Commonwealth of Learning Capacity Building
Workshop: Developing Digital Content

3-14 September 2007
Facilitated by Mindset Schooling

 

Table of Contents

Executive Summary p.5
1. Purpose and scope of the workshop p.9
2. Approach to the workshop p.9
3. Stakeholders p.10
4. Results framework and objectives p.10
5. M&E workplan and methodology p.11
6 M&E Activities p.12
6.1 Monitoring activities p.12
6.2 Evaluation activities p.12
7. Results and Discussion p.14
7.1 Pre-workshop evaluation p.14
7.1.1 Workshop arrangements p.14
7.1.2 Workshop expectations p.16
7.2 Facilitator day-by-day debriefing p.20
7.3 Facilitator Interviews p.23
7.4 Final Participant evaluation p.24
7.4.1 Expectations of the workshop p.25
7.4.2 Satisfaction with the workshop p.26
7.4.3 Learning that has taken place p.28
7.4.4. Specific areas of learning that will be useful p.29
7.4.5 The methodology of the workshop p.30
7.4.6 Facilitation and organisation p.31
7.4.7 Value of the content, method of learning workshop p.32
7.5 Yahoo! Groups evaluation p.33
7.6 COL interview p.35
7.6.1 The rationale behind the capacity building workshop's formulation and the main objectives p.35
7.6.2 Participant selection and benefits p.36
7.6.3 The way forward p.37
7.6.4 Perceptions of Mindset organisation and planning p.37
Appendix A - Evaluation activities p.38
Evaluation Activity 1 - Facilitator feedback p.38
Evaluation Activity 2 - Facilitator interviews p.39
Evaluation Activity 3 - Pre-workshop evaluation p.39
Evaluation Activity 4 - Yahoo group input p.41
Evaluation Activity 5 - Final participant evaluation p.41
Evaluation activity 6 - COL representative interview p.43
Appendix B - Time table of workshop p.44
Appendix C - List of participants p.51

 

Executive Summary

This research evaluated a capacity building workshop offered by Mindset Network, South Africa, and initiated by Frances Ferreira of the Commonwealth of Learning. The objectives of the workshop were to build capacity in the area of digital content, including input into video, multimedia and print as well as the integration of media. The purpose of the workshop was to build confidence, exposure, knowledge, skills and values around the area of ICT in participants from countries that are developing these areas or would like to develop these skills in their institutions.

Eight countries sent two participants each to the workshop with an almost equal gender split to ensure equal knowledge building and technology empowerment for women who are often under represented in this area. The countries included: Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Lesotho, India and Bangladesh (a final list of participants appears in Appendix C). The geographic diversity of the participants emerged as a strength as well as a challenge in the workshops. Most significantly, the ability to work with one's peers, from different contexts and with different solutions and responses to similar challenges was highly valued by participants. However, this diversity also meant that some participants had different levels of exposure to digital content development than others. In addition, speaking in a second language was also a challenge for some participants, although having a partner from the same country aided the learning process. However, all participants indicated that they learnt something new, were excited about the area and wished to continue their development indicating that the level at which participants entered the workshop was not as significant as the benefits they perceived themselves to have attained.

The workshop was performed over two weeks and participants were given the opportunity to apply the skills they had been shown in participatory presentations. This production was then facilitated and instant and consistent feedback was provided to and by participants. There were also opportunities to tour Mindset, see certain Mindset content examples, and also view the manner in which Mindset creates products. Although not explicitly planned for, participants also indicated they found the observation of Mindset colleagues beneficial in terms of team work, professionalism and ability to work in the area that Mindset colleagues demonstrated. An overall perception of quality and dedication was perceived from participants about the Mindset organisation.

The evaluation incorporated data triangulation, with one element utility based. Triangulation of data was performed by evaluating pre-workshop expectations from participants, day to day facilitator feedback, post-workshop evaluations from participants, facilitator interviews post-workshop and the COL interview. All stakeholders were thus asked to participate in the evaluation which was both qualitative and quantitative in nature. The day to day facilitator review sessions were utility based as they provided a platform for the modification, evaluation and re-structuring of the next day or the rest of the workshop.

The pre-workshop evaluation found that participants had a clear, if broad idea of what they were expecting: input into digital content. They were also asked to rate the organisation of the workshop to date and the use of the Yahoo! Groups as a means of communication. The participants mentioned certain organisational difficulties for individual participants that were related to organisational delays from their countries or organisations, but a clear positive perception by most participants was emphasised. The Yahoo! Groups analysis demonstrated that not all participants necessarily registered but the majority did read the electronic notice-board. Ms Ferreira of COL reiterated the importance of using such technology and all participants felt that this method of communication should be used for future workshops for the following reasons: getting to know the other participants, being prepared, saving time for when one arrives and instant and constant information sharing.

The day to day facilitators' review was utilised by most facilitators for planning for the next day but also raised issues on the workshop as a whole. Facilitators found the workshop to be beneficial to both the participants and themselves. The facilitators noted the importance and exceptionally useful nature of the participatory methodology utilised, the enthusiasm from participants, the interaction and knowledge sharing that occurred. Challenges such as some language difficulties and diverse levels of knowledge were noted. From an occupational perspective, facilitators contrasted the fulfilling nature of working with the group to the time consuming and tiring nature of facilitation. This often led to frustration as there was an unrealistic expectation that both 'normal' work and the workshop should be completed simultaneously. On the whole, however, facilitators were positive and thought the workshop was an excellent resource that could be extended into support to each participant in their own context with benefits to both Mindset and partner organisations.

The post-workshop evaluation by participants demonstrated that participants felt the objectives were met, that their knowledge and skills had increased and changed, and that their perspective on pedagogy in the area of ICT was altered. Interpersonally, participants felt that they were more confident and demonstrated enthusiasm about the area. Concrete and useful suggestions for change were made. These findings are mirrored by the facilitator interviews. Facilitators felt the benefits to the participants were in the area of practical application, greater exposure to the diverse media as well as the change in inter- and intrapersonal perspectives on ICT. However, the short amount of time to cover all the content was noted (as it was by participants) and also the understanding that not all content and skills learning could be covered in two weeks. The utility of providing further support, partnerships and relationships between the participating countries and Mindset was mentioned by almost all facilitators.

The above themes were also mentioned by Frances Ferreira of COL, who provided a macro perspective detailing the positive role of Mindset in this capacity building workshop, the importance that this workshop has for participants, the direct and indirect benefits, the values attained and the importance of seeing an example of a digital content organisation. She emphasised the point that the way forward was for participants to return to their countries and organisations and write proposals on their requirements and needs directed to their CEO's or appropriate authorities. These could then be supported by COL and the necessary input provided.

In summary, this workshop has provided Mindset with the opportunity to host a capacity building workshop, to learn useful and specific lessons at a personal and organisational level, and to fulfil elements of its three year strategy. Both direct and indirect benefits to participants were attained, and consistent feedback from participants demonstrated the value they found in the workshop.