualising Teaching and Learning in Schools Using Natural Resources - the case of school tree nurseries” by distance learning.

The Enoch Olinga College (ENOCIS) Development and Education encourages practitioners to discover and take advantage of this concrete example of a Distance Learning project in the field of Sustainable Development.

Context: according to the project, many attempts have been made to adjust educational content so that it becomes relevant to sustainable development. In practice, this has often meant the introduction of new topics or subjects, for example natural resources or environmental management. Relatively little emphasis has been placed, however, on the development of education strategies that are based on the immediate context in which the school is located.

This training course will deal with the use of natural resources as a way of contextualising primary and secondary education and making teaching and learning more relevant to the local situation. Tree nurseries in schools will be used as examples to demonstrate this concept.

The training course is of interest and open to teachers in primary and secondary schools, lecturers, education officials, representatives of NGOs and CBOs as well as educators active in education for sustainable development. There are no course fees to be paid if one's application is accepted. The training course will take place from 17 September to 5 October 2007. The deadline for receiving applications is 7 September 2007. A resource associated to this highlight includes a PDF document introducing the training course and further information about how to apply. Picture Credit: The World Agroforestry Centre

For more information on the ENOCIS Project please visit our web site www.enocis.org.   Education: The Tool to Break the Chains of Poverty.

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Pros And Cons Of Distance Education

By Tony Jacowski

Previously, it was possible to practice distance learning only through the mail. However, in recent times, with the help of technological advancements, these programs are also available online. Distance learning is beneficial to those students who not only wish to complete higher studies but also need to earn a living at the same time. It is also ideal for those who can study only part-time, as they may be busy with other activities. Distance learning programs are offered for education at any level, but are more popular with university studies.

Distance education, as the name suggests, is a method of implementing education to students living in distant places and cannot access further education. Using this approach, the student is not required to attend classes like in a regular school or college. Education is imparted through correspondence and communication between the institution and the pupil.

Procedure

In order to gain knowledge and complete higher studies, a student does not have to attend regular educational institutions. Distance learning makes the task of achieving the desired course of education easier while sitting in the comfort of your home. In distance learning, you do not have the advantage of receiving personal attention and guidance of a teacher or a professor as in a regular school. Instead you need to study on your own.

The educational institution supplies all the required educational material, resources and references. This correspondence will help you to stay in touch and move in pace with the activities and course of studies of other students attending regular schools and colleges. The institution usually provides an entire range of books, audio and visual aids such as tapes and CDs where you have enrolled.

Requirements

In order to implement distance-learning programs effectively, you need to correspond and communicate with the instructors regularly. To enable efficient and quick communication, it may be necessary for you to install a computer. To clear your doubts and answer your queries, you may also have to download certain programs and suggested websites or interact with the professor through videoconferences.

Advantages

Distance learning provides you the convenience of studying in the comfort of your home and saves you from the daily grind of commuting. You have the liberty of performing other chores and completing studies at the same time. These programs offer immense flexibility of pace, especially to those who are involved in other occupational activities. Disadvantages

You will be entirely by yourself and can receive help only through the resources supplied by the institution. If you are not good at grasping and learning without the supervision and guidance of an instructor, the program may prove to be quite a challenging task. If you cannot adhere to deadlines and have a habit of procrastinating, distance learning is not a very good idea.

A simple guide to make the task of distance learning easier is to follow basic rules and management techniques. Prepare a timetable and allocate appropriate hours to studies and other activities. Dedicate the required time and attention to learning. Stay in regular contact with your teachers and other students so that you don’t lag behind. Do not hesitate to ask questions and clear your doubts. Put in all the hard work and effort as you would in a regular school.

Before you finally decide to enroll as a student of distance education, remember to consider the positive and negative aspects so that the program proves to be beneficial.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions

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