2. End of Part 1 Instructor feedback.

This instructor feedback is based on your reflections as well as the instructors´ analysis about the discussions in the thematic forums. 

Topic: ITCZ (Scholastic Maloba)

I would like to appreciate all the coordinators of this online course by making sure all the activities run smoothly.

The first part of the online course (5th to 16th August) started off well.  The section had three main parts: ITCZ, Anticyclones and Tropical Lows. This part of the online session  went on well and most of the participants completed the ITCZ topic.

 Some participants joined late while others had some difficulties login into the site. With time this issue was sorted out and the communication was smooth. Internet was also a challenge to some participants which resulted into late submission of their answers to the forum

The question of discussion for the first topic (ITCZ) in part one was: Think of your region, what are the systems that affect your region and how do satellite imagery help you to identify them?

Many participants did well. The answers were varied where by some participants gave detailed answers which was very encouraging because others could learn on how others go about locating the system in their country. Others were so brief and were requested to elaborate their answers of which some did well. The answers given also showed that most participants made good use of learning materials availed to them at the start of the course.

It was also evident that most of the participants understood well on how to locate the ITCZ and most of them explained that they used additional products in their countries together with the satellite images to easily and confidently locate the ITCZ .

The participants on average performed well, though some could not clearly explain how to use different satellite channels to identify the systems. Am hopeful that the class phase will help the participants to acquire the necessary skills needed to identify the systems.

Last but not least, I would like to thank the online course coordinators for giving me the opportunity to interact with the participants.

Topic: Anticyclones (Simon Musyimi)

Most students from the tropics in attempt to explain on “The impacts of synoptic scale systems in your own region” concentrated on the major influences/ impacts of ITCZ and Airmass among other phenomenon commonly found in Tropics. There were less or fewer attempts to explain the influences and impacts of anticyclones within the region, especially on the operational side of forecasting. But colleagues from Sub tropics and higher latitudes had quite a good grasp of their effect and contribution to their day to day weather operations. In general, the participation of participants is quite good and energetic and I perceive that most of them have a passion to really understand how satellite data can help in fortifying their grip of  weather forecasting and prediction.

Topic: Tropical Lows (Kgolo Mahlangu)

I am generally happy with the participants responses to the topic posed regarding Tropical Lows. The discussions showed a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of understanding. Many participants did well in explaining the effects Tropical Lows have in their regions and also how they go about identifying them on various satellite imagery they have at their disposal. The usage of satellite imagery was very impressive to me, you do very well in that regard. From what I gather, the systems lead to torrential rain in most places, which could have good or bad impacts. The bad being that it leads to flooding if prolonged, causing havoc in the continent.  Thanks a lot for the educative perspectives we received in the discussions.