discussion+fora


 * About Interaction and Communication.**

Much of the interaction in this course will take place through parallel discussion boards (forum/fora). The structure of these discussions will be as following:

We have one general discussion forum and three parallel thematic discussion fora. The general discussion forum is open for any course-related questions, and will be used to respond to the questions indicated in each week's content modules. The more specific thematic discussion fora will be centred upon step-by step analysis of assigned case studies, to be introduced week by week.

For example: This week we will open the first thematic discussion forum (forum 1) to introduce ourselves and share information about our professional and personal background. To visit this forum, you can click here.

During the course, in addition to the general discussion forum, we will open three parallel discussion forums around case studies. You will be requested to select a case study to follow throughout the course. One session will build upon the next, so that by the end of the course you will have completed a full impact assessment plan for your chosen project. Participants may select amongst the following case studies:


 * 1) [|Cambodia: FAO-EC Urban and Peri-Urban Food Security Project].
 * 2) [|Sudan: Sustainable Food Security through Community-Based Livelihood Development].

Participation in the discussion fora (at least 3 postings per week) is compulsory and will be part of the evaluation.


 * Quantitative assessment criteria:**

The minimal criteria of posting one message and replying to at least two other messages must be respected by all participants. Keep this minimum of three contributions in mind each week when you participate in the course.


 * Qualitative assessment criteria:**


 * Contributions must focus on the given task;
 * Contributions must be clear and unambiguous;
 * Contributions must be carefully considered and underpinned by evidence;
 * Contributions should provoke a response;
 * Contributions should demonstrate that relevant course content and/or background literature has been read, for example by applying an idea from a given resource.