What is an Online Conference?
Our online conferences are conducted entirely over the Internet, with audioconferencing either over an audiobridge or via Voice over IP. Participants access the conference directly from their computers through a secure website that includes a variety of collaboration, communication and learning tools. Like traditional face-to-face events, online conferences provide access to narrated presentations, networking sessions with other participants, and a variety of resources including white papers, articles, tools and templates, reference lists and other information. The entire conference is accessible using a standard web browser and attendees can login and participate at any time that fits their schedule, day or night.
Who should attend this conference?
If you are interested in or responsible for any of the following areas, this conference is for you:
- Corporate knowledge management
- Human resources
- Training and development
- Organizational development
- Online learning communities associated with hybrid or distance education and professional development programs
- Faculty development and support, particularly for faculty who are new to online courses
- Professional development for instructional technologists and learning designers
- Graduate students or teaching assistants who are part of a hybrid or distance education program
- Researchers interested in online communities
How does an Online Conference work?
This online conference is like a traditional conference but attendees don’t
need to travel, incur travel expenses, or spend time going to and from the event
– the entire conference is held online over a specific period of time. Accessible
through a password protected website, the conference includes all of the tools
and technology necessary to deliver content-rich presentations, provide useful
resources, and foster a true "learning community."
Through real-time and asynchronous (occurring over time) interactions, attendees
participate in introductions, presentations, Q&A sessions, informal networking
and even facilitated "breakout groups". Most of the presentations are
delivered in the form of narrated PowerPoint slideshows that can be accessed and
viewed at any time during the conference. Attendees may then post questions and
interact with the presenter and each other inside the presenter’s virtual
conference room.
A "Collaboration Café" provides a forum for structured networking
and breakout group collaborations on attendee-defined topics. A directory of participant
profiles, instant messaging and virtual meeting rooms encourage additional networking
and knowledge sharing. In addition, a variety of resources including speakers’
presentations, white papers, articles, and website links are available to all
participants through a searchable knowledgebase.
What does it cost to attend?
Register on or before September 19 and receive the early-bird special registration rate of US $149. After September 19, the registration fee is US $199.
Once the conference is over, will I have access
to the archives?
Yes. The conference site will remain open and accessible for 60 days following the end of the event.
Are there discounts for institutional teams?
Yes. If you have a group of three or more people, click the multiple registration link on the Registration form and we will provide you with a group discount. In addition, we will create a private collaboration space alongside the other conference activities so your group can discuss implications and ideas pertinent to your organization.
Do firewalls pose any problems for participation?
Our online conference platform can be accessed through any firewall because it is html-based, doesn't require any proprietary downloads and only uses standard port 80. All presentations are delivered using Macromedia's Flash technology, which is also accessible through firewalls. If you're still concerned about firewall access, click here to perform a test. If you can view and hear the presentation, you'll be able to access the conference just fine. If you experience problems, contact us and we'll be glad to help you.
What are the technical requirements to participate?
To participate, all you need is an Internet connection (at least 56K recommended), web browser, and Macromedia's free Flash plug-in. To participate in the VoiP audioconferencing, you will need a computer headset with microphone. If you're using Windows you'll need either Internet Explorer version 5 or later. Netscape Navigator version 6.2 or later, or Mozilla Firefox. If you're using a Mac, you'll need Safari, Netscape Navigator 6.2 or later, or Mozilla Firefox.
