Direct%20Learn%20Online%20Conferencing

1
Direct Learn Online Conferencing
Presenter Geoff Minshull
Direct Learn Online Conferencing
2nd August 2004
2
Overview

• 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?

3
What is online conferencing?
Email lists
Web casts
Communicateandcollaborate
Bulletin boards
Voice/tele conferencing
Conference tools
Video conferencing
4
What is online conferencing?
Synchronous
Asynchronous
Email lists
Web casts
Communicateandcollaborate
Bulletin boards
Voice/tele conferencing
Conference tools
Video conferencing
5
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
Physical versus online
Both

• Papers and presentations available
• Workshops
• Social area

7
Physical versus online
Both
Physical

• Located in a particular place
• No distractions
• Synchronous
• Expensive (even if free!)

• Papers and presentations available
• Workshops
• Social area

8
Physical versus online
Online
Both
Physical

• Located on the net
• Easy to get sidetracked
• Asynchronous
• Cheap (even if delegate fee!)

• Located in a particular place
• No distractions
• Synchronous
• Expensive (even if free!)

• Papers and presentations available
• Workshops
• Social area

9
Advantages of a physical conference
Informal Bars Meals Lounge etc.
Lots of Interaction between participants
10
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
Advantages of a physical conference
12
Advantages of an online conference

• Cost

13
Advantages of an online conference

• Cost
• Convenience

14
Advantages of an online conference

• Cost
• Convenience
• 24/7

15
Advantages of an online conference

• Cost
• Convenience
• 24/7
• More participation by participants

16
Advantages of an online conference

• Cost
• Convenience
• 24/7
• More participation by participants
• Wider spread of participants

17
Advantages of an online conference

• Cost
• Convenience
• 24/7
• More participation by participants
• Wider spread of participants
• Accessibility (of venue, medium etc.)

18
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
Disadvantages of an online conference

• Easy to underestimate time required

20
Disadvantages of an online conference

• Easy to underestimate time required.
• Easy to be distracted.

21
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
Example Supporting Deaf People 2001
The discussions get so interesting it is hard to
stop.
I did find the conference very stimulating, and a
great way of sharing info and making contacts.
I have had a wonderful time during my first
online conference. I have learned so much.
Delegate feedback
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.
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.
23
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
Example VLEs Beyond the fringe
It was better than I expected. The conference
worked extremely well I think and there was some
excellent detailed and critical reflections.
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!
Delegate feedback
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.
I thought it was excellent but demanding. There
was a great deal to read and consider in between
teaching and other commitments.
25
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
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
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 theres still a role for physical conferences
  if only to visit the bar at the end of the day!

28
Demonstration conference
Demo and guided tour
http//www.online-conference.net