Topacs Training
Operational Package
for Climate Services
A permanent and open elearning Initiative
A joint initiative of World Meteorological Organization and CNR-IBE, with the collaboration of IC-CNR.
An Initiative by
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with the contribution of THE ITALIAN MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
OPen and Accessible worldwide
A permanent training Initiative
TOPaCS is the acronym of Training Operational Package for Climate Services, a new distance learning initiative developed by RTC Italy.
A permanent eLearning platform offering training courses on different topics related to Climate and Risk analysis and management.
TOPaCS originated from the recommendation of main stakeholders in West Africa, the Directors of Meteorological Services of 17 CILSS/ECOWAS
Countries at the International Conference on Climate Services for West Africa in Rome, Italy, early 2019.
Why TOPaCS
Overview
The methodological approach is based on the competency-based approach to training, where competencies are composed of elements of Knowledge and Skill, according to the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning, and each course is related to the WMO Competencies Framework for Climate Services Providers.
eLearning Content
The courses are structured with multimedia lessons, bibliography, case studies and useful insights.
Competency Framework
The Moodle Competency Framework functionality allows to link WMO Competencies to courses.
Open Badges
The Badges earned in TOPaCS courses can be added to Open Badge Backpack in Badgr.
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Approach
Knowledge Skills Competencies
Using the Moodle virtual learning environment, the course material has been packaged for self-directed learning, which will greatly expand the reach of the project to more students.
The TOPaCS package allows learners to attain skills related to the WMO competencies for climate services, and receive certification in the form of badges for the training completed. It is an example of a personalized learning environment, allowing users to follow several different learning
paths to access and be certified for training that meets their own needs and interests.
Open Badges
Each course includes a final quiz. Passing the quiz the trainees will obtain the badge for the course, the evidence that the badge owner successfully completed the course and acquired specific knowledge and technical skills.
The badges gained in TOPaCs courses can be issued as Open Badge Backpack in Badgr.
In this way the progress in training activities can be demonstrated through Digital Badges and Micro-Credential.
Check out the courses
Take a peek Inside TOPaCS
Climate Data Analysis Software and Tools
Click to watch the video introduction
Basics
of Agrometeorology
Click to watch the video introduction
Climate Risk Reduction Essentials
Click to watch the video introduction
Climate Modeling
Principles
Click to watch the video introduction
Introduction to Climate Variability
Click to watch the video introduction
Seasonal Forecast
Basics
Click to watch the video introduction
Extreme Events
Analysis
Click to watch the video introduction
Drought Management and Forecasting Basics
Click to watch the video introduction
The Impacts of Climate Change
Click to watch the video introduction
Monitoring Soil
Moisture
Click to watch the video introduction
Introduction to Climate and Risk Communication
Click to watch the video introduction
Try the TOPaCs Courses
Meet the Team
Marina Baldi
Researcher at CNR-IBE and Director of the WMO Regional Training Centre in Italy for the European region and for North Africa.
Patrick Parrish
Chief, Training Activities Division within the Education and Training Office of the WMO (World Meteorological Organization)
Vieri Tarchiani
Permanent Researcher at the Institute of Bioeconomy of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IBE). TOPaCs Project Leader.
Elena Rapisardi
Digital Content Designer and Producer. Natural Hazards Web Communication Expert, Content Producer and designer at CNR-IBE.
Massimiliano Pasqui
Physicist, permanent researcher at CNR-IBE. Climate change modeling, seasonal forecasts, climate services for water management.
Edmondo di Giuseppe
Climate Data Analyst at CNR-IBE. Climatological Statistics: extreme events, climate zone, spatio-temporal models and Bayesian inference.
Maurizio Bacci
Agrometeorologyst at CNR-IBE. Expert in climate change impact assessment, GIS and Remote sensing and information management expert, and trainer.
Guido Righini
e-Learning and Dissemination Manager at CNR, Institute of Crystallography. Editor of "Smart eLab". Expertise: Linux, Moodle, ePublishing, Academic Collaborative Writing.
Marco Simonetti
CNR – Institute of Crystallography. Research Support, Development and integration of Business Information Systems, Web Oriented Services, and Open Source systems.
