Next Generation Leaders eLearning program “Shaping the Internet – History and Futures”
Diplo Internet Governance Community
Applications are now open for the Internet Society’s Next Generation Leaders (NGL) eLearning program “Shaping the Internet – History and Futures.”
The Internet Society is pleased to call for applications from talented individuals seeking to join the new generation of Internet leaders, who will address the critical technology, policy, business, and education challenges that lie ahead.
Following the success of last year’s program, in 2012 the Internet Society is offering two classes in English, one in French, and one in Spanish. All classes will start the week of 21 May 2012.
The course, “Shaping the Internet – History and Futures”, is delivered by the DiploFoundation through their eLearning platform and learning methodology and features weekly online discussions of the course materials, moderated by a tutor and an expert facilitator.
The NGL programme is designed to advance the careers of individuals who have the potential to become local, regional, and international leaders within the Internet technology, policy, and governance communities. The curriculum empowers participants to share their particular expertise with colleagues while acquiring knowledge in areas outside of their specialties.
Places in the eLearning course are strictly limited, so all applications will be subject to a thorough selection process.
The deadline for applications is 10 April 2012.
The Program
The program offers 25 places in each class for professionals from diverse stakeholder backgrounds in the fields of Internet technology, governance, and policy. All courses are open to individuals from around the world. The program will be conducted entirely online.
The program includes four thematic parts, which take place over six months during 2012 (May to October, with an exam at the conclusion of the course):
- The History of the Internet
- Technical Background – Internet Standards and Technology
- Internet Governance and Policy
- Emerging issues – Studies in Internet Policies, Processes and Diplomacy
Learning activities take place in an online classroom and include analysis of course materials, interactive group discussions using a variety of communication tools, assignments, and exams. Successful participants will receive a certificate of completion of the program.
Languages
Course materials and moderated online discussions for each course are in English, French, and Spanish respectively.
Target Audience
The project is designed for Internet Society members from academia, the public sector, technology industries, and civil society who are committed to the ongoing expansion of an open, sustainable Internet.
Applications from the following categories of individuals from both developed and developing countries are encouraged:
- officials in governmental ministries and departments dealing with ICT-related issues (for example, telecommunications, culture, education, foreign affairs, justice)
- officials in regulatory authorities or institutions dealing with Information Society, Internet, and ICT-related issues
- postgraduate students and researchers (for example, telecommunications, electrical engineering, law, economics, development studies, sociology)
- engineers in the Internet field
- civil society activists in the Internet field
- journalists covering Internet-related issues
- business people in the Internet field (for example, those managing ISPs or involved in software development).
Timeline 2012
22 Mar: Applications open
10 Apr: Applications close
10 & 11 May: Awardees announced
21 May (week of): All classes begin
21 May (week of): Class 1 (Introduction to classroom and course)
28 May (week of): Class 2 (Introduction to Internet Governance)
04 Jun (week of): Class 3 (History of the Internet 1)
11 Jun (week of): Class 4 (Actors 1)
18 Jun (week of): Class 5 (Actors 2)
25 June (week of): Break
02 Jul (week of): Class 6 (Diplomacy 1)
09 Jul (week of): Class 7 (Diplomacy 2)
16 Jul (week of): Class 8 (Internet Policy Principles)
23 Jul (week of): Class 9 (Technical background 1)
30 Jul (week of): Class 10 (Technical Background 2)
06 Aug (week of): Break
13 Aug (week of): Break
20 Aug (week of): Class 11(Regulatory Frameworks)
27 Aug (week of): Class 12 (Regulation and the Digital Divide)
03 Sep (week of): Class 13 (Multilingualism)
10 Sep (week of): Class 14 (Legal Aspects and Privacy)
17 Sep (week of): Class 15 (Intellectual Property Rights)
24 Sep (week of): Class 16 (Copyright)
01 Oct (week of): Break
08 Oct (week of): Class 17 (Emerging Issues)
15 Oct (week of): Wrap Up Course Week
22 Oct (week of): Exam. All classes end; final grades & certificates follow
Requirements
Applicants are required to have:
- met the age requirement (20-40 years old)
- a basic awareness of, and interest in, Internet-related issues
- knowledge and experience of the multi-stakeholder approach in international affairs
- a professional background and relevant work or academic experience in the Internet field
- member status in ISOC http://www.internetsociety.org/get-involved/join-community
- fluency in English
- good writing skills, ability to summarize information, and focus on details
- regular access to the Internet (dial-up connection is sufficient)
- minimum of 8 hours commitment per week during each thematic part of the online course (this is perhaps the single most important requirement and should be evaluated seriously by any potential applicant)
- readiness to participate in online consultations (once a week at specified times)
Deadline for Applications
The deadline for applications is 10 April 2012, by midnight UTC/GMT.
How to Apply
For more information about how to apply, click here.