A total of 27 participants from different organizations in Tanzania dealing with different agricultural issues are undergoing intensive Web 2.0 training at University of Dar Es Salaam which is organised by the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation. Web 2.0 applications are sometimes known as “social media” enable people to collaborate, to create, share and publish information.
The 5-day training which takes place from 27th June 2011 to 01st July 2011 comprises among things how to conduct advanced multilingual online searches by using search magic, select information via alerts and RSS feeds, develop contents remotely using Wikis and Google Docs and to locate organisations and it projects using online maps.
This training is taking place in Tanzania due to its improved Internet access (Seacom Fiber Optic Network) to emulate their neighbouring Kenyan counterparts who were also trained in mastering Web 2.0.
The Tanzania initiative was facilitated by Giacomo Rimbaldi who through Mr. Joel Mtebe of CVL, UDSM agreed to organize it together. The beneficiaries of the training underwent a rigorous selection process as there were more than hundred and twenty applicants. The prerogative was given to applicants dealing with agriculture, forestry, policy makers, people from training centers and those who showed genuine interest for the course and who convinced the organizers that they were going to disseminate the acquired knowledge to others and bring impact to the society/community.
The training sessions have been very intense, and the trainees have been busy learning different Web 2.0 applications. In the end they are expected to use the knowledge acquired to create a link and network to keep each other informed of what is going on after the training.
Mr. Mtebe, when reached for comment expressed his wishes that after this training there will be an established local network between participants and other people in agricultural sectors.
Edwin Mugerezi of InfoBrige thinks that the training on Web 2.0 has enabled him to cross the bridge from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0 smoothly and will take the knowledge gained to impart it to his colleagues in his company, “I will definitely teach it to my colleagues.” He admitted that although many people use social media for personal use most do not know the hidden opportunities for professional advancement He reiterated the organisers to make a close follow and coordinate the present participants to pass on this knowledge.
But Matiba Fortunata of the School of Education at the University of Dar es salaam has this to say, “I thought this is too scientific for me, but it is the opposite, it is not that difficult to learn, it is just there are too many useful stuffs.” Matiba was largely impressed by Skype, Google Maps and Docs and noted that it was amazing that Facebook could really be used for professional purposes. She promised to keep on using Web 2.0 and talk about it to her peers and colleagues.
Amina Kilumasha of University of Dar Es Salaam said that since she is now studying her Masters in Multimedia and eLearning having the opportunity to attend this training has enabled her to be more aware of Google docs, how to use Wikis and social network; with the great hope of her going back and share it with her colleagues plus designing online courses and learning tools through eLearning, she admitted also that the time for this training was too short.
While Moses Olotu of Mkwawa University said that the motivation behind his application to Web 2.0 was that the training/workshop contain some element in agriculture which directly links with his PhD Thesis hence he did not hesitate to apply to attend Web 2.0 workshop. He praised the knowledge he gained in Google docs, Social networking and Wikis which he described as the one which will help him a lot not only in his career but also during his daily activities.He added by recommending the training to be replicated in other institutions and also be incorporated in school curricula.
All the participants were happy with the facilitation by the main instructor Mr. Nicholas Kimolo and his colleague Mr. Joel Mtebe who made sure the training was coordinated and ran smoothly. Participants appreciated the democratic model which was the first of its kind to be used in this kind of training.
The Training was also graced by a short visit of Mr. Giacomo Rimbaldi, the Senior Programme Coordinator-cum-photographer-camera person from Italy.
The 5-day traning ended on Friday when the participants are expected to finish their assignments which among other things make them feel like professionals in Web 2.0 ready to face the world with the new-found knowledge. The next trainings are expected to take place in Zanzibar, Dodoma and Mwanza.
Written by;
1.Joeline Ezekiel(joelineezekiel@gmail.com)
2.Mwakalapa Eliezer(mwaxeb85@gmail.com)
3.Deodatus Kiriba(sidekimasha@gmail.com)
4.Dr. Nassor Masoud(mnassor@gmail.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment