What is e-learning? Using the post-it notes please write the key words you associate with e-learning. E-learning is a broad term which is in essence any learning that is facilitated via technology. WAGGGS’ e-learning offers the opportunity for learning and communication in a way that enables wider access across our multi-national organization. We have worked to ensure that it is an approach that fits WAGGGS, therefore defining our own ways of working, using techniques which differ to traditional academic programmes.

Why e-learning? To reach out to more girls and young women by providing programmes through alternative methods. To enhance WAGGGS’ international profile by creating more opportunities for global interaction. To give WAGGGS a 21st century learning platform, whilst maintaining our ethos, culture and values which include: progressive self-development, experiential learning, non-formal education, intergenerational communication, valuing diversity, international sharing.

Aims The ultimate aim is to provide users with a library of training materials and development opportunities, as well as a calendar of online ‘events’ which will include: Staff and volunteer training Online programmes or badge curriculums Facilitated and timed courses Courses supporting face-to-face events, enhancing sharing and collaboration

Benefits Increased access to development opportunities, including support from WAGGGS facilitators Developing skills through work with others from across our membership Flexible access for volunteers who have many other responsibilities Access to a wide range of supporting resources Participants have a personalised learning space which allows them to share with other members around the world

Our approach Through our project, we have developed a unique approach for WAGGGS which incorporates: Non-formal and experiential approach, based on patrol working with no testing style assessment Supported learning, where personal connections are valued and incorporated in learning Diversity is valued with time zones, languages and cultures considered within the course structures supporting accessibility for all

Areas of work We have developed and will now work to create courses within the following areas: Training or open courses: following traditional e-learning models where short courses are available covering specific topics. These will be information based, open to large groups and will not be supported by e-facilitators Closed courses: covering more complex topics which require facilitation, group work and specific groups Communication based spaces: to support communication for face-to-face events or for working groups

Leadership Online As part of the early development of our e-learning we have focused on WAGGGS’ Leadership Development Programme (WLDP). Our Leadership Online course is based on WLDP materials and features the following: In four stages which are available to all members Provides interactive learning materials as well as accessible course materials Is supported by trained e-facilitators Provides a new method for leadership development through online international group work Allows participants to make meaningful connections with others

Our platform We have developed a prototype platform and are currently moving to a new platform, that will be much more effective. Our course structure allows for a focus on communication through forums:

Our platform Access to a range of courses and tools

Information about the course, e-facilitators and other participants Links to recent activity Other online users Forums for social interaction and communication on development topics Interactive learning materials to explore Supporting documents to download and print Collaborative working tools such as wikis for shared document editing and folders for sharing files

Results We have had very positive results, with participants engaging to a very high level, developing their understanding of topics, experiencing leadership and team working through experiential activities; and we have been very impressed by their level of work. The following are examples of what they have produced working together remotely:

What our participants say Over the past year we have trialled several e- learning courses with over 300 participants (28 participants from the Africa region). “Communication happened, understanding happened and learning also happened - that’s when I saw what e-learning is about.” Participant South Africa “We all understand things differently and have different methods of doing anything so it was really great to be in communication with everyone.” Participant from Ghana

Next steps We are now moving into the next phase of our e- learning work including: Development of a new platform which will be much more developed, with specific tools and designs Translation of learning materials and development of translation tools for discussion forums Access through mobile devices Development of courses in a variety of areas

What do you think? To continue to progress we would be very grateful if you could share your thinking. So please use the post-it notes to write down what you feel the benefits will be and what the barriers are for this work For more information and to take stage 1 of our leadership online course which is open to all see the WAGGGS website: leadershipdevelopment/elearning