1. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net Presenter: Geoff Minshull Direct Learn Online Conferencing 2 nd August 2004 Direct Learn Online Conferencing

2. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net  What is online conferencing?  What are the advantages and disadvantages?  Where is it appropriate to use it?  What is the role of the conference organiser/moderator? Overview

3. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net What is online conferencing? Communicate and collaborate Web casts Bulletin boards Conference tools Email lists Video conferencing Voice/tele conferencing

4. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net What is online conferencing? Communicate and collaborate Web casts Bulletin boards Conference tools Email lists Video conferencing Voice/tele conferencing Synchronous Asynchronous

5. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net Typical features (Web Crossing)  Discussion forums (asynch).  File upload and download.  Papers, presentations, etc.  Email notification of new messages.  Live chat (synch).  Easily include graphics, web pages, etc.  Different access rights.  Blogs, polls, instant messaging, etc.  Totally configurable in functionality, look and feel.

6. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net Physical versus online Both  Papers and presentations available  Workshops  Social area

7. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net Physical versus online Physical Both  Located in a particular place  No distractions  Synchronous  Expensive (even if free!)  Papers and presentations available  Workshops  Social area

8. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net Physical versus online Physical Online Both  Located in a particular place  No distractions  Synchronous  Expensive (even if free!)  Located on the net  Easy to get sidetracked  Asynchronous  Cheap (even if delegate fee!)  Papers and presentations available  Workshops  Social area

9. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net Advantages of a physical conference Informal: Bars Meals Lounge etc. Lots of Interaction between participants

10. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net Advantages of a physical conference Informal: Bars Meals Lounge etc. Lots of Interaction between participants Formal: Workshops Key notes Plenaries etc. Little Interaction between participants

11. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net Advantages of a physical conference

12. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net Advantages of an online conference  Cost

13. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net Advantages of an online conference  Cost  Convenience

14. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net Advantages of an online conference  Cost  Convenience  24/7

15. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net Advantages of an online conference  Cost  Convenience  24/7  More participation by participants

16. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net Advantages of an online conference  Cost  Convenience  24/7  More participation by participants  Wider spread of participants

17. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net Advantages of an online conference  Cost  Convenience  24/7  More participation by participants  Wider spread of participants  Accessibility (of venue, medium etc.)

18. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net Advantages of an online conference  Cost  Convenience  24/7  More participation by participants  Wider spread of participants  Accessibility (of venue, medium etc.)  Permanent record of proceedings

19. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net Disadvantages of an online conference  Easy to underestimate time required

20. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net Disadvantages of an online conference  Easy to underestimate time required.  Easy to be distracted.

21. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net Example: Supporting Deaf People 2004  Aimed at professionals such as Sign Language interpreters who work with Deaf people.  230 delegates.  19 countries.  Two major themes over 8 days.  With keynote presenters and numerous supporting papers.

22. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net Example: Supporting Deaf People 2001 I did find the conference very stimulating, and a great way of sharing info and making contacts. Delegate feedback The discussions get so interesting it is hard to stop. I have had a wonderful time during my first online conference. I have learned so much. I would do this again in a heartbeat. The level of the discussion and supportive, respectful tone of the comments set it way above many live forums (or online, too) that I have been in. Excellent in terms of cost, excellent in terms of flexibility and access. I would have real problems attending a 'normal' conference due to childcare issues. It also enabled people from much further away to participate.

23. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net Example: VLEs – Beyond the fringe  This conference looked at the use of Virtual Learning Environments, and ways to embed them into the teaching and learning practices of colleges and universities.  Eight days  260 delegates from all sectors of education.  18 workshops, 17 papers and presentations.  1400 postings.

24. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net Example: VLEs – Beyond the fringe Delegate feedback Absolutely wonderful - can't praise it enough in quality of keynote papers and responses. I was inspired whilst sitting at my desk on a Friday afternoon! I thought it was excellent but demanding. There was a great deal to read and consider in between teaching and other commitments. It was better than I expected. The conference worked extremely well I think and there was some excellent detailed and critical reflections. Although I had limited time to participate I did follow the discussions and found these useful and stimulating. I enjoyed being at a conference on- line because it allowed me to catch up on what I had missed when I was free to do so. Also meant that I could reflect before responding to debates.

25. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net Role of organiser  Workshops: finding presenters, commissioning papers; editing them, writing guidance for presenters and workshop facilitators, etc.  Delegates: advertising the conference, processing delegates, writing their user guide, etc.  Environment: configuring the conference environment, ensuring papers, etc. are uploaded, etc.  During the conference: changing access rights (to allow/disallow postings), generally monitoring the environment, posting daily email updates to all delegates, etc.

26. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net Role of facilitators  Know how to use the environment.  Introduce the presenter.  Ensure the discussion stays on topic.  Write summaries of the discussions.  Deal with “problem delegates” (extremely rare!).  Generally, act as the workshop chair.

27. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net Conclusions  Online conferencing will become more and more widespread.  They do have major advantages, particularly as users become more accustomed to this way of learning and participating.  But there’s still a role for physical conferences – if only to visit the bar at the end of the day!

28. ©Direct Learn Training Ltd.http://www.online-conference.net Demonstration conference Demo and guided tour: http://www.online-conference.net