University Science Malaysia (USM)
Prof. Dato' Dzulkifli Abdul Razak
Vice Chancellor

Univ. of Illinois (UI)
Prof. Dr. Tim Wentling
Senior Research Scientist and Professor
National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA)

Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)
Mr. Voravate "Joe" Chonlasin
Senior Program Associate
Business Development Unit/AIT Office of Extension

World Bank Institute (WBI)/The World Bank
Dr. Ronny Adhikarya
Senior Training Officer, and KULT Program Manager
Knowledge Networks & Distance Learning Division (WBIKL)

This session will discuss the workshop rationale & overall objectives. It provides an overview of the 5-phase workshop, including its program structure and specific learning objectives & activities. It will also highlight the important features, purposes and working procedures for each of the five phases: (1) Pre-Workshop Web-based Briefing, (2) Peer Learning & Group Training, (3) Distance Mentoring through Online Coaching, (4) Peer Review: Results Demonstration & Experience Sharing, and (5) Free After-Training Consultation Service. Finally, the session will discuss the agenda/schedule for the learning activities of Phase-2 of this Workshop.

This session will provide participants an overview of workshop venue, discuss the logistical arrangements for the workshop, and orient participants on facilities available for use and administrative matters related to smooth implementation of the workshop. Local workshop organizing officers and Secretariat staff will be introduced.

This session involves an analysis of the training needs of workshop participants. It provides an opportunity for participants to summarize their priority training/learning problems and needs, and share their main ideas and relevant actual experiences in improving effectiveness of their training activities. Each participant will reflect on their current competency level as trainers and identify areas for improvement. The Coaches will guide and help focus the discussion by following a systematic training process, based on a well-established, generic conceptual training model (see Wentling ’s Planning For Effective Training book in the ITQ-4 Workshop Website).

In small groups (5-7 participants per group), participants will do “reflective thinking” based on the above analysis, and then share their personal vision with their “learning circle” group as to the priority strategic actions (including skills and competencies for undertaking such actions) that would be required in improving the quality of their training activities. Based on the comments and suggestions from their peers in the learning circles, participants will then write up the summary of their initial “vision” into their daily “Workshop Journal”.

In addition, each group will later be asked to report to the plenary session (in 6-8 minutes) the most common training/learning problems faced by their group members and the priority felt-needs for improving training quality in their institutions.

This session is the continuation of Session 1-4, and each Group will present its report (in 6-8 minutes maximum) to the Plenary. Based on the Group Reports, workshop participants are encouraged to present any additional comments and ideas as part of the “large conversation” with their peers, which will take place during this plenary session.