1. Agnes Adjabeng Librarian/Principal Programme Officer, EPA/GHANA Mainstreaming eLearning for Environment UNEP Pre-Conference Seminar at 4 th eLearning Africa, Dakar, 27 May 2009 1 Application of eLearning in Managing Environmental Information

2. Introduction This blended eLearning course deals with capacity building in information management. The course focuses on interactive technologies and communication systems and aims to stimulate a community of practice. It will help improve and enhance management of environmental information for sustainable development of the environment. Technology support Learning 2 Mainstreaming eLearning for Environment, UNEP Pre Conference Seminar at the 4th eLearning Africa Conference - Dakar, 27thMay 2009

3. Outline of course The course has seven modules: 1. Concepts of information management 2. Components of environmental information 3. Types/Formats of information 4. Communication Channels 5. Storage facilities 6. Sources of information retrieval 7. Channels of information dissemination Our Environment 3 Mainstreaming eLearning for Environment, UNEP Pre Conference Seminar at the 4th eLearning Africa Conference - Dakar, 27thMay 2009

4. Purpose To introduce information managers to: Available technology for the effective management of environmental information. Technology to collect, store, process, and package the information. Promotion and dissemination of environmental information. Environmental education and creation of awareness on the urgent need to protect the environment. 4 Mainstreaming eLearning for Environment, UNEP Pre Conference Seminar at the 4th eLearning Africa Conference - Dakar, 27thMay 2009

5. Objectives Learning Objectives Participants will acquire skills and knowledge in the application of information management technologies. Will be exposed to various ways and methods for gathering, storing, processing, packaging and disseminating environmental information effectively. 5 Mainstreaming eLearning for Environment, UNEP Pre Conference Seminar at the 4th eLearning Africa Conference - Dakar, 27thMay 2009

6. Target Group The target group is information managers in the environment sector. 6 Mainstreaming eLearning for Environment, UNEP Pre Conference Seminar at the 4th eLearning Africa Conference - Dakar, 27thMay 2009 The users will have an appreciation of new approaches for accessing information. It is important the organisation adapts innovative ways of meeting the information needs of the user. Relevance

7. Course Organization The course will be delivered on the Learning Management System (LMS) Moodle. Duration of the course will be six (6) weeks (5 per week). Course will engage six learners to participate in the course delivery. Language of course delivery will be English. This eLearning course will be sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency and will also seek support from national and international organizations. 7 Mainstreaming eLearning for Environment, UNEP Pre Conference Seminar at the 4th eLearning Africa Conference - Dakar, 27thMay 2009

8. Course Certification Upon successful completion of the training course, participants will be awarded certificates. To be eligible for certification, every participant should complete the entire course including theory, practical sessions. 8 Mainstreaming eLearning for Environment, UNEP Pre Conference Seminar at the 4th eLearning Africa Conference - Dakar, 27thMay 2009

9. Quality Assurance A regular documentation which will include feedback from participants and other evaluators (during the implementation process) will lead to proper evaluation while the process is on-going. At the end of each module of the course, an evaluation will be conducted to ensure the objectives are being achieved as intended. At the end of the course, a quality assurance procedure will be applied. This will help improve subsequent deliveries of the course. 9 Mainstreaming eLearning for Environment, UNEP Pre Conference Seminar at the 4th eLearning Africa Conference - Dakar, 27thMay 2009

10. Methodology Presentations: Provide learners with information resources from various sources (Document Pool, Online Libraries ). Chat: Foster communication in the online phase; tutoring. Group tasks: Self-discovery content, exchange with other participants. Supportive media Chat/Discussion Forum. CD-Rom/HTML Content/PDF Internet/Web/Email/Power Point Presentation 10 Mainstreaming eLearning for Environment, UNEP Pre Conference Seminar at the 4th eLearning Africa Conference - Dakar, 27thMay 2009

11. Results Effective information management will: Meet information needs of staff and stakeholders. Enhance outreach programmes in school, clubs, market places and lorry Parks. Promote activities/programmes in the Agency. Establish network links for exchange of information and sharing of ideas. Collaboration and Cooperation. 11 Mainstreaming eLearning for Environment, UNEP Pre Conference Seminar at the 4th eLearning Africa Conference - Dakar, 27thMay 2009

12. My experience with eLearning Chats Tight schedules turn into a torture Preparing voluminous learning materials Courses are good resource Curiosity prevailed first chat Small groups are more effective Relaxed Learning A good option for people working abroad Acquisition of new skills Relaxed Learning 12 Mainstreaming eLearning for Environment, UNEP Pre Conference Seminar at the 4th eLearning Africa Conference - Dakar, 27thMay 2009

13. Challenges in establishing quality eLearning programmes in Ghana There are several challenges in establishing quality e-learning programs- in Ghana: Resistance to change; Limited access to bandwidth; Unreliable power supply; Weak partnerships between stakeholders; Limited access to IT equipments such as computers; Absence of institutional e-learning policies; Inadequate capacities in ICT skills (Training); Sustainability of effective networks; Lack of motivation; Lack of funding. 13 Mainstreaming eLearning for Environment, UNEP Pre Conference Seminar at the 4th eLearning Africa Conference - Dakar, 27thMay 2009

14. Way Forward Raise awareness in EPA management. Organise seminar to introduce eLearning to the staff. Develop project proposal for funding.

15. MILLE FOIS MERCI DE MAVOIR ECOUTER 15 Mainstreaming eLearning for Environment, UNEP Pre Conference Seminar at the 4th eLearning Africa Conference - Dakar, 27thMay 2009 Agnes Adjabeng EPA / GHANA