FAQs

What is Spark?

Spark provides a space for learning resource exchange, practice, preparation for action, research, and knowledge mobilization among civil society and independent media actors. Spark is an initiative of the Civil Society and Media Strengthened Together and Advancing in New Directions (CSM-STAND) project funded by USAID and managed by Pact with a consortium including talented and committed global, regional and technical partners who bring deep expertise in the regions and sectors covered by the programs. Spark aims is to improve the accessibility of quality digital and non-digital learning content for civil society and media actors to encourage and support self-guided learning. Resources hosted on Spark have been created, tested, and adapted by local, regional, and global civil society and independent media actors.

Is Spark free?

Yes! Spark is provided as a public good for civil society and media globally to learn about accountability and anticorruption, advocacy and policy reform, civic engagement, combating information pollution, inclusive development, institutional strengthening, media and journalistic development, and monitoring and evaluation.

Who developed and manages Spark?
Spark was developed using a learning management system gifted to the CSM-STAND programs by the Aga Khan Foundation. The CSM-STAND programs, including Spark, are supported by USAID. The CSM-STAND programs manage Spark.
How do I invite colleagues to Spark, or a specific learning resource hosted on Spark?
You can invite colleagues to access specific learning content by opening the content and choosing the icons for “Share on Facebook”, “Share on Twitter”, “Share on LinkedIn,” or “Share on Email”.

Registration and sign-in

Do I need to register to use Spark?

Registration is only required for enrolling in courses. By creating an account, you can enroll in courses, learn at your own pace, and keep track of your progress in courses. Registration is not required for accessing publications, webinars, instructional videos, or learning about upcoming events.

How do I register an account with Spark?
You can register by clicking on “Log in/Register” in the top right corner of the screen. Then, choose “Register” in the pop-up window. Choose a Username and fill in your first name, last name, email address, and set a password.

It is optional to complete the fields for I identify as, Country, Organization affiliation, and Native language; however, this information supports us in better understanding who is using Spark and how we can curate learning resources to better serve the needs of our learners.

To complete your registration, check your email account and click on the link you will have received from Spark.

How can I log in if I have lost/forgot my username and/or password?

Click on “Log in/ Register” in the top right corner of the screen. Then, choose “Lost your password?”. Insert your registered email in the box. You will receive a Spark email, please click the link to make the password change.

Opportunities

Can Spark host my organization’s learning resources?

We encourage civil society and media organizations to contribute their learning resources for hosting on Spark. Content development partners are always attributed. To learn more about if your resources are right for Spark, complete our Share your Resources survey.

In my context, learners cannot easily access Spark or online learning resources. How can we make the content available to my community?

If the communities that you work with are unable to access online learning opportunities, please contact us contact@learnwithspark.org . We will assess the restrictions and determine if we can make our courses and videos available offline.

I have read the FAQ and I still have a question. What can I do?

If your questions have not been answered, please contact share your email and questions or other feedback with us using “Give us feedback” on the Get Involved page.

How can I become a facilitator of an in-person session associated with a blended learning course?

Please contact thelearninghub@akdn.org if you are interested in learning more about becoming a facilitator of an in-person session for a blended learning course.