In order for the SAWC to continue to add significant value to the conservation sector, it needs to be adaptive and flexible not only in the courses it presents, but as a thought leadership, inclusive conservation, higher education applied learning facility.
A number of really exciting new developments are underway for implementation 2020 – 2024. This is as a direct response to the needs of the industry for a more cost effective and academically inclusive approach to training, and in utilizing technology-mediated learning to enhance the student learning process.
One of the developments is the online aspect to the College’s new ‘blended learning’ approach to capacity development. This is particularly relevant for the theoretical components of some programmes and also for master classes and short courses.
For the first time, selected online courses are now being offered using the Talent-LMS platform as well as Google Suite for Education already in use at the SAWC. The three-year Diploma in Applied Conservation, which will be offered for the first time in 2022, will also be offered in a “blended” format. The first two years will be on-line training, with the third and final year trained at the SAWC covering the Applied Learning aspects. The development of this Diploma is part of a GIZ funded program within their TFCA program of work.
