Concept information
Preferred term
POLAR-WMT
Definition
- Short Title: POLAR: WMT Proposal URL: http://classic.ipy.org/development/eoi/proposal-details.php?id=45 Due to distances, extreme climate, and lack of present day infrastructure, the North is critically lacking in education and training opportunities. With modern technology, incorporating advances in communications and computers, these barriers can be overcome resulting in a transforming impact in polar communities. As a global leader in online distance education (e-learning), Athabasca University Canada's Open University (AU) with its partners in the University of the Arctic and allied institutions in other countries, is the natural choice to implement viable learning programs. For example, AU's exemplary programs in Health sciences, nursing, education, policing, computer and information systems, and management, address subject areas in which there is a critical lack of skilled personnel in the North, and in particular among the indigenous communities. By combining this internationally recognized educational leadership in e-learning, which is eminently appropriate for reaching the North, with the exploration of new and appropriate technologies including satellite and mobile media, many of the major obstacles to learning in the Arctic can be overcome. Growing from AU's experience working with information and communication technologies for learning and from its international partnerships, the participants in this project propose to develop an advanced learning network using Internet via satellite access technologies to reach remote communities and wireless devices for dissemination and communications within the communities. This high tech delivery will be used to support a learning-centred methodological approach to learning, teaching, and community development. This will promote an online learning culture in rural communities improving digital literacy, access to local and external educational resources, promoting lifelong community-centred learning and collaboration, while reducing technology resistance in dozens of pilot sites in up to eight Arctic countries using the partnerships developed through AU's membership in the University of the Arctic. The ultimate goals are growth, and the transfer of knowledge at various levels, in a range of relevant subject areas, starting with a specific, particularly appropriate module in e-portfolio development for prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) and a first year university course in polar astronomy/space science, taking advantage of the internet accessible astronomical observatory at Athabasca University. A range of full programmes for polar students is envisioned. This POLAR WMT learning network can also be accessed by other scientists for the training of high quality personnel using high speed electronic media to deliver courses and conduct lessons, workshops, seminars, and lectures. A principal aim of this project is to support the creation of a new culture in rural communities promoting digital literacy and reducing resistance to the use of new technologies. It will go a step further, encouraging user to add their significant contribution to the emerging applications by involving them in meaningful activities, tailored to address the needs of different user groups. Thus, this project aims to offer stimulating and creative learning environments to support vibrant user communities and will attempt an extended implementation in dozens of pilot sites in the Arctic This project will be based on innovative "action" and "design-based" research methodologies and practices aimed at experimenting with and developing real world implementations of new learning experiences for remote learners using the latest technologies. The objective is to facilitate learning in homes, schools, the workplace, community centres, adult education forums, and a variety of informal contexts using wireless and mobile devices. Serving the special needs of learners in the Arctic requires a better understanding of the geographical, cultural and evolving technological environment in which they live. The project will mobilize community support by involving stake holders (community leaders, government officials, local teachers) in the creation of a plan for the sustainability and development of the learning system exploring new technologies as they arise and their applicability for learning. This will involve (1) determining how the satellite/wireless platform will need to evolve in order to meet increasing user expectations (2) comparing this with current developments that are under way with the ICT hardware and software development companies (3) developing innovative ways of implementing the satellite/wireless infrastructure, demonstrating the enhanced potential of communication via satellite to the users in the Arctic region (4) selecting the most appropriate applications, and proposing a roadmap for replication, including both technical and pedagogical demonstrations promoting the use of satellite/wireless learning widely throughout the Arctic. (en)
Broader concept
- P - R (en)
URI
https://gcmd.earthdata.nasa.gov/kms/concept/5e208038-e1de-4a0b-9037-4b3390a4fecf
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