EMS Annual Meeting Abstracts
Vol. 18, EMS2021-32, 2021
https://doi.org/10.5194/ems2021-32
EMS Annual Meeting 2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Benefits and Challenges of distance Learning approaches for the Training of Climate Services Professionals in sub-Saharan Africa

Vieri Tarchiani1, Maurizio Bacci1, Elena Rapisardi1, Patrick Parrish2, Luciane Veek2, Massimiliano Pasqui1, Edmondo Di Giuseppe1, Guido Righini3, Marco Simonetti3, and Marina Baldi1
Vieri Tarchiani et al.
  • 1Institute for BioEconomy, National Research Council, Firenze, Italy (vieri.tarchiani@ibe.cnr.it)
  • 2Training Activities Division, Education and Training Department, World Meteorological Organization, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
  • 3Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, , Roma, Italy

Distance learning is assuming a greater value in professional training both because of its lower cost compared to face-to-face learning and for the opportunities it provides in periods when trainee displacement is hindered by socio-political or health emergencies (e.g. the recent covid-19 pandemic). Moreover, distance learning allows us to create lasting learning resources that otherwise would not be continuously available for trainees. During recent years, the World Meteorological Organization invested human and financial resources in the development of the Global Campus initiative, which has  virtual spaces where learning materials and opportunities are gathered and made available to users. As part of the Global Campus initiative, the Regional Training Center in Italy, with the support of the Italian Ministries of Foreign Affairs, developed several distance learning packages among which the TOPaCS (Training Operational Package For Climate Services) addresses the training needs of Climate Services Professionals in sub-Saharan Africa. TOPaCS builds on the competency-based training approach and on the application of up-to-date training solutions such as the integrated use of different multimedia supports and the use of Open Badges to certify learning. Synchronous distance learning was also tested for teaching soft skills related to climate services communication. This contribution analyzes pros and cons of distance learning approaches, comparing synchronous and asynchronous solutions and their suitability for hard and soft skills teaching. It highlights opportunities and constraints, critical points and key strategic choices in the development of distance learning. The results of the study highlight that flexible solutions and versatile approaches allow personalized training paths according to end-user needs. Asynchronous microlearning (very small units of study) can be helpful in this perspective but it may result in the atomization of the training modules and the fragmentation of education pathways. Synchronous distance learning is often more appropriate for soft skills but requires larger development  efforts and more efficient technical solutions (e.g. higher bandwidth), which can be an issue in some developing countries. 

How to cite: Tarchiani, V., Bacci, M., Rapisardi, E., Parrish, P., Veek, L., Pasqui, M., Di Giuseppe, E., Righini, G., Simonetti, M., and Baldi, M.: Benefits and Challenges of distance Learning approaches for the Training of Climate Services Professionals in sub-Saharan Africa, EMS Annual Meeting 2021, online, 6–10 Sep 2021, EMS2021-32, https://doi.org/10.5194/ems2021-32, 2021.

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