It is often advantageous to undertake eLearning in collaboration with others. Research organizations may have knowledge to share but neither the mandate, expertise nor the resources to implement full-scale educational activities. Educational institutions may have competent educators and an interest in offering courses online but are reluctant to start eLearning programs because of the high initial costs and lack of access to information, training and infrastructure. Development agencies generally consider human capital development as a key component of their projects, and are concerned about the high costs of training activities, but may not know much about new delivery methods or be aware of existing opportunities to work with experienced online educators. SDLEARN provides a mechanism for its members to more cost effectively reach key target audiences without having to invest in the development of all the resources and infrastructure required.

Organizations and institutions that are already members of the network or have indicated their interest are listed below. To download a copy of SDLEARN's membership application, click the following link.

• Application form for SDLEARN membership

Members

The International Institute of Cambodia (IIC)
The mission of the International Institute of Cambodia is to be a private, independent institute that is Cambodian in character but international in perspective. The major focus of its curriculum is to provide business skills to students and to promote the practical use of advanced technology in business and economics. IIC also emphasizes scholarly research in business-related disciplines necessary to build an internationally competitive community. IIC students come not only from Phnom Penh city, but also from across the country - men and women with different backgrounds, ages and religions. IIC is at the forefront of Cambodia's efforts to use ICTs to reach this diverse audience. More information on IIC can be found at - http://www.iic.edu.kh/.

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)
TNAU is one of the most prestigious and respected agricultural universities in India. It is active in formal agricultural education and has a strong research mandate in agricultural and related sciences. It also endeavors to extend agricultural knowledge to rural inhabitants in India and elsewhere and has a vigorous extension program with a vision to exploit ICTs to improve its outreach activities. TNAU is a major source of both students and expert course facilitators. More information on TNAU can be found at - http://www.tnau.ac.in/.

University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore (UAS-B)
UAS-B has a well-deserved reputation for its commitment to teaching, research and extension education in agricultural sciences. A major strength of its approach lies in its ability to integrate these functions to bring about desired interaction for sustained development of agriculture and allied sectors. More information on USA-B can be found at - http://uasbng.kar.nic.in/Default.htm.

Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology (GBPUAT)
GBPUAT has been recognized as the first university in India to blend technology with agriculture. It has been eulogized by Nobel Laureate Dr. Norman E. Borlaug as the 'harbinger of the Green Revolution' in India and judged the best State Agricultural University in India in 1997. More information on GBPUAT can be found at - http://www.gbpuat.ac.in/.

International Center for Soil Fertility & Agricultural Development (IFDC)
IFDC is a public, nonprofit, international organization dedicated to conduct its work independently and on a scientifically sound basis. The center's goal is increasing agricultural productivity in a sustainable manner through the development and transfer of effective, environmentally sound plant nutrient technology and agricultural marketing expertise. The Center has conducted technology transfer activities in more than 120 countries and contributed to the development of human resources and institutional capacity building in 150 countries through more than 600 training programs. More information on IFDC can be found at - http://www.ifdc.org.

Donors

Of course, a key requirement for the success of the network is funding. In SDLEARN's first year of existence, 2 major donor organizations are providing financial support.

Rockefeller Foundation
SDLEARN is involved in Rockefeller Foundation's "Learning Across Boundaries in the Greater Mekong Sub-region" (LAB) initiative. This project is based on a recognition of the importance of education for sustainable development and agriculture in the region and the need to support people and institutions in the (GMS) to "learn across boundaries". In this effort, SDLEARN is responsible for implementing online courses to meet the continuing educational needs and upgrade the ICT and technical knowledge of agricultural educators in the GMS. More on LAB can be found at - http://www.rockmekong.org/. More information on Rockefeller Foundation can be found at - http://www.rockfound.org

Asia Foundation
Asia Foundation's "Community Information Center Project" was set up to bring access to digital information and communication to every Cambodian province, through a network of 22 Community Information Centers (CICs). One of the key components of this project is to use CIC infrastructure to deliver business related formal courses to agribusiness students and professionals throughout the country. SDLEARN is helping in this effort by providing assistance and infrastructure to the International Institute of Cambodia (IIC). SDLEARN members are assisting IIC faculty members in convert existing IIC business course materials into forms better suited for Internet delivery and giving them the skills needed to effectively teach these courses online. A description of the CIC project can be found at - http://www.asiafoundation.org/Locations/cambodia_cic.html. More information on Asia Foundation can be found at - http://www.asiafoundation.org

SDLEARN’s “Provincial Business Education through the Community Information Centers (CICs) project” has been independently evaluated and the report is available by clicking the links below:

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