Trinidad and Tobago Distance Learning Secretariat

The Distance Learning Secretariat is involved in re-engineering and connecting Learning Access and Human Development to support the development of a Lifelong Learning System in Trinidad and Tobago. The Secretariat is responsible for ensuring the development and implementation of strategies related to distance learning namely:

• Developing standards for Open, Flexible, Distributed and Distance Learning among all Tertiary Level Institutions and other learning providers in the country.
• Promoting awareness of new and emerging knowledge and learning technologies among stakeholders and the public.
• Advising government and international agencies on issues related to new and emerging knowledge and learning technologies.
• Assisting in building and strengthening learning providers to broaden and increase access to learning through technological mediation.
• Promoting human resource development as well as the professional development of educators in distance learning.
• Building relationships and developing linkages through collaboration with local, regional & international professional bodies, agencies and institutions involved in distance learning.

http://www.stte.gov.tt/Programmes/DistanceLearning/Overview.aspx

The key objectives of the Distance Learning Secretariat are to:

• Standardize and promote Open and Distance Learning among all providers and the public within Trinidad and Tobago
• Build and strengthen learning providers to broaden and increase access to learning within Trinidad and Tobago
• Advise governments and international agencies on initiatives and issues related to Open and Distance learning in Trinidad and Tobago

http://www.stte.gov.tt/Programmes/DistanceLearning/Objectives.aspx

A critical output of the DLS strategic plan is the creation of an Information and Communication Technologies(ICT) framework to drive and sustain research and education at the tertiary level. Current projects leading towards this outcome include:

• The creation of a National Knowledge and Learning Network (NKLN) to connect learners and to foster the sharing of resources and expertise for capacity building and programme development for the on-line environment. This project also involves the development of a National Knowledge and Learning Portal as an key entry point to the NKLN from the Internet.
• The Carribean knowledge and learning network (CKLN), a regional project which aims to provide opportunity for the free flow of high quality learning opportunities for the people of the Caribbean Region. To achieve this vision, CKLN intends to leverage information and communications technology (ICT) and modern approaches to education to overcome constraints of remoteness and scale in tertiary education. Read more … www.ckln.net
• The Virtual University for Small States of the Commonwealth (VUSSC), a mechanism for pooling existing structures and capacities in all the small states of the Commonwealth enabled by appropriate ICT applications to facilitate collaboration in practical ways to plan programmes, develop the required content and ensure the delivery of those programmes and support services to learners. Read more … www.col.org/vussc

The Distance Learning Secretariat also pioneers certain achievements in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in both the formal and non-formal tertiary education sector under the Éclair initiative. The Electronic Collaboration for Learning Access, Information and Research (E.C.L.A.I.R) initiative has been developed by the Secretariat to infuse STIs into the capacity building initiatives of local faculty by increasing:

• Familiarity and competencies with ICTs, alternative learning paths and creative dynamics with respect to core content of curricula.
• Involvement and efforts in the production and generation of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) resources for an eventual national online repository.

http://www.stte.gov.tt/Programmes/DistanceLearning/Projects.aspx