Is Africa ready for this??

Many a time when the issues of e-learning implementation are discussed in Africa, most hide behind "no infrastructure, no institutional or national policies, but isn’t all that just hiding behind the "thin finger"? The perception that is in our mind when we hear e-learning is: state of the art computers, video conferences and the kind of technologies seen in the science fic movies. but is not putting content as simple power point presentation a form of e-learning, is not instant messaging, smsing, use of simple computer application, use of open source software and learning environments a form or a steps towards the broader definition of e-learning??

The basic problems are culture and attitude change, The question that comes to mind is , 'Do Trainers, Lectures and others really "want" e-learning, or is it just a social imposition upon Africa by the "global trend"'. So in my personal view (which of course may not be shared by some if not many), the first port of call is to address attitude, cultural and social perspectives that people have towards the whole concept of e-learning. Then when everyone is in the same frame of mind (wilful adoption of the e-learning concept) can issues of implementation and development of e-learning begin. Some Institutions have invested in some of the best infrastructure and HR, but all that has remained idle ("gathering dust") because none is ready to use it.

Well that is just food for thought!!!

Commitment to eContent Development and How challenges invloved in the process can be overcome

Passionately driven by the advocacy for improved learning in Africa through the use of emerging technologies, its no surprise I have devoted, my career path to finding sustainable technologies that can be used in Africa For e-learning development using the minimal infrastructure available, despite the fact that Africa far yet so near to compiling with global trend to improving education technologies.

Challenges like lack of infrastructure, lack of commitment, lack of institutional policies and lack of Human Resources have deter the progress of this advocacy. BUT, change in attitude and wilful culture change from all those willing to see the success of e-Content Development and e-learning (me included), will help us to start with whatever resources, merger as they maybe and build upon that, gradually ("starting small").

Creation and Management of Virtual learning Environments Using Web 2.0 tools

Opening Statement



Using my invaluable Knowledge in Virtual Learning environment, the aim of this blog posting is to identify and how to use and manage the Virtual Learning Environments with specific reference to the Moodle Learning management system in context to the development of e-learning in Africa. Any comments and contribution to this posting are welcome



Intoduction





Readiness of Africa to Use Virtual Learning Enviroments



Introduction to Moodle as a VLE



How to Use Moodle



Moodle resource sites

Below are some of the useful sites that can help you when using moodle as a VLE



http://moodle.org