Joining the iLearn Network

To realise its full potential, iLearn relies on strong partnerships both on a regional and on a global level.

Although the physical system is based on a server in London, the World Service Trust offers selected partners long-term licences to implement iLearn in specific geographical regions. For example, the Media Centar Sarajevo has exclusive rights to deliver iLearn courses in countries sharing the Bosnian/Serbian/Croatian language group. In the former Soviet Union, Russian-language courses are being developed by the Eurasia Media Centre, in Yekaterinburg.

These regional partners manage the learning cycle through locally recruited online mentors who have been trained in BBC training methodologies. In order to retain BBC branding for their courses, the partners submit all locally produced material to the iLearn team in London for editorial approval. The iLearn team works in close cooperation with the 43 language sections of the BBC World Service.

iLearn enables regional partners to replicate blended learning patterns across other existing curricula and devise new course offerings according to identified needs. The methodology can be adapted to meet any ongoing development needs within the industry. It also supports the ongoing dialogue between the partner institutions and other media outlets. This will ensure that local partners are better able to respond to training needs expressed by the media community and better positioned to promote upcoming courses.

On a global level, the World Service Trust works with other media development organisations to expand the range of courses on offer. Typically, these partnerships are with training providers who specialise in areas which are outside the BBC’s expertise.

For example, the Guardian Foundation has been working with the Trust over the last 3 years to develop print-related training modules as part of an ongoing long term partnership. These have been used in a range of Middle East and North Africa countries as well as India, Sri Lanka, Iran and Nigeria

Organisations interested in discussing partnership opportunities should email the iLearn team at:iLearn@bbc.co.uk