Delivering high quality distance-based bioinformatics training courses across African continent is a challenge task. This often required going beyond traditional teaching methods, using hands-on sessions, interactivity, and problem solving approaches. This will eventually lead to enhancing the course objectives and learning outcomes. In this article, we wish to discuss the challenges and best practices related to delivering training in bioinformatics in lower-limited resource setting. The article also explain how we addressed these challenges we faced in hosting and running this distance-based online introduction to bioinformatics course (IBT) developed by the H3ABioNet Education and Training Working Group and delivered at the University of Khartoum Node.
The present study also assesses the efficiency, effectiveness and relevance of the 2017 iteration of the IBT training model from the learner's and local teaching assistants' perspective in the H3ABioNet Node of Sudan based at University of Khartoum. Through 3 surveys for learners at different points in the entire course, and another survey for the course local staff, we investigated the factors contributing to a successful learner experience, and try to define this metric.  We also believe that our local setting is similar to others in less developed countries, so we also reflect upon aspects like classroom environment and recruitment of students to maximize outcomes.