177-296
14/12/2004
16:43
Page 264
Wayne Mackintosh
A Summary of the Evaluation of the 2nd Face−to−Face Seminar The group highlighted the following aspects they found most useful during the 2nd seminar: • The panel discussion with South African distance education practitioners and managers; • A majority reference to the activities associated with preparing a business plan for offering a distance education programme; • The facilitated sessions covering the practical aspects of teaching online; • Availing of the opportunity to interact with IITE representatives regarding the way forward for implementing this course in participant’s own countries. Taking into account the limited experience of the group with regards to drafting a business plan, the facilitators found that participants were struggling with the process of developing a business plan. Surprisingly, the participants indicated that this was one of the most useful aspects of the course. Consequently, this report recommends that an additional module for designing and developing a business plan should be added to the course. The overall rating for the 2nd seminar was also awarded a high average rating of 1.22 — slightly higher than the 1st seminar. The slight increase is ascribed to the 2nd evaluation being administered after completing the course when participants were in a better position to evaluate the extent to which expectations were met by the course.
Regarding suggestions for improvement of the 2nd face-to-face seminar the following points were highlighted: • More time for the assimilation of content given the tight schedule of the programme; • Provision should be made for covering the practical aspects associated with administering online courses using the DEP; • Refraining from including changes to the original programme. The presentation of the course adopted an ambitious timetable with regards to the attainment of objectives within the available time. Certainly, extending the duration of the seminars could enhance assimilation of content. However, the travel and accommodation costs associated with face-to-face seminars of an international group must be taken into account. One way of addressing this issue in future offerings without escalating costs of provision would be to extend the duration of the online component of the course. Notwithstanding the tight schedule, the course objectives were achieved, as summarized by one participant as follows: 264