NanoDays Online Workshop: Formative Evaluation

The Nanoscale Informal Science Education (NISE) Network held an online workshop in February 2010 focused on NanoDays and activities in the NanoDays kit. A formative evaluation was designed to measure workshop outcomes and identify necessary improvements for future NanoDays workshops and inform other NISE Net online workshops. The outcomes stated that workshop participants would 1) become more familiar with the NISE Network, 2) become familiar with what NanoDays resources are available on nisenet.org and how to find them, 3) increase their comfort level using NanoDays activities with their public audiences, and 4) contribute to nisenet.org by commenting on NanoDays activities. Workshop elements included an online discussion forum, live webcast demonstrating three NanoDays activities, videos posted of the webcast after it occurred, and tips and support for navigating nisenet.org. A total of 86 people participated in the workshop. Upon completion of the workshop, participants were sent an online survey. A total of 33 participants completed the survey, for a 38% response rate. NISE Network staff that participated in the workshop were also invited to provide feedback through a debrief survey. Key findings include: The webinar was the most valued and useful aspect of the workshop. Participants noted that they liked being able to observe someone doing the NanoDays activities and have their questions answered in real time. Over half of the participants "agreed" that the workshop made them more familiar with NanoDays resources on nisenet.org and how to find them, with another quarter "somewhat agreeing". Two thirds of participants felt more comfortable using NanoDays activities with their public audience and more than half felt the workshop increased their enthusiasm for teaching others about nanoscale science, engineering, and technology. Most of the workshop participants felt at least somewhat prepared to lead NanoDays activities with an audience. The workshop was unsuccessful at addressing the outcome that participants would contribute to nisenet.org by commenting on NanoDays activities. None of the participants posted comments during the workshop or after the March 2010 NanoDays events. The workshop survey is included in the appendix of this report.