Evaluation

Reading the comments from the evaluations reports on the completed conferences reveals the degree to which the conferences have been welcomed and are seen to contribute to thinking and information exchange on the issues. The evaluations also reveal the shortcomings that need attention.

Some recurring issues include the need to anchor the discussions in reality and practise, to foster a multi-media (electronic as well as paper and face-to-face) approach, not to overlook dissemination, and to look for ways to improve the quality of the messages that are sent (shortening and focusing them, etc). More generally, there are still gender, language, and access issues to overcome. The evaluations indicate that relatively few women participated in the discussions, the language of discussion was overwhelmingly English, and while efforts were made to discuss some issues off-line, most participation was dependent on someone having access to e-mail.

However, the overwhelming constraint seems to be for participants to find sufficient time to read the discussions and prepare contributions. The absorptive capacities of participants seem to be stretched, even at a level of 3-4 messages per day for a few weeks.

Use

In March - April 2001 a survey was done among participants of all the e-conferences to look back on usefulness and tro gauge interest and new topics for a second phase of electronic conferencing. Only 22 people responded

A quick review is below:

1. Which e- conference can you recall?

Small towns and Strategic Sanitation Approaches had highest recall among survey participants.

Small towns specifically commented on as being of use professionally.

2. Are participants still using resources?

Yes, mainly background papers, synthesis notes and contacts gained during the e-conference.

3. How did the OneWordl Think Tank influence your approach to information seeking?:

It encouraged networking, and identified partners for follow up. But there is e need to be aware of e-conference fatigue (hence, the importance of summaries).

4. Priority topics for phase 2?

Little consensus, although some grouping around broad urban themes, such as private sector involvement and financing.

5. Any other comments?:

There is a need for longer period for each e-conference; sharper focus and improved moderation; and a move towards outputs/recommendations of practical use; the initiave was

generally well received..