NCTI launches E-learning Management Systems Workshop

Twenty tutors and prospective tutors will be receiving training in the design development and implementation of E-Learning Management Systems – which will better equip them to deliver online learning.

The launch of the programme took place last Wednesday, October 14 at the National Centre of Technological Innovation (NCTI) office in Kingstown.{{more}}

Delivering the main address was Cleveland Thomas, Area Representative for the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) — the entity that funded this training.

Thomas said: “The ITU is working to ensure that everyone should have the necessary skills to benefit fully from the information of society. Therefore, capacity building and ICT literacy are essential.”

Asserting that the training programme is “consistent with our vision and our goals,” Thomas encouraged participants to “ask questions and be innovative” throughout the training programme.

He further briefly explained the benefits of implementing online management systems within the local education system and wider governmental processes and services.

“ICT impacts each and every one of us. I expect that all of us will continue to be change agents, driven by a shared vision – a vision to make the fruits of the information society accessible to all.”

Also addressing the small gathering was Ulrick Sutherland, head of the E-College at the SVG Community College.

Sutherland explained that the learning management system is designed to provide educators, administrators and learners with a “single, robust, secure and integrated system to create personalized learning environments.”

He also noted that it can be used to supplement ‘face-to-face’ learning, and can also be used to deliver learning courses in a fully online environment.

With 27 years of teaching experience under his belt, Sutherland expressed his excitement at embarking on this new venture.

He pointed out that the younger generation have been born into the new technology that is available in modern society; therefore, tutors and instructors have to increase their skill set, so that they can deliver learning/education to these “native learners” in as appealing a package as possible.

“These learners are different now. We can no longer… continue teaching in the traditional ways.”

The software being used for this particular training programme is Modular Object Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment (MOODLE), which Sutherland said is very popular across the various learning management system platforms.

“The major aim of this training course is to provide you, the participants, with the knowledge and skills necessary to master the MOODLE software.”

Sharon Bibby, manager at the SVG NCTI, in opening remarks, said: “Online learning brings many benefits, including increased training opportunities to a wider cross section of the population – especially to those living in rural communities and the Grenadine islands.”

Bibby also said that it creates the opportunity for local trainers to conduct online training throughout the Caribbean and further afield.

“Technology has penetrated into virtually all areas of operations of education, and entwined with educational practices… It is essential that educational professionals get themselves ready for transforming their practices.” (JSV)