Running free, worldwide, virtual events for education is a TON of fun, no question about it. I think that the "Conference 2.0" model--accepting almost all proposal submissions then letting the audience decide which sessions to attend--is possibly more historic than we realize. Holding virtual conferences that focus on peer- and practioner-driven sessions opens the door to educators and others being "creators" and not just "consumers" at such events. The quality level is consistently high, the connections attendees make with each other are great, and it feels like we're helping to redefine the personal learning networks and communities for teachers and learners all over the world.In the past year the platform we've created has allowed for over 800 presentations with over 100,000 attendee log-ins, and so many, many of the participants have told us how much they have loved these events.
Along with the fun, of course, comes a lot of work! Keeping the conferences free and driven first by authentic learning opportunities, rather than sponsor or institutional interests, isn't easy. We're extremely grateful for a core set of conference sponsors who have supported this model, and we could really use some more.
This past year we ran five virtual conferences: Library 2.012, GlobalEdCon, the School Leadership Summit, Aula 2.0, and the inaugural Homeschool Conference. My goal for the coming year is to have ten--and we're well on the way!
- This month is the Global STEMx Education Conference;
- Next month Reform Symposium 4 and Library 2.013
- In November is the fourth year of the Global Education Conference;
- January we have slated for Homeschool Conference 2 and OZeLive (Austrlian and New Zealand educators)
- In February we're planning Rethinking Higher Ed;
- March will be the 2014 School Leadership Summit;
- And there are several other exciting irons in the fire... I want to spill the beans, but you'll just have to wait!
Here's to changing the world. See you online!
Steve
Steve Hargadon
steve@hargadon.com
http://www.web20labs.com
916-283-7901
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