The Global Book Alliance (GBA) hosted a webinar on the use of interactive radio and audio instructional resources called “Mobilizing Audio for Learning During and After COVID-19” last 25 June 2020 at 08:00 AM in Eastern Time (US and Canada), via RingCentral Meetings.
Ms. Rebecca Rhodes, Team Lead of USAID Reading and Literacy, introduced the panel of experts from Global Digital Library, Education Development Center (EDC), and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Malawi. Mr. Christer Gundersen of Global Digital Library discussed about GDL Radio as a GBA flagship initiative, which is being funded and managed by Norway. It is a collection of Interactive Radio Instruction (IRI) and Interactive Audio Instruction (IAI) resources that can be accessed by the following countries: Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Haiti, Honduras, Indonesia, Kenya G-Youth, Liberia, Malaki Tikwere!, Pakistan, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zanzibar.
Discussions on Mobilizing Audio for Learning were presented by Dr. Rachel Christina, Director of International Basic Education under EDC; Dr. Simon Richmond, Team Leader of ICT in Education under EDC; and Ms. Dorothy Matiti of USAID Malawi. Ms. Matiti introduced Interactive Audio Instruction delivery options which can be done through radio (IRI), mp3 or CD, and mobile phone. Comparative advantages on these three (3) options were identified based on their accessibility, flexibility, and need for electricity. Among the IAI Challenges include capacity development, production costs and quality, user support, technology, among others. Meanwhile, Dr. Richmond focused on the Practical Advice for Audio Repurposing by preparing parents and their homes, adapting content, materials distribution, and messaging.
The online session featured wide range of USAID-funded audio teaching and learning resources accessible to Global Digital Library’s (GDL) missions and partner governments. Insights and recommendations on audio utilization to support learning amidst COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen education system resilience were also provided. Education representatives and audio learning experts across the globe, who participated in the said webinar, gained knowledge on the power of audio as an education system enhancement, utilizing available resources, and ensuring the quality of repurposed existing resources and new materials development through Panel Discussion with experts.
