E-learning experiences through the Global Seminar at the Faculty of Agriculture (University of Firenze).

The present note shows the distance learning testing activity carried out by the faculty of Agriculture of the University of Firenze starting from 2002 through the Global Seminar, defined as “a consortium of educational institutions concerned with crucial issues for the future of our planet. Fully interactive technology supports intellectual discussions among students, faculty and international leaders” . From the 2003, the Faculty is offering a module (3 CFU) in English, made up of a three videoconference cycle with some other Universities of the world, on themes related to tropical agriculture. At the end of the cycle, the students prepare a final paper on the attended module. At the end of each year cycle, a feedback questionnaire has been given to students to investigate on the satisfaction degree reached during the formative activity on-line. The results show an high level of appreciation from students both for the new teaching methodology and for the international idea of teaching, since they feel belonging to a class where students are spread worldwide. The overall Global Seminar experience is evaluated with a vote of 7 on 10 from the entire group of students, showing that an high level of interest and satisfaction in the participating students has been arisen.