Distance Learning
Catalog of Courses
The courses offered by the Distance Learning program of the Academy via the WIPO eLearning Center (WeLC) are available in the following languages:
Objectives
The WIPO Academy uses distance learning as an alternative and a complement to traditional training methods in order to make course materials accessible to large audiences worldwide. Distance learning courses are delivered primarily via the Internet and offer new teaching methodologies, specially-designed course materials, evaluation tools, and tailored means of delivery. Where appropriate, videoconferencing sessions are organized to simulate an academic environment by linking remote sites. Courses are specifically adapted to allow student-teacher interaction, student tests, course monitoring, and on-line registration and evaluation systems.
The greatest advantage of distance learning as a study methodology is that its reach is not confined by such constraints as geographical location and time. Thus, any registered student, anywhere in the world, can benefit from the WIPO Academy’s distance learning program at a time and place convenient to him/her.
This has revolutionized the way in which we both teach and learn.
Through distance learning, the Academy strives to increase the educational opportunities of a broad spectrum of beneficiaries worldwide, using this website as a delivery platform.
If you have any questions about any of the DL programs, please send us an email.
General Information
What is the WIPO Academy Distance Learning Program?
In the WIPO Academy, distance learning is used as an innovative, on-line teaching technique that utilizes the Internet for teaching and training purposes. Distance learning courses bring teachers specializing in intellectual property issues closer to students and other interested parties in all corners of the world through virtual means. This method allows students to follow a range of educational programs in intellectual property at their own pace, in their own space.
The development of distance learning course materials is based on the actual demand of different categories of end-users. Target audience definition is the first step in the process of designing distance learning modules. In addition to IP Offices, groups such as lawyers, patent agents, engineers, economists, journalists, and particularly students in university programs can benefit from the Academy's tailor-made courses, addressing general and specific IP issues.
How does it work?
Training takes place in the virtual environment of the Academy web site (http://lms.wipo.int). A network of tutors in various regions of the world supports students during their work. Students and teachers can interact as often as necessary during the course, because communication takes place through electronic mail. At the end of the program, students receive a certificate acknowledging completion of the course.
Why distance learning?
WIPO is committed to creating broader awareness of intellectual property and making it more accessible to students who are not necessarily specializing in this field.
The Academy distance learning initiative takes full advantage of information technology and the Internet as an alternative and a complement to traditional training programs. It offers new teaching methodologies, specially-designed course materials, evaluation tools, tailored means of delivery, and greater accessibility. Every phase of the learning process has been restructured and modernized.
Technical requirements
- A computer connected to the Internet
- Internet Explorer 5 or higher
- Sound card and speakers
- Real Player software
Who can benefit?
Anyone who has access to the Internet (and can meet certain simple technical requirements) can benefit from the Academy's Distance Learning Program, whether they are professionals in the field or they simply have an interest in intellectual property.
Methodology
Teaching and tutorial services are provided by a core faculty of renowned academics from various universities around the world, with the interaction between students and teachers taking place online. All the phases of the course administration, from registration to student tests, course monitoring and evaluation also take place online.
The program offers a widely acclaimed general course on intellectual property, which continues to attract an increasing number of participants from the public, private sector and university communities, as well as a series of specialized courses on selected topics of intellectual property.
CD-ROM versions of distance learning courses are also available, depending on users' demand. The distance-learning training lab will soon include state-of-the-art distance learning technologies, using Internet-supported video/audio signals, virtual classrooms, and videoconferencing techniques that accompany audiovisual or multimedia products.
The Academy networks with other institutions involved in the teaching of intellectual property and distance learning in order to combine substantive knowledge and pedagogical expertise in the design and development of courses. Partnerships with universities around the world (such as UNISA http://www.unisa.ac.za) enable the Academy to identify core groups of experts to serve as authors and instructional designers, and to adapt text-based teaching materials into distance learning courses. Other experts serve as core faculty and tutors to teach, monitor course delivery, and provide student-teacher communication.
In order to strengthen capacity-building and establish a presence at the regional level, training center facilities are being developed in different regions around the world, such as those at the African Regional Industrial Property Organization (ARIPO) and the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI). These efforts will be closely linked to the progressive implementation of the WIPO Global Information Network (WIPOnet) project, which will strengthen the technical platform for the sustained delivery of Internet-based training material.
