Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions Evaluations indicate that both the participants, and the member institutions themselves, consistently regarded the courses as very relevant. The median response on relevance across courses and participants was 4.6 out of 5. Participants also consistently regarded courses as of a very high quality (a median response across courses of 4.4 out of 5). The participant evaluation process captured a range of constructive input, which is being used to further refine the learning delivery. Interestingly, given the high proportion of online delivery, there was no significant difference between participants’ responses on the relevance and quality of online and face-to-face delivery. This may reflect improvements made to the online platform over the last year. There was also little variation in participant’s responses between courses. “All the training programmes conducted through the APF are very useful to the participants in their daily work.” National Human Rights Commission of India Of the 14 members that responded to a questionnaire on the relevance of courses to the member institutions themselves (as opposed to the individual course participants), all NHRIs confirmed that knowledge gained from training had been disseminated to other staff. These members, on average, thought the courses as slightly more relevant as than participants (4.8 out of 5), indicating that the expectations of member NHRIs continue to be aligned with course participants’ experiences of training courses. These very positive findings are borne out by comments from member NHRIs. In particular, a number of members commented on the value of the blended learning approach. One member also commented: “It is good to see that our feedback from previous years has been reflected in the current training programme”. Further details of the APF’s training activities are set out below: Blended learning Since 2009, the APF has delivered a number of its core training programs online. It is now an integral part of its training strategy, a point reinforced by the usage of the APF’s virtual learning environment, which in 2011–12 saw 5 645 visits and 29 026 page views. The courses use a blended learning approach, which includes an introductory online program, usually run over five to six weeks, followed by a face-toface workshop for participants who successfully complete the online component. This approach allows participants to explore core human rights concepts in detail over an extended period of time, to raise questions directly with the trainers and to discuss issues with colleagues from other NHRIs. It also offers participants flexibility in how they learn and ensures there is greater opportunity for detailed and practical discussions during the face-to-face workshops. The online training program presents key information in a variety of ways, including through set readings, discussion topics, quizzes and video ‘webinars’. Up to 30 participants take part in each course. They are expected to contribute to weekly online discussions and to submit regular assignments. The APF’s online training programs are directly coordinated by the APF through its own virtual learning environment. 10 | 1. Enhance members’ institutional capacity to promote and protect human rights