The core purpose of the online discussion on the topic of study is to maximize the learning benefits through sharing of ideas. The three members of this online discussion board have varying perspectives on the topic of discussion. By subjecting each person’s perspective to the online discussion, views that had never occurred to others are exposed, creating the need for critical evaluation of the topic. The online discussion enables learners to attain a wider approach to the topic of program evaluation.
The discussion involves expressing understanding of the campaign program study useful in suppressing domestic violence in Western Australian society. While all three members of this discussion board agree on some issues, a number of issues are contentious among the members. It is evident from the discussion that members have a good understanding of the topic of study. From the contributions that are made by all the three members, there is an emergency that the campaign approach used is bearing fruit following progressive stages of evaluations (Nutbeam and Bauman, 2006). According to Sharon and Ali, the study has a useful purpose and rationale on which it is evaluated. They note that the study is designed for long-term evaluation purposes, with the processes, measures, outcomes and impacts of the study clearly stipulated. These are the same sentiments echoed in my contributions on the same topic. Process evaluation gives directives on the program implementation as discussed in the study and elsewhere (Bamberger, 2000 and Bamberger et al, 2004). In our contributions, we also concur with each other that the campaign program is a success as the third wave of studies showed attitude change among the target group.
Outcome and impact evaluation of the study as noted by Sharon determined whether the goals and objectives of the study were achieved over the period of research. According to Sharon Wave 1 of the study was carried out in the first four weeks of the campaigns to assess the reaching impacts of the campaign media used. Wave 2 which was carried out on the seventh month sought to measure the impacts of the campaigns on the target group. Finally, wave three carried out on the fifteenth month was to reveal the long-term implications of the measures on the target group.
According to Saad, the study highlights the measurement of process, measures, outcomes and impacts of the program. Saad hails the research as easy to interpret since it is furnished with graphics for simpler interpretation. That is an important point that neither my contributions nor Sharon’s addressed. We are therefore able to appreciate this approach of the study following Saad’s contributions. He concludes that wave three of the program evaluation revealed that the program was positively impacting on the target groups a point that we all noted. Through the exchange of ideas in this on-line discussion we were all able to have better insight of the topic of study. From Sharon’s interpretation of the three waves of the study and the four processes of evaluation and implementation (that I had difficulty understanding initially), I improved my understanding of the topic. At the end of the discussions, we all seemed to have made contributions that were critical to each other understands of the topic.
In conclusion, on-line discussion was important in sharing ideas among the members of the group. It stands out that there are observations made by other members of the group on program evaluation study that I had not initially understood. For instance I had no clear understanding of the stages as exposed by Sharon. As well, Sharon and Saad never discussed a number of concepts that I exposed.
References List
Bamberger, M. (2000). The Evaluation of International development programs: A view from the front. American Journal of Evaluation.
Bamberger et al. (2004). Shoestring evaluation: Designing impact evaluations under budget, time and data constraints. American Journal of Evaluation.
Nutbeam, D. and Bauman A. (2006). Evaluation in a Nutshell. Australia: McGraw-Hill Book Company.