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Date: June 30, 2005

EC eTeaching Institute at the World Forum: International Perspectives
By Chip Donohue

Prior to the World Forum in Montreal, the World Forum Foundation and Exchange hosted a gathering of 30 distance learning pioneers from around the world to share effective practices and lessons learned n the use of technology to educate early childhood professionals. This small group represented diverse perspectives from 10 countries and 14 states, and a wide range of distance learning technologies, delivery systems and models. The group came together to learn from each other, to support each others work, and to identify practices that can be promoted to improve the education of early childhood practitioners world wide.

It is the intention of the World Forum Foundation that the dialogue initiated in Montreal will continue into the future. The distance education pioneers participating in this event will serve as the ongoing core group to provide continuity to the conversations in person and in online meetings. As other promising practices are identified, the implementers of these practices will be invited to join the eCommunity at www.ecelearn.com as well. The lessons learned and recommendations of this group will be shared with the world on the websites of the World Forum Foundation, Exchange and ecelearn.

Four international distance learning program showcases included:
- New Zealand Tertiary College Goes Online presented by Selena Fox
- Early Childhood Development Virtual University presented by Alan Pence
- European Enhancement of Early Years Management Skills presented by Petra Luck
- KidSmart Brazil presented by Vera Mellis Paulillo

To view PowerPoint Presentations and Program Descriptions of these international distance learning programs go to the eCommunity at www.ecelearn.com.