C4D Learning Course Information
Learning Objectives
The course aims to build a critical mass of development professionals in UNICEF who are equipped with relevant knowledge, skills and tools to address social-cultural determinants of UNICEF programmes and humanitarian actions through the use of C4D.
Participants from country and regional offices and headquarters include C4D Specialists, Information/Communications Specialists, Programme and EMOPS Specialists, Social Policy, Planning, and M & E Specialists, and Deputy Representatives.
Through the course, you will be able to:
- Understand key theories around communication, development, culture, behaviour and social change; human rights principles including inclusion and equity; and C4D concepts, approaches, methods and techniques.
- Apply this knowledge to analyze root, structural and direct causes; and generate insights related to behaviour and social change components of UNICEF’s work.
- Provide guidance in the application of processes and principles of C4D research, design, development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation to UNICEF programming and humanitarian actions.
- Guide, manage and facilitate the design and development of effective, small and large scale C4D strategies and interventions for behaviour change and social transformation that nurture evidence, and promote the principles of human rights, social inclusion and accountability.
- Lead and foster partnerships in this area of work, through harnessing the potential and creativity of counterparts, formal and informal national and community based networks, as well as advocating for mainstreaming of C4D within development programmes, policy advocacy and humanitarian action.
The Learning Journey
Think of the C4D course as a journey where you visit interesting destinations, acquire new knowledge and skills, and share your own C4D experiences with your traveling companions, enriching their experiences.
On the journey, the online facilitators are your guides. The course is based on the principles of adult learning. We use the term “facilitator,” not “teacher,” “instructor” or “professor,” because our role is NOT simply to deliver new knowledge or information, but to work with you to enhance your existing professional competencies in and/or understanding of C4D.
The sharing begins in Module 1 where we’ll look the basics of communication and C4D, how the field of C4D has developed, shifting from top-down communication to participatory approaches, the stages of developing a C4D strategy and the use of research and planning models. Your facilitator will lead discussions, inviting you to contribute and reflect on the comments of your colleagues. Points raised in the discussions are as much a part of the content of the course as the readings and other resources. The end-of-module test may include one or more questions based on the discussions. You’ll learn most when you not only follow the discussions, but actively contribute.
We use videos, case studies and scenarios to make C4D theory and research relevant to your work with UNICEF. Rather than asking you to remember and repeat something, we pose a challenge or problem that requires research and analysis—and, for which there is often no single or easy solution. Our aim is to blend theory and practice, thinking and doing, to enhance your ability to plan and implement evidence-based C4D programmes that are grounded in human rights, and to be able to explain and advocate—to your UNICEF colleagues, partners in government or NGOs—why C4D is essential to human development.
Course Structure
The course uses a blended learning approach with two phases:
- Online Learning
A one-week introduction to online learning and three online modules (estimated 60 hours work over four months—early April to mid-July). During the online phase, you will work in one of three groups with approximately 20 colleagues. Each module is divided into four thematic units. Guided by your facilitator, you will join in discussions on key topics, with the facilitator summarizing key points at the end of each unit. Each module ends with an online test on C4D concepts, tools and applications, consisting of short-answer questions.
- Face-to-Face Workshop
A two-week residential workshop (August 1 - 12) hosted by the University of Hyderabad in India. The workshop will be led by your Ohio University facilitators with University of Hyderabad faculty and staff and guest presenters. The workshop will develop your knowledge and skills in C4D research methods, monitoring and evaluation, the application of theory, planning models and special topics, such as the use of C4D in emergency and humanitarian situations. You will apply what you’ve learned in a team-based project, working with a local NGO or service organization on a C4D strategy.
Click here to view detailed information about the modules and learning units.
This diagram shows how each unit is structured. This is an explanation of the images you’ll see throughout the course.
Discussions
The online discussions are key to
your learning and we expect you to participate. In discussions, there are
no right or wrong answers, no language errors, no bad ideas. The more everyone contributes, the more everyone learns. As participants from previous cohorts have told us, there’s so much that you will gain from the experiences and perspectives of your colleagues.
The discussions begin in Module 1 where we look the basics of communication and C4D, and build on this knowledge by exploring participatory approaches to C4D planning and the use of logic and planning models. In each subsequent unit, your facilitator will pose one or more questions, respond to your comments, and provide a summary of key points at the end of the unit. Some discussions will feature a short (1-2 page) reading
or a graphic to provide context.
As you actively contribute to discussions, you’ll be helping to generate course content. For this reason, issues raised
in the discussions are as much a part of the content as the readings and other resources. Each end-of-module test may include one or more questions based on these discussions.
Finally, keep pace with the discussions. If you fall behind, you’ll miss the discussions going on in the next section or unit, and because the group has moved on, no one will be with you to discuss or answer questions.
Citing sources
Whenever you use something someone else has written, e.g. in a test answer or a discussion post, you must cite the source (the author and title of the work). We’re not particular about how you do this (the citation style) but want you to realize that not telling the reader your source of information is plagiarism, a theft of intellectual property.
All of the following are considered plagiarism (source “What is Plagiarism?” http://www.plagiarism.org/plagiarism-101/what-is-plagiarism):
- Turning in someone else's work as your own
- Copying words or ideas from someone else without giving credit
- Failing to put a quotation in quotation marks
- Giving incorrect information about the source of a quotation
- Changing words but copying the sentence structure of a source without giving credit
- Copying so many words or ideas from a source that it makes up the majority of your work, whether you give credit or not.
We also expect you to give credit to colleagues for comments on the discussion site. If you’re responding to a point, say who made it, as in “I’m going to (dis)agree with Karen Greiner from Chad about strategies in polio communication.”
Assessment
All travel is challenging, and you need to invest time and effort to make the most of the C4D journey. The course is like a walking or museum tour where you need to keep up with the rest of the group— on readings, discussions and tests.
Think of it this way. The group arrives at a historic site or a gallery in the museum. Your guide (the facilitator) explains what you’re looking at and why it’s important. You read the section in the guidebook, and talk with other group members about it. Then you all move on to the next location. If you fall behind, you’ll miss the discussions going on at the next site, and because the group has moved on, no one will be with you to discuss or answer questions.
Our first stop is the one-week (April 4 - 10) Orientation to the C4D Course where you’ll become familiar with the structure of the course and practice navigating the course website. The course proper begins on April 13th with Module 1, Principles and Concepts in C4D.
Each of the three online modules consists of four learning units. Each unit has one or more discussion questions that prompt you to relate C4D principles and practices to your work with UNICEF. We strongly encourage you to participate in the discussions. There’s much that you will learn from the experiences and perspectives of your colleagues. And contributing to and following the discussions will help you prepare for the module test (see below). Up to 10 marks per module will be allocated by facilitators to participants who contribute actively and thoughtfully to the discussions. You can view the rubric they'll use to assess your work in the discussions here.
At the end of each module, you’ll take a test consisting of short-answer questions that assess your understanding of C4D concepts and terminology, and their application in UNICEF work. It will consist of two or three required questions, and a choice of others. We will provide a suggested word range for each answer, e.g. 300–350 words. To prepare for the test, you will need to complete the short readings for the units. Your answers may include short quotes, e.g. a sentence or a couple of key phrases, from the readings (with reference to the author and title). Please do not use long block quotes. One or more questions may ask you to respond to issues raised in the discussions.
The test (in Word format) will be available on the website the day after the end of the module. You have one week to complete and upload the test as a Word attachment to the website. You will find detailed instructions on how to complete the test here and on the test page for each Module.
Within 7 - 10 days of submission, you will receive a link to download your graded test with your score and facilitator's comments.
Because of the limited number of places (60) available for the workshop at the University of Hyderabad (August 1 - 12), participants will be selected on the basis of their overall performance in the online modules (tests and contributions to discussions). The selection will be based on earning 75 per cent of the marks for the first online module (in other words, 30 out of the possible 40 marks):
Marks Used to Determine Workshop Invitation
Assessment Type | Possible Marks |
---|---|
Module 1 Test | 30 |
Module 1 Discussion | 10 |
Those not receiving a workshop invitation are encouraged to complete the online portion and earn a course certificate. To pass the course, you need to submit final tests for Modules 1, 2 and 3.
Assessment Schedule
Module | Possible Marks | Opens Online | Deadline |
---|---|---|---|
Module 1 | 30 marks for test, 10 for discussion | May 8 | May 15 |
Module 2 | 20 marks for test, 10 for discussion | June 12 | June 19 |
Module 3 | 20 marks for test, 10 for discussion | July 24 | July 31 |
Click here to read about how to start and take one of the module Tests.
Certificates to be Awarded
Pass | 50-69 marks (and submission of all three end of module tests) |
Pass with Merit | 70-89 marks |
Pass with Distinction | 90-100 marks |
Online Modules: Getting Started
Upon acceptance of your nomination for the course, the first message you will receive will be an e-mail with your login and password information for the course website. The e-mail will come from a gmail account - unicefc4d.group1@gmail.com, unicefc4d.group2@gmail.com, or unicefc4d.group3@gmail.com. You have been assigned to one of these three groups for the online phase of the course. The graduate student managing your group will send you updates on your progress in the course and reminders about deadlines, and will be available to deal with technical and administrative questions.
The second e-mail you receive will come from Andrew Carlson, the course technology director. The subject line will be “Come Join me on UNICEF C4D.” This is your invitation to join the Ning discussion site where you will contribute to discussions, chat online with facilitators and share your perspectives with UNICEF colleagues.
Just to be clear: The course has two websites—one for course materials and one for discussion. Your ID and login gives you access to the course materials site, but you need to accept Andrew’s invitation to join the discussion site.
The Course Materials Website
The online phase starts on April 4 - 10 with the Orientation to the C4D Course. In this one-week Orientation, we introduce you to the online learning platform and how to navigate it. We want to make sure you can focus on the C4D topics because you already know where to find resources, and how to engage in discussions. We’ve tried to keep things as simple as possible, but taking time to get familiar with the platform will save you (and us) time later.This video explains the use of the course materials site.
An easy - to - remember web address (URL) for the course materials site is: www.commdev.ohio.edu/unicefc4d.
The course proper begins on April 11 with Module 1, Principles and Concepts in C4D.
If you’re reading this, then you have successfully logged in to the course website using your OHIO username and password. This is the part of the site that contains all the course information and resources—in other words, the materials we’ve designed for your learning.
The Discussion Site
The discussion site is where you will post your personal profile, contribute to the discussions, and chat live with your facilitators. It works rather like a social network and uses the popular Ning platform.
You can view this video or on the DVD to see how to join and navigate the discussion site.
Once you have set up your profile, there are several ways of accessing the discussion site. You can either access it through the main C4D course website by clicking on the DISCUSSION SITE link on the left-hand side of all web pages, the link in the navigation bar at the top of the web page, or by clicking in links provided within the course content itself. You can also use the address www.unicefc4d.net. You will use your UNICEF email and the password you selected when you joined the site.
Ready To Go?
Now that you have read the background information on the course, Ohio University, the facilitators, and assessment, go to the Orientation page to practice how to navigate the course materials site and the discussion site. To help you become familiar with how to do this, we have designed three short assignments. These are not assessed, but once you’ve done them we’re confident you’ll be ready to navigate the discussion site.
Communication
You’ll use the discussion site (explained under “Online Modules: Getting Started”) to communicate with other participants in your group on C4D topics. If you are experiencing problems with your login, website navigation or other technical problems, or have questions about the course schedule, deadlines or marks accumulated, contact your group administrator using the gmail account. For other issues, we strongly encourage you to join our Facebook group (click here to join). Here you can interact with other participants, UNICEF colleagues who took the course in 2011 - 2015, and facilitators to share concerns, ask questions, and get more information. In addition, the Discussion Site has a "common area" where we've created some forums for general information, like Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
We'll use the Admin Notes page on the website as a type of message board for administrative information. Posts will include general messages for all participants, including the pre-workshop administrative notes and communication. We’ll also send these messages to you by e-mail, but we want to make sure you have easy access to key course information. It’s often easier to check the Admin Notes than to look for messages in your crowded inbox!
If you have any other queries or concerns and belong to Group 1, click here to email the Group Administrator for Group 1. [The email address is unicefc4d.group1@gmail.com]
If you have any other queries or concerns and belong to Group 2, click here to email the Group Administrator for Group 2. [The email address is unicefc4d.group2@gmail.com]
If you have any other queries or concerns and belong to Group 3, click here to email the Group Administrator for Group 3. [The email address is unicefc4d.group3@gmail.com]
University Partners
Ohio University
Ohio University has a nationally-ranked College of Communication. Its Master’s programme in Communication and Development Studies (CommDev), which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2012, has been a world leader, attracting many mid-career professionals from government, NGOs and international development organizations seeking to improve their professional knowledge and skills. Communication faculty and staff have experience in C4D projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The programme offers interdisciplinary education in the planning and administration of communication projects in areas such as public health, education, democracy and governance, human rights and conflict resolution, gender issues, environmental protection, and social and political institution-building. CommDev has undertaken numerous training and research programmes with funding from government and international agencies. Communication faculty and staff have experience in C4D projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Ohio University
http://www.ohio.edu
Communication and Development Studies (CommDev)
http://www.commdev.ohio.edu
The University of Hyderabad
The Department of Communication at the University of Hyderabad was established in 1988 during the television boom in India and was initially recognized for its training in television production. Today, communication for social change has become a central focus of the department’s teaching and research efforts. The department offers an M.A. in Communication (with specializations in print journalism & new media, radio & video production, and communication & media studies), a PhD in Communication, and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Health Communication. The department has been ranked as the No.1 university department of communication in the country for the last four years in a national survey conducted by Outlook-MDRA.
In the MA (Communication) programme, courses include Communication & Social Change, Community Media & the Public Sphere, Health Communication, and Research Methodology. In addition, doctoral students (over 20 currently enrolled) have been working on issues related to community media and development, health communication, disability studies, health and media policy analysis, C4D evaluation, and ICTs for development.
The department has linkages with national and international agencies, including the Department of Science & Technology and Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (both Government of India); UN/multilateral agencies -- UNICEF, UNESCO, and Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA); research and advocacy organizations such as Indian Council for Social Science Research (ICSSR), Centre for Media Studies, Centre for Advocacy & Research, National Foundation for India, International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH), George Institute of Global Health; and universities in the UK, USA and Australia.
Facilitators and Staff
The facilitators for this course are a mix of current Ohio University faculty, select faculty from other institutions, including the University of the Witwatersrand, and international C4D experts. Many of them have hands-on experience researching, designing and evaluating C4D programmes and initiatives across the world for national and international organisations. They will be working with you on the online modules, and some will serve as presenters and project facilitators during the workshop [clicking on a facilitator name will take you to their profile].
David Mould is the Course Director. Dr. Mould is Professor Emeritus of Media Arts and Studies at Ohio University. He served as Associate Dean of the Scripps College of Communication and Director of the Communication and Development Studies master’s programme. He has over 15 years experience as a media trainer and consultant, mostly in Central and Southeast Asia.
Ami Sengupta is the course Curriculum Director, and a communication for development consultant specializing in gender, participation and child protection. Her professional experience spans strategy development, research and training. She will facilitate Module 1.
Andrew Carlson is the Technology Director, responsible for online instructional design. Dr. Carlson is an Assistant Professor of Communication at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minnesota and a C4D consultant. He will be a facilitator for the Orientation and Module 1.
Vinod Pavarala is the Workshop Director. Prof. Pavarala is the chairholder for the UNESCO Chair on Community Media at the University of Hyderabad. He has been one of the leading campaigners for the democratization of airwaves in India and has played a significant role in drafting the national policy permitting community radio a space on the radio dial in the country.
Janine Simon-Meyer is a C4D researcher, strategist, practitioner and educator. She has more than 15 years experience in providing technical support and capacity building for SBCC in southern Africa, including through IOM, SIDA and USAID. She will facilitate Module 1.
Kanchan K. Malik is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication, Sarojini Naidu School of Arts and Communication, University of Hyderabad (India). She will facilitate Module 2.
Adrian Budiman is Deputy Resident Director at the Australian Consortium of In-Country Indonesian Studies (ACICIS), and previously served as a senior faculty member at the Department of Communications, Universiti Utara Malaysia between 2008-2015. Dr. Budiman will facilitate Module 2.
Usha Raman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Hyderabad. She has been a freelance journalist for over three decades, publishing on topics related to health, technology and women’s issues in a range of mainstream newspapers and magazines. She will facilitate Module 2.
Amy Chadwick is an Assistant Professor in the School of Communication Studies, in the Scripps College of Communication at the Ohio University. Her research focuses on the use of communication messages to change attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors related to health and environmental issues. She will facilitate Module 3.
Patrick Cockayne is an independent C4D practitioner. He has worked on C4D and SBCC strategy development, programme design, and implementation support throughout the SADC region and across sectors, from local economic development, to community-based natural resource management, housing, water and sanitation and latterly in health, with an emphasis on HIV and TB prevention, care and support. He will facilitate Module 3.
Suruchi Sood is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Health and Prevention, School of Public Health at Drexel University. She has experience in researching large scale full-coverage programs geared towards both individual and social change within a variety of contexts – social media, mass media, interpersonal communication, community mobilization, social marketing and advocacy. She will facilitate Module 3.
Three graduate students will serve as administrators for the course: Bélen Marco Crespo (Group 1), Claudia Nieto Sanchez (Group 2), and Liliana Acevedo Callejas (Group 3).
C4D Course Video
Want to learn more about the UNICEF-Ohio University C4D Learning Course? Want to hear what the course organizers, facilitators, and previous participants have to say about it? Watch this 15-minute video to find out what to expect, what kinds of activities you will be involved in, and how this course will add value to your work. Don't forget to provide your feedback along with your name and country office in the comments section. Happy watching!
Click here to view the video in a new window.