Planning for the Web Conference

IT5670 started where IT5660 left off. Teams discussed the results of the formative evaluation obtained during the EdWeb trial run. The objective was to generate key questions and response choices that would shape the conduct of the actual EdWeb to be held in February. True to the constructivist slant of the program, the class was divided into 3 teams all tasked to discuss, negotiate, persuade and filter ideas until the questions and corresponding response options were formulated.

Stephanie was instrumental in starting off the discussion and putting order into it. I thought that my best contribution was including a question on the evaluation process. With the lackluster responses we obtained which was replicated in several teams, I suggested exploring the option of a centralized evaluation (as opposed to individual session evaluations located within the confines of each session shell). I think the process of capturing information is as important as the question themselves.

A significant part of the exchanges centered on the areas of conference duration and session content. Some of us expressed preference for a one week schedule and create a more focused conference friendly to the facilitators’ workload. Others preferred the two week format to provide a longer opportunity for learning. These questions were, however, contextualized by the other question pertaining to session content.

Sheri introduced the idea of combining sessions. The more popular couplings were Serious Games and eLearning Simulations, Synchronous Tools and Blended Learning, and Interactivity & Interaction and Engaging Learners. As a member of the Blended Learning team which has unfortunately dwindled in number (from 4 to 2), I am all for the merging of our team with Synchronous Tools. An increased session coverage will favor a longer conference duration.

After crafting the survey based on the teams’ outputs, the overwhelming responses gave clear directions on: Combining Serious Games and Simulations, not requiring participation in other teams’ sessions; the Web Conference should not emulate face-to-face formats, and adherence to the session format of presentations and discussions.