E-learning for professional development in Ethiopia

Courses, workshops and distance education are still 'few and far between' for young educated Ethiopian professionals who are badly needed to bring about economic changes in the second most populous African country. Increase of knowledge or skill through courses and workshops, after graduation, has always been difficult for Ethiopian professionals. To show professional growth that would benefit the professionals themselves, as well as, the economy of their country, it is very crucial to run an ongoing professional development program that is designed to teach courses online. The intent of this paper is to discuss the benefits and challenges of E-learning (1) in the Ethiopian context. Furthermore, this paper will discuss how web-based E-courses(2), will impact the professional development of the Ethiopian intellectuals by keeping up to date in their areas of expertise. Despite Ethiopia's dismal economy and shortage of high tech professionals, this author argues that with 24-hour available access, online course(3) participants in cities, small towns and remote areas of Ethiopia would be able to augment their productivity and enhance their professional development by taking job related E-courses. Apparently, it is a long shot for Ethiopia to go online; but it is worth trying.