Virtual Learning to Meet Users' Needs: Capacity Building Experiences under COVID-19 Restrictions

Abstract:

NASA’s Capacity Building Program (CBP) works to connect potential users with Earth observation (EO) data that they can apply and integrate into their environmental decision making needs. Through online and in-person trainings, the program engages individuals and institutions across disciplines, user sectors, and geographies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CBP has shifted its focus to virtual capacity building activities, offering participants a broad array of benefits and outcomes that fall on a spectrum from increased awareness to sustained use of Earth observations. CBP has built on its previously balanced portfolio of in-person and virtual trainings to develop innovative mechanisms for continuing to offer knowledge and skills development opportunities in a now purely virtual learning environment.

This presentation will feature some of the methods employed by CBP to conduct wholly virtual EO trainings, including effectively targeting audiences and adapting curricula. Challenges, best practices, and ideas for a future capacity building environment also will be discussed. Further, this presentation will highlight examples of recent virtual trainings, webinars, and explore the lessons learned and best practices when engaging virtual learners. Finally, the presentation will share examples of virtual platforms used to conduct training, experiences with scheduling the sessions across days and weeks of time to ensure attention and active involvement, disseminating background registration information about the virtual event, and managing larger than expected participation rates.