Yerevan, Armenia (November 16, 2015) – From 10 - 13 November 2015, 45 experts across 14 countries conducted a workshop to review state-of-the-art electronic learning technologies as part of an ongoing effort to assist partner nations in the implementation of such technologies. In addition, the Armenian Ministry of Defense, along with other partners, pledged to support development of a new NATO language training course, to be taken online by deploying forces in support of NATO operations.

Organized under the framework of the Partnership for Peace Consortium (PfPC) Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Working Group, the workshop was the latest in a series of multinational engagements aimed at helping partner nations implement eLearning technologies into their defense education programs. With advances in such technologies, immersive environments, virtual reality, and learning management systems are revolutionizing how defense education institutions operate.

According to Greta Keremidchieva, Chairperson of the ADL Working Group, "Online learning technologies are becoming cost effective to the point where defense education institutes can readily adapt technologies into their classrooms and transform their entire approach to defense education. Some of the participating nations have developed robust ADL capabilities, established their own ADL centers and are now assisting new ADL nations. The mission of the ADL Working Group is to assist partner nations to incorporate modern technologies and ways of delivering education, and so we are thrilled to see the progress that Armenia and other partners are making on implementing such technologies."

Armenia’s First Deputy Minister of Defense, Mr. Davit Tonoyan, attended the workshop and expressed his appreciation for the ADL Working Group’s support, highlighting eLearning technology’s enabling effect, whereby high quality training courses can be delivered at low costs for the Armenian Ministry of Defense.

In addition, the Armenian Ministry of Defense, along with other partners, pledged to support the development of a new NATO English language training course, to be taken online by static and deploying forces in support of NATO.

The ADL Working Group plans to conduct its next workshop in partnership with the Latvian Ministry of Defense from 25 - 27 April 2016 in Riga, Latvia.