Nicholas and Brian team again to help DAI with distance ed tools

An April visit to the Development Associates International (DAI) Ministry Center in Colorado Springs, CO, by MAF staffers Nicholas Ivins and Brian Ward could lead to more effective distance learning through DAI’s ‘Masters of Arts in Organizational Leadership’ program.
   
DAI leadership set out to enhance the learning experience for their Masters program students.   This search lead them to consider new web-based technology products developed by MAF such as DEScribe, DEViewer, and Poodle (Portable Moodle). The next step is ...

for DAI to determine which tool(s) will best suit their needs.

    This visit to DAI marks the first time MAF staff did an outside presentation centered on new technology tools. “Our work focused on looking at the program’s strengths and weaknesses,” Brian said.  He further noted that DAI wants training elements that work well in places where it is dangerous to travel.

    Nicholas and Brian are enthusiastic about the DAI program which they said “focuses on learners rather than content.”  And DAI is willing to change materials to meet the learner’s needs. For instance, materials used to meet needs of oral cultures are different than those needed in developed urban areas, they said. DAI recognizes those differences and modifies the program accordingly.

    DAI’s website notes that the Masters program offers learners around the world opportunities to earn a degree from a regional university or seminary. This curriculum focuses  on “leadership and management skills from a business perspective, but with a Biblical basis.”

    The program takes a minimum of three academic years to complete through part-time distance education, with students traveling for one-week on-site training every semester at universities and seminaries.

    Two former MAF employees now work with DAI.  Max Meyers, former MAF president, returned to his native Australia to become DAI’s regional consultant for the Pacific Rim. Dennis Fulton, former MAF vice-president for resources, now serves DAI as IT senior consultant.