WikiVet team in Africa - News
The WikiVet Team have always been committed to providing access to veterinary resources in the developing world. The rapid improvement in internet bandwidth linked to more affordable computers and mobile phones means that e-learning is now a realistic option to veterinary students in less privileged parts of the world. With this in mind WikiVet has been looking at developing links with veterinary schools in Africa, Asia and South America.
In May, Nick Short and Raymond Macharia ran a workshop at the University of Nairobi veterinary school on the use of WikiVet. Over 60 vets and students attended the 3 day event and it was clear that there was a real hunger for access to more quality online veterinary resources. Raymond profiled his new Flash based application on Testing the functional integrity of ocular reflexes. Nick discussed how veterinary staff and students could get more involved in the WikiVet project. Dr Kisipan Mosiany described some of the innovative work that he has been doing with e-learning after a visit to the UK.
One area that WikiVet has been looking at is the translation of English content to other languages. Whilst all vets in Kenya speak English there are many Community Animal Health Workers for whom English is not their first language. With this in mind, the WikiVet technical guru Asher Allison implemented a patch which enables the whole site to be translated into Swahili at the click of a button. We are also exploring creating audio podcasts of some of the content of WikiVet for farmers who have problems with literacy.
Following the workshop, Nick and Raymond travelled to Tanzania and attended an eLearning Conference.