What is an Online Conference?
Online conferences are conducted entirely over the Internet. Presenters and attendees
participate 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 presentations by leading
experts, networking opportunities, and a variety of resources including white
papers, articles, tools and templates, reference lists and other information.
The entire event 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 interact in educational settings with children and are concerned about the values being absorbed by our school-aged youngsters, this event is for you.
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.
Why does the conference last for three days?
The conference lasts for three days to ensure that you have ample opportunity to see all the presentations, obtain answers to the questions you might ask presenters, and network with others. Since most presentations, virtual conference rooms, and breakout group areas involve
asynchronous (over time) interactions, three days allows sufficient time for people
to login and participate in ways that fit their busy schedules.
How much does it cost?
Register on or before February 25th and receive the early-bird special registration rate of US $59. After February 25, the registration fee is US $79.
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.
If you belong to one of the sponsoring organizations, you may be eligible for an additional discount. Please contact us at conferences@iCohere.com for additional information.
Are there special group rates or group activities
available?
Yes. If you have a group of four or more people, click the multiple registration
link on the Registration form and we will provide you with a group discount.
In addition, if your group consists of 10 or more registrants, 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 that is built into almost all current web-browsers. 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.
