The OceanTeacher Global Academy (OTGA) is 1 of more than 20 Virtual Access (VA) Services offered through the JERICO-S3 project.
OTGA is a global network of Regional and Specialised Training Centres delivering training on ocean sciences, services and marine and information data management (including marine biodiversity data and ocean best practices) relevant to IOC Programmes using the OceanTeacher e-Learning Platform. OTGA aims at building equitable capacity related to ocean research, observations and services by leveraging expertise exchange between developed and developing regions and offers tailored courses conducted by local experts.
OTGA is an approved action for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and contributes primarily to priority area seven through the implementation of capacity development through, inter alia, transfer of marine technology, ocean literacy, education and training. OTGA works with Decade partners to further develop, host and deliver Decade-related capacity development products and activities to meet capacity development priorities. OTGA also aims at assisting all countries to acquire the necessary capacity to participate in, and benefit from, the Decade actions and related products and services.
OTGA also contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals to conserve and sustainably manage ocean and marine resources and to build the scientific and institutional capacity needed to achieve the SDGs.
The success of the comprehensive OTGA Learning Management System, combined with classroom and distance learning, has trained nearly 4000 students from 120 countries since 2020. This initiative showcases the potential for expanding access to the system, promoting global cooperation in ocean research and management and delivering increased national and regional capacity to effectively address the priority areas of the Ocean Decade and 2030 Agenda and its SDGs.
The direct benefits expected from the implementation of OTGA include:
- Increased learning opportunities to broaden the knowledgebase, skills and job competencies
- Increased access to scientific facilities and equipment especially in the regional and specialised training centres to provide access to existing learning services for developing competencies
- Increased quality of learning services offered by regional and specialized training centres
- Increased interaction with IOC Programmes and other relevant global and regional initiatives
Since 2020 OTGA has transitioned to fully online learning and has taken full advantage of the open and flexible nature of its e-learning platform. More self-paced courses are planned which will result in increased enrolments and allow learners to progress at their own pace. OTGA is developing collaborations beyond UNESCO/IOC to position itself as the ‘training hub’ for ocean sciences, including topics related to the management of the impact and interactions with human activities.
