At first I thought that a "webinar" type setup would work much better.    In hindsight the current way of working was very smooth and the SMS method worked remarkably well.    I also realised that the following might have been more challenging with a webinar.

• Not all students had laptops, but all had cellphones.   No installation was necessary on any laptop.
• Various geographical boundaries.    The current setup made use of a satellite link between the classrooms and the content streaming happened without any delay or break in image.    Enabling a session to go to individual laptops might have been difficult on the network.
• There was an option that you could SMS the lecturer to call you.    This worked well and everyone attending could hear the conversation regardless of where you were situated.   I remember on some webinar sessions how difficult it is to hear questions posted to the presenter.
• The session was conducted with an easy way for the lecturer to switch between camera, whiteboard or presentation mode.   I have seen more than once how difficult this task is sometimes accomplished with a webinar.
• The session is recorded on DVD.    This would also be possible via Webinar, but the smooth running of the session described above would make recording to DVD a little easier without any editing.

This was an example for me where bleading edge technology would have lost against a somewhat older but much more stable setup.    :)   Well done Stellenbosch I was pleasantly surprised.

In summary I am tired, have a headache and enjoyed the session.

O yes, more info about Stellenbosch's Telematic services

• Organised the necessary finances for the 2 year programme
• Requested for admission to the programme and pay small registration fee
• Admission to the programme was granted today

I now need to do the following:

• Complete final registration documentation
• First payment (Registration)

• Private time between me and my Creator
• Family time
• Work time

It is a constant battle to get the priority right amongst these pillars.    I am sad to say that the Work time pillar often wins or that Family time is occasionally invaded by research from Work time, but the struggle continues.

Bio

I have been with IBM GBS since 2006 being part of a "Strategic Outsourcing" deal with my former employer.   My day job covers looking after a small staff compliment, which is fortunately very patient with me, and then working on assignments to keep me out of mischief.

I am slightly "generic" by nature, but specialize a little more in Test services and Process consulting.

I occationally write articles, holds a Bachelor of Science (Mathematical) from Stellenbosch University and will embark on a Masters of Philosophy (Futures Studies) in 2010.

What makes me tick

I have a passion for Africa and her people.    I believe there is so much untapped potential that is getting hampered by various issues and not getting to the stage of being unlocked.

Unlocking the potential is important for the future of Africa.  (...that directly also influence the future of my children...)

I also think we need a little help in unlocking this potential, but often the wisdom of 1st world countries is not sufficient for that.   I believe it is important to understand the context in which we find ourselves to then determine unique sollutions to our challenges.

If you really have the heart that would like to make a difference to the lives of people, then this is one of the continents to be in.