Workshop on life long learning
Writing by admin on Thursday, 7 of December , 2006 at 3:11 am
In recognition of emerging need to harnessing information officers/librarians, for the new developments in the community information field, the Sri Lanka Library Association (SLLA), in collaboration with UNESCO organised a Workshop on ‘Life Long Learning through Community Information Provision in a Digital Environment’. The workshop was held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo, from 6th to 7th December 2006.
The case study of Kothmale Community Radio was presented by Mr. Sunil Wijesinghe. He shared his experiences through a very informative and thought provoking presentation on ‘Community as producers of information’. He explained the history, setting up of the Kothmale Community Radio (KCR) and expansion of services and development of the webpage in detail. How community information is created by the members of KCR station especially young children was elucidated.
Mr. Kosala Keerthirathna’s vivid illustration on the e-tuktuk via the KCR webpage caught the keen attention of the audience. He also demonstrated how the e-tuktuk is put to fulfill the information needs of citizens in remote villages and also for the provision of ICT training to under-equipped rural school children.
Participants clearly received the message that young children could be made use of in a very positive manner compared to mature adults. This trend could be put to use toward the development of community information services in libraries.
Two digital story clips each of three minute duration created by young members and linked to the Kothmale Community Radio webpage were demonstrated to the audience. These stories were mostly personal experiences, views on social issues, etc. It was also felt that messages on various issues such as health, ethical considerations, etc. could be conveyed to people through digital stories. It was revealed that community information could be conveyed to citizens via web pages, databases and CD-ROMs. Mr. Wijesinghe stated that there is a plan to share information in the CD-ROM medium among other providers such as Sarvodaya. This is food for thought to public librarians.
Mr. Wijesinghe mentioned to the audience that KCR is always willing to help librarians with regard to training and instruction on content creation and also broadcasting activities to public libraries close to Kothmale.
Mr. David stressed that any proactive programme encounters much difficulties and threats which is the normal state of affairs. He pointed out that facing all odds and challenges to realize your goals in providing information the community requires is vital for librarians.
Participants were very much impressed by the presentation on the Kothmale Community Radio (KCR), etuk-tuk, etc. as these exhibited how information is delivered to the grass root levels of the society through genuine and hard work of participating young children and managers of the KCR.
To learn more about the workshop and download a copy of the presentation click here.
Category: event
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Comment by shubhangi
Made Sunday, 23 of September , 2007 at 3:26 am
librarians are ready to accept the changes aand try to incorporate new ideas but unfortunately due non availability fo funds and red tapism cannot go ahead. in the third world countries it is difficult to bring the changes and the institutes pay less attention towards the libraries
