The Facilitation of Learning: A UNHCR Case Study in Experiential and Collaborative Learning Kate Hand, Distance Learning

Abstract

PCF2 // Online communities provide a chance for people to exchange information, to learn from their peers and to validate their profession by experiencing the benefits of ‘belonging’. These virtual kinships are also extremely useful in distance learning situations, as they help foster a personal touch to an otherwise solitary and often lonely learning experience. Despite distances, friendships develop, groups work together and also experience traditional group dynamics. // In this presentation I will discuss how and why I developed a distance learning programme for United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) staff. The Facilitation of Learning programme includes experiential and collaborative learning to help bridge digital and geographical divides and to promote a ‘learning community’ of practitioners across the organisation. This community is created through a moderated email group discussion that supports the paperbased distance learning programme. In the recent pilot session, 29 participants used the learning community to share thoughts, feedback and work towards a face-to-face workshop, which was prepared and delivered entirely by themselves, for themselves. //