E. Training in the Use of Electronic Applications
The objective of this program is to provide support to institutions that are interested in learning how to more effectively take advantage of electronic applications such as electronic newsletters, electronic conferences, on-line and distributed databases, etc. In 1996 two projects of this type were implemented:
E.1. Workshops in Bolivia, Mexico, and Chile
In collaboration with the FIDAMERICA network (see above) workshops were organized in Bolivia (attended by people from Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia), Mexico (attended by people from the Dominican Republic, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico), and Chile (attended by people from Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile). The 4-day workshops included discussions on how to support local decision-makers by providing better information and training on the use of electronic mail, listservers, and the World Wide Web. One-day simulated electronic conferences were organized using client/server networks set up so that people using computers in the same room could learn how to join and participate in moderated electronic conferences. Many of the 90 people who participated in this training participated actively in the first electronic conference organized by the FIDAMERICA Network (see above).
E.2. training manual on how to set up and implement Listserver-based moderated electronic conferences
INFORUM has been contracted by the Staff Development Group of FAO to write a manual on how to set up and manage moderated electronic conferences, and to develop and conduct a pilot workshop for FAO staff who will either be conducting Email conferences in the future or who will be providing technical support to other FAO staff that will be responsible for organizing e-conferences. The manual will include sections on: (1) electronic networks, services, and applications, (2) how to develop a conferencing plan, (3) how to develop a conferencing team, and (3) how to implement the conference. The manual will be used to organize a workshop with FAO staff in January, 1997.