The deployment of modern communications and information technologies can be a major instrument for widening access to education and training on a cost-effective basis, for enhancing its quality and its general contribution to people's social and economic betterment. Top of the document Objectives COL's strategic plan includes a number of key activities in the area of communications and information technologies which are central to the organisation's core mandate. A study was commissioned by COL to assess technological and cost options for the development and operation of a shared, multi-user network aimed at providing a wide range of telecommunications services for the purpose of distance education. Some of these methods include the use of Low Earth Orbiting Satellites and access to Internet. Therefore, the provision of training in educational media production skills, use of audio and videoconferencing systems, and use of telecommunications equipment and computers features prominently in COL's work.
Efforts are also underway to use distance education methodologies in media training.
Partnership Building is a central element of COL's technology activities. COL is also actively promoting national, regional and inter-regional professional associations in distance education and educational communications.