The Ayuquila River e-case study delivers an engaging learning experience by combining the communication power of interactive multimedia with the effectiveness of the case study method of teaching and learning.
This e-case study is a detailed account of the real problems faced by the different stakeholders in the Ayuquila River watershed, and the innovative solutions they have implemented. The e-case study allows learners to explore geography and history of local environmental problems and subsequent restoration of the watershed.
The learner may begin this exploration by watching a short documentary FILM that presents the story from the perspective of academics at the University of Guadalajara – Manantlán Institute of Ecology and Conservation of Biodiversity. This will enable the learner to get a quick overview of the main issues and stakeholders involved in the case study.
For an in-depth understanding of the details of the case, learners will then proceed to the MAP section where they will find different places in the watershed and the main events that occurred there. In their exploration they will come across clues that help understand the story in the form of videos interviews, guiding texts, slideshows, animations and an ARCHIVE of scientific papers. The learners will have the opportunity to listen to the perspectives of people from different sectors of society with a stake in the management of the resources of the Ayuquila River, and construct their own understanding of the case study.
This e-case study is designed as a learning resource for use in both face-to-face education as well as online learning in educational programmes within the fields of environmental studies, political science and sociology, although it can be used more widely. The e-case study provides educators with a real-life narrative that can used to introduce a variety of concepts such as integrated watershed management, participatory development, and conservation of biodiversity. At the same time it provides a space for the development of relevant skills. By grounding learning in a real life situation, learners appreciate the relevance and usefulness of theoretical knowledge and specific skills needed to solve real environmental problems, a factor known to be key in developing the capacity of learners to apply acquired knowledge and skills in their careers outside the classroom.
The materials are also presented in a manner that would be attractive to the general public who would prefer an overview of the story.
The Ayuquila River e-case study has been produced by the United Nations University (UNU) - Online Learning based in the Media Studio in Tokyo working in collaboration with the Instituto Manantlán de Ecología y Conservación de la Biodivesidad, of the Centro Universitario de la Costa Sur, Universidad de Guadalajara (UdeG).
This collaboration is facilitated by a memorandum of understanding signed by UNU Rector Hans Van Ginkel and UdeG Rector José Trinidad Padilla López on December 2, 2004.
The e-case study will be used in educational programmes at the University of Guadalajara as well as in the UNU-Global Virtual University. The UNU’s long-term vision is to collaborate with a wide range of partners to create a library of e-case studies dealing with pressing global issues of interest to the United Nations and its member states.
The following officials facilitated the development of this e-case study:
United Nations University
Hans van Ginkel, Rector
Itaru Yasui, Vice-Rector; Environment and Sustainable Development
Max Bond, Executive Director; Office of the Rector
Brendan Barrett, Academic Programme Officer, Online Learning-Media Studio Director
University of Guadalajara
José Trinidad Padilla López, General Rector
Itzcóatl Tonatiuh Bravo Padilla, Executive Vice-Rector
Carlos Jorge Briceño Torres, General Secretary
Enrique Javier Solórzano Carrillo, Rector of South Coast University Centre
Ramón Cuevas Guzmán, Chief of Ecology and Natural Resources Department
