Special issue on e-Learning

United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) launched its first e-Learning courses in 2003, offering a number of courses in the field of public finance and trade. In the years that followed, the Institute has continued to expand its catalogue, adding courses in the field of multilateral diplomacy, and international law.

In 2010, UNITAR delivered courses covering a variety of new subjects, including the areas of Innovative Collaboration for Development, Sustainable Urbanization and Environment, Green Diplomacy and Peacekeeping.

We are happy to send you the first e-Newsletter of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)! In this issue, you will read articles about e-Learning and much more!

Your opinion counts. We are curious to know what you think about our e-Newsletter and it would be great if you could simply answer the survey or send us your comments at communications@unitar.org.

Happy reading!

Watch videos of testimonials

UNITAR reached out to 23,688 beneficiaries, representing a 33 % increase from 2009. e-Learning courses and webinars accounted for 22 per cent and 2 per cent of all events respectively, with e-Courses increasing by 25% over 2009.

Read more

UNITAR recently signed agreements with:

The School of Translation and Interpretation of University of Geneva.

The Institute of International Studies of Fudan University in China.

United Nations Development Programme to deliver e-Learning and face-to-face training on building African capacity.

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for UNOSAT satellite analysis support.

UNITAR and the Nairobi Framework Partners announce the Africa Carbon Forum to take place 4 to 6 July 2011, in Marrakech Morocco.

The United Nations Population Fund, in partnership with UNITAR, has created a community of practice in the field of Gender-Based Violence.

Due to the high demand from Latin America, International Law Programme offers the Spanish version of its e-Courses on International Environment Law.

UNITAR, in partnership with the International Security Sector Advisory Team, launched the first ever e-Learning course on security sector reform.

UNITAR is developing an e-platform “Introduction to the Right to Development" in collaboration with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Distance Education in China (website in Chinese) interviewed the Executive Director of UNITAR, Dr. Carlos Lopes. In his interview, he talked about UNITAR's current e-Learning course portfolio and future ambitions.

Distance Education in China is a monthly publication issued by the Chinese Ministry of Education. It is the most circulated periodical on e-Learning and distance learning in China.

Read the full interview

Mr. Bryan Hopkins gave a lecture on "Getting more from e-Learning" to UNITAR staff and here's a snapshot of his insightful presentation.

Bryan explained different models for training delivery: Information delivery, Tell and test, Explore and learn

According to him, the most effective model that contributes to learner’s performance is “explore and learn” model.

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The Governance in Urban Sanitation became the first UNITAR online course awarded with the Open ECBCheck certification.

The Open ECBCheck is an accreditation and quality improvement scheme for e-Learning programmes.

UNITAR expresses its condolences to the people of Japan following the devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami which struck on 11 March 2011.

UNOSAT supports crowd sourcing community with satellite imagery over Japan to help rescue and rehabilitation operations.

UNITAR offers more than 360 events per year. Check out our e-Learning courses and other UNITAR events in our online training catalogue.

Or consult the UNITAR Virtual Learning Environment and find the one that best addresses your needs.

You can also download a PDF version (180KB) of this e-newsletter.