 General Information
1. What is the Global Development Learning Network? 2. What is the Mongolia Development Learning Center? 3. What services does the MDLC offer? 4. Why do we need the MDLC? 5. How do sites within the GDLN connect with each other? 6. Who can use the MDLC? Who are your clients? 7. What kinds of videoconferences have been held at the MDLC? 8. Can I have a tour of your facility or observe a videoconference? 9. What do I need to prepare for a videoconference? 10. How much does it cost?
Partnership Development
11. What do you mean by partnership? 12. What does one benefit from a partnership with the MDLC? 13. What kinds of partners are eligible? 14. How does the MDLC develop partnerships?
Our Facilities 15. What equipment and capabilities does the MDLC provide?
Connectivity 16. Is it possible to connect to external sites via GDLN? 17. What equipment is required to connect to the GDLN? 18. Is it possible to connect multiple sites?
Videoconferencing and Distance Learning 19. Is it possible to show printed materials? 20. Is it possible to use PowerPoint presentations? 21. Is it possible to send and receive video images? 22. Can you arrange interpreters for events? 23. What other services do you provide? 24. Is it possible to make a test connection or conduct a rehearsal?
The Booking Process 25. How can I make a booking?
General Information 1. What is the Global Development Learning Network? The Global Development Learning Network (GDLN) is a World Bank initiative launched in June 2000 to improve development effectiveness by using information and communications technologies (ICTs) and distance learning methods to support knowledge sharing and educational activities among countries. The Global Development Learning Network (GDLN) is a worldwide partnership of Development Learning Centers (DLCs). Its unique facilities offer the opportunity for on-time and cost-effective information exchange, knowledge sharing, coordination, consultation, training, and dialogues to organizations, groups, teams and individuals that work to contribute to sustainable development and the reduction of poverty in the developing world. Through Development Learning Centers affiliated with GDLN it is possible to bring together development practitioners and experts at an unprecedented level - to share their experiences and learn from each other as they design and implement ambitious reform and change programs in developing countries. By eliminating the need for experts and practitioners to travel, training or other forms of knowledge exchange do not need to be delivered in a concentrated period of time. This gives more time and flexibility for participants to read more background material; prepare real, rather than simulated assignments related to their actual work; and to learn with their own (local) colleagues as a team. Go to Top 2. What is the Mongolia Development Learning Center? Located in the World Bank Office, the Mongolia Development Learning Cente was officially launched by former World Bank President, Mr. J. D. Wolfensohn, on May 18, 2002 with the presence of the Prime Minister N. Enkhbayar The Mongolia Development Learning Center consists of a videoconferencing room accommodating up to 30 people. Videoconferences can connect 10 or more different countries at the same time – an excellent opportunity to interact in a real time. Mongolia Development Learning Center (DLC) offers videoconferencing and high-speed internet resources as the core platforms for communication; these are combined with facilitation techniques and learning approaches according to individual needs of users. Through these services, Mongolia DLC enable their clients to hold coordination, consultation, and training events in a timely and cost-effective manner. Clients may be academic institutions offering distance learning courses on development issues; development agencies seeking dialogue with key partners across the globe; government agencies discussing trade issues with peer agencies in other countries; or non-governmental organizations planning major conferences with their partners around the world. Go to Top 3. What services does the MDLC offer? The MDLC offers various services including videoconferencing (VC) connectivity arrangement, program design and coordination, instructional design advice, exploratory VC sessions, recruitment of participants, creation of distance learning business plans, and other technical assistance depending on the necessity. We are able to coordinate the recruitment of experts as short-term consultants to projects and programs where necessary. 4. Why do we need the MDLC? If you have valuable content on development issues, for example courses, workshop results, research, white papers, etc., our technical, advisory, and financial support can help you develop effective videoconferences or long-term distance learning programs in a financially sustainable manner. 5. How do sites within the GDLN connect with each other? The GDLN is built using three types of connecting technologies: Satellite (most common in countries with less developed telecom infrastructure) ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network, a dial-up service provided by local telecom carries) IP (Internet Protocol, with implemented Quality of Service: The World Bank's private network within the global internet)
Go to Top 6. Who can use the MDLC? Who are your clients? The MDLC is an open and accessible resource for various parties — including both content providers and recipients — who wish to hold distance learning activities with a commitment to development and poverty reduction. Any institution or individual around the world could be a content provider or recipient, with the GDLN acting as a 'knowledge brokerage' where the supply and demand for knowledge is intermediated. Current MDLC clients include multilateral and bilateral development agencies, UN agencies, regional organizations, national government and government agencies, local governments, universities, research and training institutions, as well as associations, foundations, private firms and civil society. 7. What kinds of videoconferences have been held at the MDLC? We've hosted a wide range of events including EAP quarterly update conference, Nurse’s Conference, Inflation Seminar, International Financing Reporting Standards course, Micro Finance Training of Trainers course, book launches and the release of a major multi-agency regional development study, and our ongoing Kids' Initiative series. Topics under discussion have included inflation, safe motherhood and child mortality, avian flu prevention and development financing. Go to Top 8. Can I have a tour of your facility or observe a videoconference? Yes, please contact us beforehand. 9. What do I need to prepare for a videoconference? Our Program Coordinators will consult with you to determine the requirements for your sessions and will assist in making your events successful. However content preparation itself is your responsibility. You should: plan event dates and identify target sites and the audience for your sessions coordinate facilitators, speakers and participants prepare the necessary documents, such as presentation materials, running orders and so on
Program Coordinators are available to answer any questions you may have. 10. How much does it cost? Basic GDLN costs consist of a videoconferencing service fee and a network setup fee. See our rates for more detailed information. Go to Top Partnership Development 11. What do you mean by partnership? Establishing long-term partnerships enables us to focus on developing sustainable GDLN programs. The MDLC builds partnerships with content providers and distributors to expand the access of the clients to necessary knowledge and resources for poverty reduction and sustainable development. By promoting partnerships rather than creating our own content, we aim to best contribute to accelerating the knowledge sharing between providers and recipients. 12. What does one benefit from a partnership with the MDLC? The MDLC's assistance to partners includes: advisory and coordination services for content conversion and development instructional design for producing effective distance learning programs the recruitment and coordination of short-term consultants to programs where necessary financial support for pilot projects
13. What kinds of partners are eligible? Candidate partners should: intend to contribute to development assistance for sustainable development and poverty reduction be organizations, agencies or institutions (either individually or in coalition) or individuals looking to develop or adapt their programs to distance learning methods be willing to make a significant contribution to developing distance learning content, either financially or by in-kind commitment be able to share action plans with the MDLC during a pilot project period with a view to becoming either long-term partners or supporters of the MDLC
Go to Top 14. How does the MDLC develop partnerships? The MDLC develops partnerships in three general steps. First we focus on assessment. We provide GDLN opportunities to prospective partners to let them explore, experience and assess GDLN activities. If necessary, we will also help candidate partners in similar subject areas network with each other. In the next step we identify program requirements and scope. We jointly develop a pilot program plan in which we determine our respective contributions and levels of support to the program. Finally we move to implementation. The MDLC assists in the delivery of a pilot GDLN program. During this development stage, partners will develop GDLN conducting capacity and content for a long-term program. The MDLC provides program coordination and instructional design advice, and supports communication costs (depending on the financial condition of the partners). We provide full technical support and can facilitate the recruitment of participants or consultants as required. Go to Top Our Facilities 15. What equipment and capabilities does the MDLC provide? The World Bank office in Mongolia has 3 Videoconferencing rooms, for specific equipment capabilities see our rooms, equipment, rate page for more detailed information. Go to Top Connectivity 16. Is it possible to connect to external sites via GDLN? Yes. We can connect through the World Bank's network, or via ISDN or IP (see question 5). We will shortly be able to connect via Internet2. To ensure high quality connections, external sites should be certified by the World Bank's Information & Technology Group prior to the first connection. 17. What equipment is required to connect to the GDLN? External sites connecting to the GDLN should have: connectivity with a minimum bandwidth of 256 kbps high quality videoconferencing equipment certification by the World Bank Information & Technology Group
18. Is it possible to connect multiple sites? The GDLN network is capable of connecting up to 15 sites. However, from a practical point of view, our years of experience suggest that moderators or facilitators may have difficulty managing more than 8 sites during any one event. Go to Top Videoconferencing and Distance Learning 19. Is it possible to show printed materials? Yes. MDLC is equipped with document cameras which enable projection of documents to both on-site and remote screens. 20. Is it possible to use PowerPoint presentations? Yes. PCs are provided in MDLC room for PowerPoint presentations to be shown locally and remotely. 21. Is it possible to send and receive video images? Yes. Please contact us for information on supported video formats and resolutions. 22. Can you arrange interpreters for events? Yes. The fee depends on the languages requires, the number and ability of interpreters, and the particular content of the conference. 23. What other services do you provide? Upon your request we can arrange refreshment service or catering. 24. Is it possible to make a test connection or conduct a rehearsal? Yes. Test connections or rehearsals are highly recommended for high-profile events or when sites are connecting to the network for the first time. The first time test connection is free adn a must, and non-first time test connection or rehearsal connections will be charged in accordance with the video conference fee structure. Go to Top The Booking Process 25. How can I make a booking? Booking of our facility and equipments should be done at leats 48 hours prior. For tentative bookings please contact our External partnership coordinator J. Sunjidmaa or our IT specialist A. Saruul. Back to Top |
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