Distance Learning

Introduction

One of the Programme's main activities is the development of a set of structured distance learning materials to support capacity building and on-the-job training at national and local food security information systems and networks.

Release Dates

Visit the website to find out more about the release of various components of the curriculum.


Objectives

The distance learning curriculum aims at:

	improving the collection, management, analysis and dissemination of food security information;
	reinforcing capacity to formulate policies, strategies and programmes integrating food insecurity and vulnerability information; and
	raising awareness of governments, local actors and international community on the impact of food insecurity on related policies.

Scope and Target Audience

1) Mid-level managers, technical staff, field personnel who are involved in the collection, management, analysis, and reporting of food security information.

The curriculum will cover the broad spectrum of concepts and tools used to collect, analyze and report on food security so that users can:

	make informed choices among the various methodologies and techniques to best suit their particular needs and food security situation;
	improve information products and system outputs to increase impact;
	work effectively and share information and knowledge with colleagues; and
	effectively communicate findings to decision makers.

2) Planners, policy formulators and programme managers who are involved in monitoring progress in poverty reduction, and meeting food security goals and targets.

The curriculum will build awareness among those who design, manage and evaluate policies and programmes across the four principal food security dimensions:

	Early warning
	Response planning
	Recovery programming
	Formation of national strategies

The curriculum will provide them with the knowledge required to better utilize information to assess and analyze food security in different situations, and for different objectives.

Topics to be Covered

The distance learning curriculum will address a variety of interrelated topics and will be designed in such a way that learners from several disciplines with various levels of experience can create tailored courses by designing their own program of study to meet their training needs.

Topics to be covered include:

	Concepts and definitions
	Food security frameworks
	Information systems and networks
	Assessments
	Indicators
	Targeting
	Reporting
	Sharing and building knowledge
	Communication and advocacy

Planned Outputs

Modules:
A series of modules covering the various topics which are designed, developed and reviewed by subject matter experts. These are delivered as an interactive e-learning course on CD and the Internet designed for personalized self-paced learning. The modules will use the latest instructional methods in e-learning including:

	Storytelling
	Illustrative case studies
	Simulations
	Demonstration-practice exercises
	Interactive tests with reinforcement feedback

A wide range of resources will be included with each module such as:

	Links to online resources
	Recommended reading
	Self-study tutorials
	Checklists,guides and forms
	Practical guidelines
	Software and manuals

On-line Communities:
A series of "virtual" communities will be made available on the Internet allowing collaboration and exchange of information between food security specialists.

Training Resources:
A series of structured, peer-reviewed lessons and associated materials based on the distance learning materials modified for use in workshops.

Methodology

The learning curriculum is be based on the methodology being used by the Information Management Resource Kit (IMARK), a partnership-based e-learning initiative led by FAO.

For more information see: http://www.imarkgroup.org

Support

The module is being developed as part of the EC/FAO Food Security Programme - Phase II entitled "Food Security Information for Action". Additional support in developing the curriculum is being provided through the Food Insecurity and Vulnerability Information and Mapping Systems (FIVIMS) Arrears Project and the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA).