As access to the Internet expands worldwide, Internet technologies have great potential to make essential information, training, and on-the-job support accessible to health managers in developing countries. International health agencies are forging new directions for using the Internet to strengthen individual and organizational capacity and enhance the sustainability of public health development initiatives around the world.
A Web-based workshop, "Transforming your Vision for Reproductive Health into a Reality," was designed, developed, and implemented to test ways in which the Internet can be used to support professional development in developing countries. This workshop helped participants capture their creative visions for improving reproductive health services and then translate those visions into concrete, fundable proposals. Sixteen professionals from 15 countries attended the two-week workshop, included three representatives from the international donor community.
Participants learned how to develop a concept paper, while soliciting comments and feedback through intensive e-mail conversations with facilitators. As developing-country participants posted their questions on a public message board, donor-agency staff responded, providing a unique opportunity for exchange. The result? Donors have funded two participant concept papers and are considering several others.
This experience has shown that, given a strong desire to succeed and a supportive work environment, e-learning participants are able to overcome most technological barriers. An extensive evaluation has demonstrated that while there are challenges in Web-based training, Internet workshops meet a unique need for professionals who might not have had access to courses locally or the resources or time to travel to such courses.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, the participant will be able to: Describe the use of the Internet for providing participatory training to reproductive health managers around the world. List the benefits and challenges associated with Web-based training workshops. Discuss potential uses of e-learning as a method for strengthening the skills of health managers worldwide.
Keywords: Professional Training, Internet
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Management Sciences for Health
Partners in Population and Development
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment