iLearn is an online learning system devised by the BBC World Service Trust for media professionals in developing countries.
The courses are aimed at users with poor Internet connectivity and can be published in any language.
iLearn courses:
• promote the principles of balanced, objective journalism.
• provide advice, models and guidelines for best practice
• focus on developing professional skills
Trainees perform practical tasks and submit them to online mentors for evaluation.
This process is managed by iLearn partners based in and around the world and supervised by the BBC World Service Trust.
iLearn forms a key component of “blended learning” programmes – ie face-to-face training coupled with online learning.
The system contains dozens of modules – each explaining a different subject area.
Our trainers use these modules to create tailor-made courses, meeting the individual needs of each student.
The iLearn system tracks and manages the personal development of each trainee.
And the cumulative data shows the long-term impact of media development initiatives.
Content
Each iLearn module is written by an experienced trainer and expert, before being checked and edited by the iLearn editorial team. We have about 20 expert trainers, who constantly create new modules and update existing ones.
The modules include print, radio and television journalism, as well as management issues.
Each module takes the learner through a number of logical, progressive steps – one step to a webpage. Some steps contain an interactive element - asking the reader to think about an issue or to come up with an idea, before moving forward to the next step.
At the end of a module there is a series of questions which test trainees’ new understanding.
Finally trainees are asked to complete an assignment based on the information they have just learned. They submit this online and it is marked by a dedicated mentor.