Network members bring together and make available a diverse range of skills, expertise and experience necessary for the success of the network and the courses it helps to host. Instructional designers ensure that courses are pedagogically sound. Subject matter specialists and researchers provide quality science-based content and feedback. Course facilitators engage, lead, motivate and challenge participants to get the most from their involvement. Computer experts and programmers make sure that the online learning environment is easy to use and trouble free.

Network membership provides access to these valuable resources and associated opportunities and benefits. Donor and development agencies can realize significant cost savings in the implementation of courses for target audiences. Research organizations can take advantage of an existing, robust multilingual online delivery mechanism to better disseminate their knowledge and information. Educational institutions can develop staff knowledge and online teaching skills and actively contribute to international educational efforts while minimizing technology investments and overheads. Learners gain access to international standard educational opportunities no matter how geographically isolated they may be.

The key is sharing. In today's decentralized and ICT dominated world, it is now possible to capitalize on the power and efficiency of networked resources. It is no longer necessary or even advantageous for any single entity to invest in all the components necessary to offer high quality online learning.

Costs

Profit is not the driving force behind the network and SDLEARN is a legally registered non-profit organization. However, it must be realized that it takes money to keep the network viable. Funds are required to support the Secretariat and its activities, develop and update courses, compensate facilitators and content experts and maintain the ICT infrastructure.

Actual costs vary widely depending on what is required and can only be determined after a considerable amount of consultation. Taking advantage of existing courses is quite inexpensive and only involves provision of course fees for participants and minimal operating costs. In cases where an entirely new course is needed, the organization interested in the course has to also be prepared to cover course development costs. These can vary considerably depending on the complexity of the topic and the amount of material already available.

How to get involved

Organizations or agencies interested in joining and/or working with the network to develop or deliver online courses related to sustainable development should begin by contacting the SDLEARN Secretariat with initial information on course content, proposed target audience and preliminary ideas on how eLearning might contribute to their development efforts. A number of courses are already available to network members that may serve general needs. If specific or specialized course are required, network members are willing and eager to help get them online.