Meeting New Learning Challenges: How IDI and OLACEFS Delivered the First Regional E-Learning Workshop

International Journal of Government Auditing, Jul 2006 by Callaghan, Patrick, Walmann, Elizabeth

IDI and E-Learnlng-An Addendum

The IDI/OLACEFS course was the first e-learning program IDI organized, and it followed one particular methodology: the virtual classroom. Subsequendy, IDI developed programs using other e-learning methodologies. In November-December 2005, 20 participants from five INTOSAI regions (AFROSAI, ASOSAI, CAROSAI, EUROSAI, and SPASAI) met in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for a 2-week participatory workshop in e-learning methodology and were introduced to two pieces of e-learning software. Those participants are using the software to develop their own courses.

In cooperation with the INTOSAI Standing Committee on IT Audit (ISCITA), IDI is converting part of the ISCITA courseware into a 20-hour asynchronous e-learning course on the audit of controls. In an asynchronous course, the participants and tutors do not interact in real time. Typically, the student e-mails questions, and tutors or other students respond when they have time. This course will be developed using the Internet and CD-ROMs in three INTOSAI regions-AFROSAI-E, ASOSAI, and CAROSAI.

Conclusion

IDI has gained some important experiences through its initial e-learning pilot and later projects and is now ready to take further action. There is great potential in this training method, and it is worth investing more in its further development since, as demonstrated by the OLACEFS experience, it allows us to reach a greater number of SAI staff and reduces the costs of travel and accommodation, which constitute the primary costs for international training events.

For additional information, contact IDI's e-learning Manager, Ms. Archana Shirsat, e-mail: archana.shirsat@idi. no.

Information on all IDI programs can be found in the IDI Update section in each issue of this Journal.

By Patrick Callaghan, U.K. National Audit Office, and Elizabeth Walmann, IDI

editor's note

In the October 2004 issue of this Journal, Patrick Callaghan, then E-Learning Manager for the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI), discussed how e-learning could enhance training and capacitybuilding in the international SAI community. In this article, Patrick Callaghan and Elizabeth Walmann report on the challenges and results of developing INTOSAI's first regional e-learning course.