Social Media and online learning – an enduring friendship
Online education, Social media BlogsThe text discusses the relationship between social media and online learning, emphasizing the importance of selecting the most valuable tools for different tasks. It challenges the idea that social media lacks professionalism and suggests that individuals can control their usage. The author reflects on their personal experience with tuning out distractions and highlights the need to filter out irrelevant information. The text concludes by stressing the role of individuals in utilizing technology effectively for learning, suggesting that technology alone cannot enhance learning without active engagement from users.
Social Media and online learning – is it such an obvious marriage?
BlogsThe text questions the assumed compatibility of social media and online learning, highlighting limitations and issues such as distraction, lack of depth in interaction, privacy concerns, and quality of content. It emphasizes the need for critical evaluation of tools for learning tasks. Despite losing an argument advocating against social media's role in online learning, the text encourages a reflective approach in deciding which platforms to use. The author suggests a deliberate and discriminating stance towards selecting tools in light of their specific benefits and limitations.
Online-offline-inside-outside learn where you can!
Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy, Online education BlogsLearning is emphasized over teaching in various settings and methods. The importance lies in the adaptability and utilization of resources for effective learning. The writer acknowledges learning occurring in diverse environments like classrooms, social media, and even on the streets. Interaction and engagement are crucial for their learning style, differentiating between formal online courses lacking interaction and preferred interactive learning. The message encourages exploring learning approaches and perspectives while inviting participation in Online Learning Day.
Webinar digest – Essential e-tools for diplomats
Digital diplomacy, E-tools BlogsSummary: The webinar on essential e-tools for diplomats showcased tools like Wikipedia for information, Netvibes for news aggregation, Delicious for bookmark sharing, and Bullzip for digital document printing. Other tools discussed included Google Alerts for tracking news updates and Google Docs for collaborative document editing. These e-tools aim to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in diplomatic activities.
Lessons for Diplomacy and Development from ‘Nepal in Transition’
Diplomatic theory and practice BlogsThe text discusses lessons on diplomacy and development from 'Nepal in Transition'. It covers the Maoist revolution, political struggles, and challenges faced by the development community in Nepal. The book offers insights for diplomats, students, and Nepali diplomats on navigating political complexities and improving diplomatic efficacy. It also highlights the need for a new social contract in Nepal, heavily influenced by India and slightly by China. While challenges persist, there is a glimmer of hope, echoing a Banksy visual.
Climate-change refugees: A misleading analogy
aldo 5-10.000, DeepDip BlogsAnalogies are powerful but may lead to misleading conclusions. An analogy comparing climate-change refugees to war refugees raises questions about entitlements, complexities, and distinctions. The concept of climate change refugees is scrutinized, touching on settlement issues, distinguishing genuine need, anthropogenic vs. natural causes, and economic impacts. The writer cautions against solely relying on analogies, as they can oversimplify intricate issues. The emotional response to analogies can cloud rational analysis, making it crucial to balance emotional and logical considerations when addressing complex problems stemming from climate change.
Persuasion, the essence of diplomacy (report from the event)
Diplomatic theory and practice, Persuasion BlogsAt an event in Geneva, a seminar discussed the various facets of persuasion, emphasizing its role in diplomacy. Arguments were made for persuasion as both an individual skill and a social context in negotiations. The event highlighted the importance of human touch in persuasion, the evolving nature of persuasion in multilateral forums, and the impact of social context on persuasive efforts. In a changing landscape where negotiations are highly formalized, teamwork and adaptability were seen as crucial for successful persuasion. The event underscored the significance of persuasion in diplomatic endeavors and the need to navigate it skillfully in a rapidly evolving world.
Colours in politics: when blue is green
Diplomatic theory and practice BlogsThe blog investigates how colors serve as symbols in politics, showing how they convey ideologies and emotions. It examines the impact of color symbolism on political identity and public perception.
Climate refugees: a new concept on the move
Diplomatic theory and practice, Humanitarian diplomacy BlogsThe text discusses the emergence and evolution of the concept of climate refugees, now refined as "disaster-induced cross-border displaced persons" through the Nansen Initiative. This new terminology aims to address gaps and ambiguities, ensuring clarity and avoiding exclusive labeling. The initiative seeks to gain international consensus on assisting and protecting individuals displaced due to natural disasters, filling knowledge gaps and evolving rapidly within a multilateral framework. This innovative approach represents a significant step towards tackling the complex global issue of climate-induced displacement.
ICANN’s new engagement strategy in the developing world
Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy, Sustainable development BlogsICANN is implementing a new engagement strategy to enhance involvement with stakeholders, with a focus on developing countries. Dr. Tarek Kamel discussed the strategy, including setting up hubs in Istanbul and Singapore, hiring engagement officers, and developing regional initiatives. The goal is to strengthen presence and support in various regions, particularly in Africa. Initiatives include capacity building, support for the industry, and improving outreach and participation. Dr. Kamel addressed questions about government involvement, engagement with civil society, and the benefits of participating in ICANN, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and remote participation.
