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Education and Training - Annex V
The availability of well-trained personnel is a key requirement in the hydropower sector. During phase 1, the Education and Training task force (Annex V) concentrated on training in operations and maintenance, and planning of hydro power projects, using an internet-based system for education and training. The task force focused on this training medium because of the low cost of distribution of learning materials and training to an international clientele; the elimination of time-zone restrictions; its allowance for distributed production of learning materials; its allowance for relatively easy customisation of personal curricula and the simpler creation of local "adjusted" curricula.
Activities
Tasks were subdivided into 5 sub-tasks as follows:
- Subtask 1 - To obtain a representative picture of the current situation world wide as to education and training in hydropower operation and maintenance, based on a combination of questionnaires, interviews and use of the personal networks of the task force members
- Subtask 2 - Development of Recommendations and Methods for E&T in Hydropower Operation and Maintenance
- Subtask 3 - To obtain a representative picture of the current situation world wide as to education and training in hydropower planning, based on a combination of questionnaires, interviews and use of the personal networks of the task force members.
- Subtask 4 - To discuss alternative strategies for defining objectives and scopes for E&T in hydropower development, with an additional focus on degree oriented education versus hydropower specialisation based on practice and continuing education programmes. The structuring of these programmes and academic studies (BSc, MSc and PhD) is outlined in some detail, including examples. The discussion tends to focus more on managers and planners in hydropower development than on subject oriented specialisation.
- Subtask 5 - Implementation of information technology and a computer network system for distance learning in Hydropower E&T: creation of this web site for presentation of the various projects in Annex 5, their reports and resulting applications; construction of a conceptual application for presenting the possibilities of administering studies over long distances and across time-zones; performing three tests of distance learning technologies and concepts; developing guidelines for creation of digital lectures and the production process for those lectures, and guidelines for other materials involved in distance learning.
Outcomes
The following reports were produced, and are freely available (see below):
- Subtask 1 - Survey of Current Education and Training Practices in Hydropower Operation and Maintenance
- Subtask 2 - Structure of Operations and Maintenance Training Programmes
- Subtask 3 - Survey of Current Education and Training Practices in Hydropower Planning
- Subtask 4 - Structuring of Education and Training Programmes in Hydropower Planning, and Recommendations on Teaching Material and Reference Literature
- Subtask 5 - Implementation of Information Technology and a Computer Network System for Distance Learning in Hydropower E&T
Follow-on in Phase 2 - Hydropower Competence Network (Annex VII)
During phase 2, the Annex VII task force went on to develop a "Hydropower Competence Network" that enables educational institutions in different countries to exchange teaching materials over the Internet. See Annex VII for a detailed report on this work.
The IEA Hydropower Agreement is keen to promote its work programmes within participating countries and to encourage further interest in its work from non-participating countries. All OECD countries are eligible to participate fully. In addition, the IEA Governing Board has decided that the Implementing Agreements may also be open to non-member countries. If you are interested in finding out more about IEA Hydropower, please contact the ExCo Secretary.