8 April – 12 June 2015, Langen
International training courses on radar meteorology have being offered since 2008. These courses are delivered through cooperation between EUMETCAL and DWD. Again, EUMETSAT has generously sponsored five participants from transition countries, and EUMETCAL gave financial support to one student in that course.
This course was blended — seven topics were covered during the online phase (self-study and live presentations, tests and homework for students) and students attended a one-week classroom phase.
Two categories of students were defined: a) only online participation, b) participation in both phases. This enabled more people to join. During the classroom part in Langen, five trainers taught the students and guided them through the exercises and the group works.
Eight-six percent of the students provided the proof of their high levels of skill by delivering at least high quality homework and quizzes on at least 50% of the time. On the last day of the classroom part, the students were asked to fill out a short test. This was the first time this happened. All the students passed. Some participants impressed the trainers with an outstanding engagement during the classroom part. Formal evaluation will take place soon and the trainers have received already very positive feedback. The next course is planned for 2017.