English
FrançaisIn the fast-evolving world of research, especially in the context of data collection and analysis, keeping up with advanced tools can be challenging for academics and researchers. This was particularly evident during a recent international workshop (24-26 Oct 2024) I ‘led’ on research project writing and online data production tools in insecure contexts. With participants from various backgrounds, the workshop aimed to introduce powerful and accessible tools for data analysis, even to those with minimal technical experience.
From the preliminary survey, it was clear that, while familiarity with advanced tools was limited, the motivation to learn was high. This set the tone for a session that balanced clarity, accessibility, and practical application ensuring that every participant left a toolkit that they could use beyond the workshop. In this post, I will walk through the workshop’s structure, the tools we explored, the feedback we received, and how these insights could shape future sessions.
So, I was invited by the international network Media, Security Crises and Youth in West Africa. The network involves faculty from Burkina Faso, Denmark, Mali, Niger, Sweden, and the United States, as well as the NGO International Media Support (IMS), based in Denmark.
Preparation and invitation
The months and weeks leading up to the workshop were filled with meticulous preparation. I dedicated time to developing comprehensive training materials that were both engaging and informative. But hear some stories about the beginnings first …….
In May 2024, amid bustling preparations for the 2024 MANSA conference, I found myself managing the role of secretary for an event that was about to host over 130 presentations from across the world. Organising such an event took every ounce of focus and energy, but during this intense period, I received an unexpected proposal. Prof Heidi Bojsen, the head of the network, discussed the potential collaborations. She invited me to be a trainer for an international workshop on research project writing and online data production tools in insecure contexts.
Despite my packed schedule, we had a few zoom meetings that allowed us to exchange ideas and define expectations, similar to a series of interviews. By the end, we reached an agreement on my role in the workshop, although at the time, I could not focus fully on content preparation.
After the successful conclusion of the MANSA conference (https://mansaconf.mkante.ml ), I finally had the space to turn some of my attention to the workshop. We resumed contact and began receiving participants’ proposed ideas and needs. Based on these insights, I began designing the “class” content, ensuring that it would meet the real needs of those attending it.
As the preparations progressed, I realised that I wanted to go beyond a single workshop training. The goal became clear: to create something that would continue to serve participants (or the public), even after the workshop ended. That is, when the idea of a documentation website took shape, a resource that participants could refer to as they implemented what they had learned. The committee welcomed this idea with enthusiasm, fuelling my determination to build a robust, accessible, and lasting resource.
Of course, creating this resource requires a significant investment in time and focus. However, if you know me, you understand that once I set my sight on a goal, I am fully committed. I’m often reminded by close friends and collaborators that, at times, i should hold back, as it comes at a cost on many levels (…….) but that’s another debate and maybe reading the questions that keep me awake, you could leave me a comment on some of them, especially regarding the self determination, ambition and survival category.
I conducted a pre-survey to gauge the participants levels. The results revealed a general lack of familiarity among participants with advanced data analysis tools, programming, and statistical methods, but with a strong motivation to acquire practical and applicable skills. Most respondents had limited experience with data analysis tools beyond basic software such as SPSS, NVIVO, or R. Additionally, 12 participants indicated that they had no programming knowledge, with only two identifying as beginners, and no participants at an intermediate or advanced level. This lack of experience extended to specific tools for digital data analysis, such as orange data mining, gephi, and voyant tools. Twelve participants were unfamiliar with these tools, and only two had minimal exposure.
My goal was to create content that catered to diverse audiences, considering the varying levels of experience and backgrounds of the participants. Remenber, I had received a brief description of the research projects that the participants wanted to pursue.
I collaborated with colleagues from the organisation committee to design interactive sessions that would encourage active participation and facilitate meaningful discussion. This involved creating case studies, preparing a documentation website (https://ressources.mkante.ml), and making presentations to enhance the learning experience. The anticipation built as the workshop dates approached, and I felt confident that the groundwork would contribute to a successful event.
The workshop
Upon arriving in Ouagadougou, we were welcomed by the organisers’ warm hospitality. Indeed, I flew with four participants from Bamako namely Prof Brema Ely Dicko, Dr Youssouf Karembe, Mr Aly Maiga and Prof Sten Hagberg. The workshop was held in the conference room at the INSS of Burkina Faso.
Over the course of two days, professionals and academics from various countries convened to share their insights and explore new ideas. My sessions focused on digital tool usage for text mining, and I was pleased to see a high level of engagement among the participants. We explored the thematic with hands-on activities that allowed attendees to apply concepts in real-time. Of course, it is a complex task to get one hand on text-mining techniques, but this first experience is a good starting point for the participants.
I guided participants in exploring techniques adapted to volatile contexts by highlighting accessible tools, aiming to make data collection as safe and efficient as possible for researchers without coding skills.
We began with a presentation that highlighted the links between social sciences, machine learning, deep learning, and text analytics, providing an overview of the mechanisms underlying these tools. The session then continued with an introduction to online data collection tools, with a focus on software such as HTTrack for website scraping, and Octoparse for automating data collection on digital platforms. These no-coding tools allow researchers to obtain accurate data while reducing the risks associated with traveling in dangerous areas.
Following on from this training, I presented API collection methods, with an emphasis on solutions that do not require programming knowledge. This approach was particularly beneficial for participants from social sciences, allowing them to appropriate new techniques without technical barriers. I also shared my practical experience of managing challenges related to security constraints and data confidentiality. We then continued with practical exercises, where demonstrations were made on Voyant-tools and Orange Data Mining. We simulated data acquisition scenarios (google scholar and paid version of Twitter (X)), thus strengthening their ability to conduct research in difficult environments.
Feedback survey
The post-training survey revealed overall positive satisfaction, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 for the general evaluation of the course, alongside some meaningful suggestions for improvement. the majority of participants who responded to the survey indicated they were “very satisfied”, and 4 stated that the course fully met their expectations. However, three participants reported that their expectations were only partially met and one participant felt that the course did not meet their expectations.
The clarity of explanations received a solid rating, averaging 3.9 out of five, although some participants suggested making the technical language more accessible for beginners. The teaching methods (websites, exercises, and demonstrations) were perceived as moderately effective by six participants, while 2 found them highly effective. figure below shows a strong correlation between clarity (y axis) and overall satisfaction (x axis) with the course content.
Exploring Ouagadougou
Despite the tight schedule, I made it a point to experience the cultural richness of Ouagadougou. I visited the Thomas Sankara Museum of Burkina Faso, where I learned about the country’s revolution period under the capitaine Sankara regime.
Strolling through the streets of Ouaga, I visited the SIAO (Salon International de l’Artisanat de Ouagadougou) 2024 , with its hundreds of stands. The chance to buy some gifts for home hhhhh
In the evenings, I enjoyed conversations with fellow workshop attendees at the hotel, which enriched my understanding of their views and built lasting connections.
Reflections and return to Bamako
As the workshop concluded, I felt a sense of fulfilment. The event was a success, not only in terms of professional development but also in fostering international camaraderie. The insights gained and forged relationships are assets that I will carry forward in my career.
Returning to Bamako, I took time to reflect on my experience. The opportunity to contribute as a trainer has allowed me to refine my skills and gain new perspectives. I am grateful to the director of the network, Prof. Heidi Bojsen, for the invitation and to all the participants who made the workshop an enriching experience.
This journey has reinforced the importance of collaboration and continuous learning. I look forward to future opportunities to engage with colleagues worldwide and apply the knowledge and experiences gained to drive positive changes in our field.
