How can new technologies help build microfinance capacity in developing countries? The Microfinance Training of Trainers (MFToT) course has led the way with its unique blended learning approach. The fourth series which opened at the TDLC on August 16, 2007 takes advantage of webcasting to deliver videoconference lectures, vastly expanding accessibility. Moodle, an open-source learning management system, was incorporated for the first time – allowing 653 participants from 52 countries to register on-line.
Research institutes in Japan, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan and Turkey connected via the GDLN on July 18, 2007 to take part in the “Thematic International Workshop 2007 on Feasible and Affordable Seismic Constructions in Developing Countries”. These 5 countries are participating in an ongoing collaborative research and development project to mitigate damage in earthquake prone areas in Asia, using videoconferencing as a way to share information and discuss future plans.
Video StreamingSchool children in Bangkok made their “debut” on screen in Japan during a Kids Initiative videoconference session held on July 17, 2007 acting out a skit explaining why many Thai people wear yellow. Counterparts in Japan responded with a presentation on school life in Tokyo. Kids Initiative is a World Bank TDLC program which utilizes videoconference and other communication technologies to promote multi-cultural exchanges between children to prepare them for an increasingly interconnected world.
Hitotsubashi University’s Asian Public Policy Program (APPP) held its second “reunion” via the GDLN on June 28, 2007. Professor Hisanobu Shishido moderated from the TDLC connecting to alumni in Beijing, Manila, Hanoi and Jakarta. Over thirty attended the seminar in Tokyo, including students currently enrolled in the program.
A new World Bank publication “An East Asian Renaissance: Ideas for Growth” was presented at the TDLC on June 12, 2007 by lead authors Dr. Homi Kharas, former Bank Chief Economist for East Asia & Pacific, and Dr. Indermit Gill, Economic Adviser. Three universities in Japan connected via videoconference to tune into discussions.
With broad interest in road management systems around the world, much can be learned from each other’s experience – thus, findings from two international projects recently undertaken by the World Bank were discussed at a videoconference-based distance seminar connecting 9 sites on April 24, 2007 organized by the Bank’s East Asia Transport Unit & the GDLN.
The National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) and The Building Research Institute (BRI)Japan held an international conference on “Disaster Mitigation Education and Risk Awareness” on March 15, 2007 at the TDLC.
The application of seismic isolation is often limited in developing countries because of the high cost and specialized technology involved in its design, construction and maintenance. To address this issue, a study group organized by the Consortium for Building Research and Development has conducted research on simple and affordable seismic isolation – and an international workshop held on February 8, 2007 via videoconference allowed experts to share their findings with counterparts in Asia.
“More hard work will be needed from all of you”. The new Dean of the Asian Development Bank Institute, Dr. Masahiro Kawai expressed hopes for accelerated microfinance capacity building at an Accreditation Ceremony held on February 5,2007 connecting 6 sites.
