Well I have started the e-Learning in Canada course at U of C,  I am not quite sure what I am thinking taking 2 courses in the spring semester. I figured I was attending the conference anyways so I might as well be an active participant and get some credit for it. So the following is my first assignment .  Check out the conference website at: http://conference.adeta.org/

Well these are my initial thoughts about my participation in the conference. I would appreciate any feedback.

This is my fourth time attending the eLearning in Canada conference. I hope to bring away from it what I have in the past, some new ways to use new and existing technology in my teaching. As well as hopefully connect with some colleagues, professors and fellow students. In the past I have attended as a delegate representing the College I was working for, this year as a grad student I hope to be a bit more involved in the conference delivery.

To start off the week I am signed up Social Software:   Bringing it together (by breaking it apart) without your IT department, Free Online Virtual Classroom and the CAVE tour workshops. I would like to help out during the main conference by introducing speakers and helping them with their Elluminate sessions. I would also enjoy participating in a panel discussion about how e-learning effects my experience as a student not necessarily during the opening banquet but at least connect with my classmates online.

As I am also taking a Blended Learning course with Norm Vaughn right now I do not want to over commit my self during the conference. I hope to use my blackberry and a good ole fashioned note pad to keep track of my observations throughout the conference. I will transcribe my reflections each day about the conference in my blog.

I always look forward to initiating a new project at work when I get back from the conference. By using what I have learned right away I find it sticks with me. In years past I have found the discussions I have with fellow conference delegates is just as, if not more, informative and thought provoking than the formal presentations. I hope that the discussion board used this year will help to facilitate those discussions after conference has ended. Overall I am excited for a week in Calgary to be totally immersed in e-Learning.

Have a good evening

Stephie