From 11-15th June, 2012, I had been attending the Web 2.0 course at the Natural Resources Development College (NRDC). The course was organized by the In-Service Training Centre with support for CTA. The course is has attracted individuals and institutions working for sustainable development and interested in adopting Web 2.0 tools as a means to connect geographically dispersed work teams, to strengthen coordination and knowledge sharing, and creating opportunities for engagement, participation and skills sharing. The has 25 participants coming from various organizations mainly the NGOs. Most participants came from Lusaka Province although there were one or two coming from the Copperbelt and North Western Provinces. It appears the majority of the partici[ants are either IT or Communication specilists. So how does the course become relevant to a Policy Analyst like me?
It is indeed a fallacy to insinuate that the course was targeting some specific professionals. On a daily basis we have something that we would like to share with someone out there. We also want to learn from others. Policy Analysits are not exceptional. As they generate policy reports, formulate policies and policy options, they need a platform that could accelerate their dissemination. In addition, they also want to learn from others. All this calls for need to share knowledge in an effective and effncient manner.
From the way the course is going, it looks promosing. So far what I have learned has many a difference. The most intriguing parts were the use of Google maps and the insights on what is on Twitter and Facebook platforms. The enthusiasm exbitited by the participarts especially the olders ages commonly refered to us the BBC (Born Before Computer) is maverous and encouraging. The excitement that I have over the training is at times dumpened by the slow internet connectivity which has sometimes resulted in totally missing some hands on exercises. I strongly urge the organizers should really consider this as one of the challenges that need serious attention.
