2003 Summer Institute

Course Evaluations:

Did the Summer Institute with David Seaman live up to your expectations?

For the most part yes. I believe that I can take what I've learned and develop skills to do XML & TEI.
Yes.
Absolutely
Yes it did. I expected the course to be a broad painting of XML, and I would like to take a more in-depth course in the future.
Absolutely, and it went beyond.
Yes, entirely.
Yes.
It exceeded my expectations.
Yes, I was hoping to fill in gaps in my knowledge of XML, dtds and e-text and image markup. David went into great detail about so many aspects of digitization. I have lots of knowledge to bring back to my institution.
Excellent overview as well as detailed instruction. The level of knowledge and experience of the instructor were "superb."
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes and no. I had the impression that there would be "managerial" sessions on initiating projects (funding, rights manage.) rather than the hands-on and this was my misconception. What was offered was top-notch; nuts & bolts of mark-up, review of first-rate products, etc. Seaman is a 1st class educator who dealt with novices (like me) and experts equitable, honestly and with real interest in seeing that people understood both why and wherefore of digital work.

What did you like best about the Institute?

I liked that we got an overview of a variety of topics with an indication of how they fit together. Great to have such an extensive set of links.
Friendliness and sense of humor. Very impressed with David's knowledge and patience.
The balance between overview & technical detail and the ways in which the instructor personalized the material for participants from varied backgrounds.
I enjoyed the last section of the course, the more technical aspects of XML.
The combination of theoretical and practical as well as the nice mix of disciplines represented. It was stimulating to hear what others are doing or plan to do.
It's contents, the professor's knowledge and devotion. Bravo! The practical part was also quite good.
All of the program.
The order in which topics were covered. The course content was well organized- great instructor.
The thoughtfulness and professionalism of the UNB hosts. I especially like my mug – such a great idea!
Excellent instructor and a very good mix of student backgrounds. Mixing of theory and practice were done very well.
Opportunity to learn from someone who has used TEI for a long time and to interact with other's using TEI.
Very full coverage of the material with lots of time for individual questions.
I enjoyed the hands on aspect most – best way to learn.
The hands-on approach. The way that each step built on previous ones; also the work-together approach in which student's assisted one another.

How could the course have been improved?

Even though they are available online, it would have been great to have a printed sheet with an overview of the structures division of the TEI. This would have saved a few less browsers open at the same time.
Need a "stream" for planners and managers i.e. portal development and the larger landscape. But very useful re: a new appreciation for web-designers and text development in the digital world.
I think it was perfect the way it was.
Do not use the Beaverbrook Hotel – EVER! Not even for people you don't like!!
Maybe one computer less per row in the lab would be a good idea (except for the first row).
Discussion on some topics, such as grant writing, while very valuable to cover, could have been shortened to allow for more time on more pertinent topics such as TEI.
I had a hard time seeing the screen (the monitors were in the way) and couldn't really see the other participants over the rest of the monitors in the room.
Better equipment (Windows 98….uggh). Room was at times too cool. A list of participants and their "info" should be given out at the beginning of the workshop.
Not so much improving this course, but adding an intermediate level course in TEI
Start earlier ( 8:00 or 8:30). Perhaps more handouts illustrating steps and code for certain things, as the instructor needs to move fairly quickly.
Would like to see "managerial" sessions on initiating projects (funding, rights manage.) rather than the hands-on. Also, although there was little "wasted" time, many things happened too quickly for those who are machine-hesitant. Too much content to absorb in such a short period. But this is really quibbling on my part.

Were the social events worthwhile? Enjoyable?

I only attended the Wednesday night barbecue and quite enjoyed it, mosquitos not withstanding.
Yes and Yes!
Great value to speaking with other participants in a relaxed atmosphere.
Yes, the dinner at Alan's was fantastic. Good time, good food, great people!
King's Landing – N/A; BBQ – Yes; but also enjoyed the several free nights to explore Fredericton.
Yes
Yes, very.
Yes, they were all great.
Yes, they were. Visiting King's landing was especially nice and a good way to meet participants informally. The barbecue was delicious and thanks to Alan Burk for opening up his home.
Nice barbecue – cut the mosquitos next time.
Yes – except for the mosquitos!
Yes.
Yes, King's Landing was great!
I attended only the one at Alan's house – it was such a lovely environment and the food was enjoyable, but the mosquitos made me pine for Winnipeg and mos. Fogging – too bad. Meals were good for meeting and picking brains.

Any other comments you would like to add?

I thought that the comments on the broader project management challenges/planning were useful in thinking of overall projects. I enjoyed the Text Centre as it put the organization in focus.
Need a "stream" for planners and managers i.e. portal development and the larger landscape.
I thought that this course might have been a little more technical that what it turned out to be.
David was a dynamic instructor, with whom the eight-hour seminar flew by! Impressive breadth and depth of knowledge. Chapeau! I am energized for the projects in my own institution.
I would gladly come back for a second part!
Excellent initiative!
Overall the course was well organized. The structure of the course was great as was the content. The computer I worked on presented some problems. It would crash several times per day, which was frustrating.
Looking forward to Summer Institute Version 2.0 (the next course as follow-up).
The service at the Lord Beaverbrook was not great, it was adequate at best, and sometimes less than adequate. Staff was sometimes rude and requests were accommodated very begrudgingly.
Perhaps you need to develop a two-part course: the first would be more "management" issues and the second a sort of "nuts & bolts" approach of this one. It will be difficult to find a replacement for David Seaman who combines his humor, dedication, patience and ability to make the difficult understandable.