Time and money often prevent educators from attending as many conferences as they want, but Web 2.0 is really changing this. Many conferences today have some aspect of online participation either in real-time or via archived sessions. One really great directory to check out is the 2009 T.H.E. Conference Calendar. Set up your search according to month and geographical location. Clicking on a particular conference will give you details such as when and where, a conference description, who should attend, website location/reference and contact information. While not all of these will have a virtual participation component, it certainly is the trend.
First time trying some of these out? Here's one to try on: just recently I attended the FETC virtual conference. You'll find some great archived sessions here . Free registration is required-a.k.a some minor hoop jumping - but once in, go to the Auditorium and select from choices. Topics you'll find include the following:
- Keynote: 21st Century Learning: A Necessity for our Students
- Crossing the Threshold to the Future of Learning
- Emerging Interactive Media: What to Use, When, and How?
- Wireless N: WiFi Finally Delivers
- Getting the Most Bang For Your Buck: Key Considerations For a Successful Technology Rollout and ROI
- Impact of the Federal Stimulus Package on Districts and Schools
- The 21st Century Web: Beyond the 2.0 Tools
- The Future is Here: STEM, CTE & Academic Mergers
- Students "Speak Up" about 21st Century Learning and Education Games
- Digital Survival Kit: Empowering the 21st Century Educational Leader
Also, don't forget the awesome learning opportunities via all the archived sessions for the Live Classroom 2.0 webcasts.
Happy professional development!
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Is there a directory for just online conferences or do I have to check each one individually? My PLN surfaces them, but usually no more than a week in advance.
ReplyDeleteJohn - I've really scoured and haven't found a listing that focuses just on online conferences. This surely is a need, even it was just a wiki at this point.At this point, best thing to do is check out each conference and see if there is any online component.
ReplyDeleteJB
As,I live in a remote rural area (3 1/2 hours from Meblbourne where most PD is held), I have found that online professional devleopment and conferences have kept me up to date and even beyond what is offered here in Australia. Last year in March or April I attended the online DEN conference and learnt so much about web2.0 tools and their adaptation in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoy many of the online sessions run by classroom 2.0 and if I am on Twitter, love seeing when there is something on that I could join in.