Train the trainers or let the trainers train themselves?

By Joitske Hulsebosch, Saskia Harmsen and John D. Smith

Everywhere in the world adults are being trained on the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). What can a trainer in Nepal learn from a trainer in Zambia? Are they interested in sharing ideas and helping each other while on other sides of the globe? And what can a development organisation do to foster such learning processes? This brief describes a community readiness assessment process with the aim of sharing experiences from a methodological point of view.

This 4-page brief is a summary of the 33-page report on the research to identify the information needs of computer and internet trainers who provide services to development projects and organisations. Ms. Gerdien ten Cate analysed the research carried out by IICD. Among the trainers, she sought to answer the question:

“Can a Community of Practice help address the trainers’ need for continuous, easily accessible, and context-appropriate support? If yes, how should the evolution of a Community of Trainers be supported by the involved actors?”

The full report is available through the article Supporting a Community of Trainers.