TeraGrid '06 Tutorial Evaluation

Abstract

TeraGrid '06, the first annual TeraGrid conference, was held in Indianapolis on June 13-15, 2006. Eight pre-conference tutorials, covering a diverse range of topics, were offered on June 12, 2006. Half of the tutorials were a full day in length and half were 4 hours long. Researchers at the University of Michigan's School of Information developed a 15-question survey to measure attendees' satisfaction with the tutorials. Results from the survey are presented in this report and are intended to assist TeraGrid personnel with the development of future educational events such as tutorials and workshops and to provide feedback to tutorial instructors. The results from an analysis of the survey data show that the tutorial attendees who responded to the survey generally rated their experiences very positively and would attend another educational, outreach, or training event sponsored by TeraGrid. Respondents felt they gained a deeper understanding of the topic at hand and planned to use at least some of what they learned in their work or teaching. The results also show that some tutorials were more successful than others in terms of the presentation of material. Some respondents were dissatisfied with the handouts available to them while others desired more opportunities for hands-on activities. Responses to open-ended questions suggest that some attention should be paid to the level of the tutorial and the ability of the attendees. Offering introductory tutorials in which attendees are given practical step-by-step training in tandem with more advanced tutorials geared at experienced users could be beneficial in meeting the needs of a wide variety of users.