• English
  • العربية
  • 中文
  • Français
  • Русский
  • Español

You are here

Nuclear Teachers in Latin America Trained on Integrating e-Learning Technologies in Nuclear Education

,
,

Participants learn how to use e-learning tools and LANENT online platform in their education programs, Costa Rica (Photo: M. Sbaffoni/IAEA)    

Integrating e-learning technologies into existing educational systems is becoming an effective teaching methodology, as a powerful means to embrace the learning styles of a new generation of students.  

However, despite the prevalence of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) use globally, the use of e-learning technologies in the nuclear field is sometimes limited due to the shortage of experts and knowledge.

To address this need, the IAEA conducted a series of regional training courses to educate professionals from universities and nuclear organisations in Latin America and the Caribbean region. The 3rd regional training course on the “Development of e-Learning Courses for Teachers”, that took place in Costa Rica last month, introduced nuclear university teachers and professors to the basic concepts of e-learning and integrating online learning tools in nuclear education and training.

The “e-learning for e-learning” introductory course provided teachers with practical steps and tools required for planning, development and implementation of online learning programmes delivered through the regional installation of the IAEA Cyber Learning Platform for Network Education and Training (CLP4NET).

“Integrating e-learning technologies in our nuclear education programmes will allow us to exchange knowledge within the Latin American region avoiding travel costs,” said Juan Gonzales from the Universidad Pedagógica Experimental Libertador, in Venezuela. “The online educational platforms promoted by IAEA’s such as the LANENT’s CLP4NET, allow not only to share educational materials and courses, but also to create online nuclear education communities, enabling collective efforts for building and advancing nuclear knowledge in the region.”

Twenty-four professionals from universities and nuclear training organisations in 9 countries of the Central America and Caribbean region obtained practical skills on developing, maintaining and using e-learning courses and technologies for nuclear education and training. The course was supported by the IAEA Technical Cooperation programme, in the framework of the regional TC project RLA0057, “Enhancing Nuclear Education, Training, Outreach and Knowledge Management”.

The course was delivered in combined face-to-face interaction and online learning mode, with intensive use of e-learning platforms like LANENT and CLP4NET.

“The e-learning technologies are not well utilized in teaching nuclear science and technology in our region as we lack skilled experts and sufficient IT infrastructure established for academia,” said Guadalupe Gonzalez from the Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá. “The Agency’s e-learning mechanisms provide us with practical solution and tools that will help closing the gap between the countries with more advanced knowledge on nuclear science and technology, and newcomers.”

Background

Established as the Agency’s official learning management system (LMS), the Cyber Learning Platform for Network Education and Training (CLP4NET) platform provides a wide range of e-learning courses to Member States. With more than 18000 users, the CLP4NET provides over 300 courses hosted in self-directed (open) LMS and the instructor-led (protected) LMS.

Through CLP4NET, the Agency supports the development of educational materials and e-learning courses and collaboration among the four regional nuclear education networks it has helped establish - the Regional Network for Nuclear Education and Training in Nuclear Technology (STAR-NET), the AFRA Network for Education in Science and Technology (AFRANEST), the Asian Network for Education in Nuclear Technology (ANENT) and the Latin American Network for Education in Nuclear Technology (LANENT). Each of these regional networks maintain their own Learning Platforms based on the CLP4NET model to support teaching activities in the region.

 

 

 

Stay in touch

Newsletter