Michael was the lead Distance Learning Specialist at the World Bank in Washington DC up to his retirement three years ago where he worked since 1997 on all aspects of the development of the Global Development Learning Network . GDLN is an initiative that promotes the exchange of knowledge and experience among development practitioners, using information and communications technologies and a blend of distance learning methodologies. There are over 120 GDLN Affiliates worldwide, open for use by all development practitioners.
Before coming to the World Bank Michael was founder and first Director of the Audio Visual Center at University College Dublin, National University of Ireland, and since 1986 he has pioneered the use of communications technologies for access to learning. Through the support of the European Commission, the European Space Agency, Intelsat, and other agencies the centre piloted and developed services using satellite broadcasting, cable and national TV networks, ISDN and VSAT videoconferencing and web based applications. He was a member of the Board of EuroPACE and President of EuroSTEP during the mid nineties.
Michael currently works as a senior consultant on network partnerships for GDLN in the South Asia region of the World Bank, while also indulging in his passion for photography (www.flickr.com/michaelfoleyphotography)