Below are 30 of the most frequently asked questions about the Tokyo Development Learning Network and the Global Development Learning Network. If you have a question that is not answered below, please don't hesitate to let us know.
The Global Development Learning Network (GDLN) is a World Bank initiative launched in June 2000 to improve development effectiveness by using information and communications technologies (ICTs) and distance learning methods to support knowledge sharing and educational activities among countries.
The Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC), a part of the GDLN, is a center for collaboration among development groups and other networks in Japan, the East Asia and Pacific region and beyond, as well as between educators, civil society, and the private sector. The TDLC forms the core support structure for content development (by facilitating programs and events based on the GDLN) and capacity building to GDLN centers and content providers. The TDLC also develops distance learning capacity both in partner organizations and in GDLN centers.
The TDLC offers various services including videoconferencing (VC) connectivity arrangement, program design and coordination, instructional design advice, exploratory VC sessions, recruitment of participants, creation of distance learning business plans, and other technical assistance depending on the necessity. We are able to coordinate the recruitment of experts as short-term consultants to projects and programs where necessary.
If you have valuable content on development issues, for example courses, workshop results, research, white papers, etc., our technical, advisory, and financial support can help you develop effective videoconferences or long-term distance learning programs in a financially sustainable manner.
The GDLN is built using three types of connecting technologies:
The TDLC is an open and accessible resource for various parties — including both content providers and recipients — who wish to hold distance learning activities with a commitment to development and poverty reduction. Any institution or individual around the world could be a content provider or recipient, with the GDLN acting as a 'knowledge brokerage' where the supply and demand for knowledge is intermediated.
Current TDLC clients include multilateral and bilateral development agencies, UN agencies, regional organizations, national government and government agencies, local governments, universities, research and training institutions, NPOs, as well as associations, foundations, private firms and civil society.
We've hosted a wide range of events including international seminars of students' associations, sessions of the UN Secretary-General's Working Group on Water, book launches and the release of a major multi-agency regional development study, and our ongoing Kids' Initiative series. Topics under discussion have included AIDS and tuberculosis prevention, disaster mitigation, productivity and quality control, and development financing.
Browse our event news archive to learn more.
Yes, and we would be delighted to show you. Please contact us to arrange an appointment.
Our Program Coordinators will consult with you to determine the requirements for your sessions and will assist in making your events successful. However content preparation itself is your responsibility. You should:
Program Coordinators are available to answer any questions you may have.
Basic GDLN costs consist of a videoconferencing service fee and a network setup fee. See our pricing page for more detailed information.
In order to estimate preliminary costs for your program, please refer to the GDLN cost estimator.
Establishing long-term partnerships enables us to focus on developing sustainable GDLN programs. The TDLC builds partnerships with content providers and distributors to expand the access of the clients to necessary knowledge and resources for poverty reduction and sustainable development. By promoting partnerships rather than creating our own content, we aim to best contribute to accelerating the knowledge sharing between providers and recipients.
The TDLC's assistance to partners includes:
Candidate partners should:
The TDLC develops partnerships in three general steps.
First we focus on assessment. We provide GDLN opportunities to prospective partners to let them explore, experience and assess GDLN activities. If necessary, we will also help candidate partners in similar subject areas network with each other.
In the next step we identify program requirements and scope. We jointly develop a pilot program plan in which we determine our respective contributions and levels of support to the program.
Finally we move to implementation. The TDLC assists in the delivery of a pilot GDLN program. During this development stage, partners will develop GDLN conducting capacity and content for a long-term program. The TDLC provides program coordination and instructional design advice, and supports communication costs (depending on the financial condition of the partners). We provide full technical support and can facilitate the recruitment of participants or consultants as required.
The TDLC has three videoconferencing rooms, the Studio, the Training Room, and the Conference Room, each equipped with the latest technology. For a virtual tour of the center, visit the Facilities section of the site.
The Studio is:
The Training Room is:
The Conference Room is:
The walls dividing the three rooms can be removed to create a single large space that, depending on the particular seating arrangements, can comfortably accommodate about 100 people.
We have 77 GDLN centers all over the world. See the GDLN website for a full list.
Yes. We can connect through the World Bank's network, or via ISDN or IP (see question 5). We will shortly be able to connect via Internet2.
To ensure high quality connections, external sites should be certified by the World Bank's Information & Technology Group prior to the first connection.
External sites connecting to the GDLN should have:
The GDLN network is capable of connecting up to 15 sites. However, from a practical point of view, our years of experience suggest that moderators or facilitators may have difficulty managing more than 7 or 8 sites during any one event.
Yes. All three rooms are equipped with document cameras which enable projection of documents to both on-site and remote screens.
Yes. PCs are provided in each room for PowerPoint presentations to be shown locally and remotely. See our templates and guides for advice on preparing clear and legible presentations for video transmission.
Yes. Please contact us for information on supported video formats and resolutions.
Yes. Please contact us for information on supported data formats and resolutions.
Yes. The fee depends on the languages requires, the number and ability of interpreters, and the particular content of the conference.
Yes. Again, the fee depends on the language, the content, and the length of the conference.
Upon your request we can arrange for recording of events. Recordings can be provided in DVD format at the rate of US$ 20.00 per disc.
Refreshment service or catering is also available.
Yes. Test connections or rehearsals are highly recommended for high-profile events or when sites are connecting to the network for the first time. The costs for the test connection and rehearsal will be charged with the main fee.
You need to submit an application form to the TDLC. Please see our Reservation Guidelines for details.
Upon your submission of an application form to the TDLC, our Program Coordinators will check and inform you of the availability of the relevant centers.
Yes, however connectivity time slots, rooms, and other resources will be allocated to confirmed events in preference to tentative bookings.
Tokyo Development Learning Center
A Japan/World Bank Distance Learning Partnership Project
The World Bank • Fukoku Semei Bldg. 10F • 2-2-2 Uchisaiwai-cho Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0011
Tel: +81-(0)3-3597-1333 • Fax: +81-(0)3-3597-9161 • E-mail us here
