Background

The concept for iLearn came out of the ongoing relationship between the BBC World Service Trust and the Media Centar in Sarajevo. Initial development work started in September 2002 with a view to designing a system which would meet the needs of broadcast journalists and journalism students in Sarajevo.

The project has since been extended to a wide range of other BBC training projects worldwide, including those in India, Sri Lanka, Bulgaria, Russia, Georgia, Somalia and Somaliland, Nigeria, Iran, Syria, Yemen and Indonesia.

There are more than 100 iLearn modules which range from basic journalism skills and practice to more specialised topics like reporting HIV and AIDS, transitional justice and covering war and conflict. There is also training material in editorial newsroom management, PR and media skills for NGOs.

These modules cover radio, TV and online skills: the Guardian Foundation are our content partners for print material.

The process of producing content for iLearn is ongoing. The bulk of online courses are currently being written and developed by BBC trainers but the World Service Trust is keen to involve other organisations in this process, particularly in areas which fall outside the BBC's core competencies. For further details, contact Michael Randall, at the Trust.