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3. A structuring Project
This project proposes to build an integrated conceptual, methodological and pedagogical structuring system. Such a system will facilitate, through the articulation of e-learning platforms, electronic dissemination tools and a database, the incorporation of diverse collaborative teaching and learning tools and sources of knowledge from Canada and Latin America. For the purposes of this project, Latin America encompasses also the Caribbean region.
The project also intends to build a critical mass of knowledgeable human resources in both Latin America and Canada. This will be implemented, essentially, on two fronts. The first front is collaboration in the area of e-learning: by designing online courses on various aspects of e-learning, by sharing online courses to increase or enrich offerings; and by documenting and reflecting on the experience. The second front is collaboration at the level of a unified system (represented by a Portal) in the production and use of online resources and tools. The principal tools are a database (represented to the user as a virtual library) and online publications to share, disseminate, and make knowledge available.
The project has the following working hypothesis: Given (a) the need for on-going learning in a globalized world, (b) the current lack of mutual knowledge of Canada and Latin America about relevant knowledge and information resources, and (c) the rapidly generalizing access to the Internet, it is possible through e-learning pedagogical methods, distance education courses, an information hub, and communication tools, to promote collaborative e-learning and knowledge management and dissemination.(8)
This hypothesis will be tested by building an integrated structure that will house and support such collaborative products and services as a Canada-Latin America Portal, a virtual library, online teaching tools and courses, dissemination tools, discussion fora, and links to a wide variety of other existing resources. In order to take the experiment forward, it is proposed to focus initially the following themes: virtual education (e-learning), local territorial development(9), inter-cultural relations(10), and international development(11).
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