Issue link: https://takingitglobal.uberflip.com/i/1542824
R. Adeboye, C. Flewelling,V. Ogbole, E. O'Sullivan 63 significant. Given known connectivity challenges in the North, this may be somewhat surprising, though, as noted above, Connected North schools are required to have a minimum internet speed of 5 Mbps. Even where connectivity issues were present, teachers generally did not view them as a major barrier. Three noted that students were simply accustomed to such interruptions, with one adding that it even offered opportunities to build flexibility: "We live in a place where we don't always have great internet.…Our students are used to it. We're used to it.…That's just the nature of where we live. Everybody knows it. So we all just kind of go with it." Overall, findings suggest that although technological issues are typically manageable, variability in classroom setups and connectivity remains an important factor that can shape the quality of the Connected North experience. Evaluation Question 5: Does the program appear to be contributing to its intended short- and medium-term outcomes? Short-Term Outcome #1: Increased Student Understanding of Areas Covered By Sessions As the first entry in the outcomes section, it is important to note that teachers were asked to describe—in their own words—the effects they observed, rather than being prompted to agree or disagree with specific outcomes. Taking a broad definition of increased understanding, the evidence suggests that Connected North did contribute in meaningful ways, with teachers offering concrete examples of students making deeper connections, developing skills, or broadening their perspectives. Student survey results provided some additional, though ultimately inconclusive, signals that understanding was increased. Teachers were asked whether they felt Connected North had affected their students and, if so, in what ways. Although a list of outcomes from the Program Theory was provided, the question was prefaced with a recognition that teachers may not have clear visibility on many of these outcomes—especially those that extend beyond the immediate term. Reflecting this, the interviewers did not systematically probe each outcome. Instead, teachers were encouraged to speak freely about areas where they felt Connected North was or was not having an impact. Moderate Positive Sentiment Moderate Volume of Relevant Evidence M M L Student Survey - Univariate Analysis Evidence Base M Teacher Survey - Content Analysis Teacher Interviews