Hevinkumar Patel

Population Case Study

March 6, 2021

What surprised you from the videoconference and why? What could we improve for the next video
conference?

The videoconference was absolutely amazing and very well put together. The ideas

presented by different campuses involved critical thinking as well extensive research. I was

honestly surprised how in depth the students went when they presented their policies in bringing

a change to the Karatu district. For example, the UNITEC group went into great details about

implementing a pyramidal structure between health authorizes when it came to improving the

health care system. In addition, I was also surprised when UEES quoted the 25th article of the

Universal Declaration of Human Rights and used that to back up their point of everyone having

the right to a standard living adequate in Tanzania. I was surprised because I would not have

thought about using this source, but I am glad they because it gave me a different preceptive.

I was also impressed with the different topics and scenarios that the students had to

present on. The topics ranged from developing policies as a heath minster to a family living in

the Karatu district. This was very well thought of because it allowed the audience to look at the

challenges from all angles and perspectives.

Moving on, I was also quite surprised by one particular point that UNITEC stated when

talking about long term plans for women empowerment. In their long-term plan, they wanted to

ensure women participation-30% or more- in decision making and management process in all

economic sector. I wasn’t sure how they arrived at 30% or if there was a particular reason, they

chose this percentage. I was surprised because I would of went with 50% participation because

that would indicate equality between the two genders. I would have also liked if they had
mentioned how more women participation would help boost the economy of Tanzania. Bringing

more women into the work force would lead to innovations and creative ideas. There is also a

lack of women participation in the STEM field in the developing countries and closing this gap is

important. (Beede, David)

For the next videoconference there are several things that could be improved upon in my

opinion. To my understanding, each presentation was only supposed to be seven minutes long,

however, most of the presentations went over that time limit. I think emphasizing to the students

to stay within the time limit would be one recommendation I would make. This will allow more

time for students to ask questions in the end and create and environment for discussions. In the

first videoconference, I had several questions that I wanted to ask but there simply wasn’t time to

do that. In addition, there should also be a system in place when the floor is open for questions.

For example, instead of just opening up the floor to everyone for questions, maybe we can ask

questions by campus. This will create less confusion and give everyone a chance. In addition, for

the next videoconference, it would be great if everyone has their camera on especially those who

are presenting. This would make the whole conference more engaging and interactive.

In conclusion, the first videoconference was terrific and set a high standard for the

upcoming videoconferences and presentations. I am looking forward to the next one.

 Works Cited

1. Beede, David N., et al. "Women in STEM: A gender gap to innovation." Economics and

Statistics Administration Issue Brief 04-11 (2011).