Plymouth e-learning conference 2011

We live in a world of increased mobility where proliferation of smart, mobile technologies is creating a host of new anytime, anywhere contexts. Pervasive computing and handheld devices are creating opportunities for learning to become ubiquitous – anytime, anywhere. Tech-savvy students are more demanding, and often less comfortable with traditional settings and homogenised provision where ‘one size fits all’. There is a migration of students toward tools and services that are beyond the control of the institution. The emerging social media of Web 2.0 are more flexible, sociable and more visually attractive. The surge in popularity of user generated content (including the likes of Wikipedia) is challenging the long held beliefs that experts are the main arbiters of knowledge. The informality of massively multiplayer online games is pushing informal learning to the fore. In short, we live and learn in a connected world.

Schools, colleges and universities are attempting to change to adapt to these new needs and expectations, but such transformation can be slow and problematic. The 6th Plymouth e-Learning Conference will highlight the need for innovative solutions in education and training, and will provide opportunities for delegates to discuss the tensions that exist between institutional provision and personalised learning. We will explore a number of issues surrounding the use of technologies in learning, providing a platform for informed debate across all sectors of education and training. The conference will showcase key examples of e-learning research, innovative use of new and established learning technologies, practical solutions, debates and speculative pieces on the future of education in a connected world.

Day 1 is a free conference aiming to include a mix of teachers, students and researchers.  Day 2 has keynote speaches from Stephen Heppell and John Davitt and day 3 is keynoted by Inge de Waard.  Days 2 and 3 will seek to explore digital learning in a connected world.

Student Voice Technology Showcase:

Calling all primary and secondary teachers in the Southwest, bring a maximum of four students from your school to showase their learning and how technology is helping them learn.  While you are visiting, take in the robotics and immersive vision cinema shows too, even stay for the teachmeet.

Jane Seale

Jane Seale, joined the Faculty of Education as Professor of Education in September 2010. She has undertaken a number of key national co-ordination and leadership roles in the field of e-learning and research including President of the Association for Learning Technology and Co-Director of the ESRC National Centre for Research Methods. Jane’s research operates at the intersection of education, technology and disability and she has over 20 years of experience examining the role of technology in promoting inclusion, particularly for those with learning disabilities.

Teachmeet:

This is teacher networking.  It is sweeping the nation as the way for teachers who care about learning to build a personal learning network.  Come and try it out.