The greening of conferences – online conferences this autumn

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Online conferences are BIG these days. Some organisations have been running virtual conferences for a while and others are just starting out, or experimenting with an online element to a face-to-face conference.   Technology has moved on a lot and there are a variety of options for online conferences and webinars, from asynchronous discussions to live audio conferencing and web-conferencing.

Some of the advantages of online conferences include:

  • Cost effective – they’re generally cheaper
  • You don’t have to pay for transport
  • You don’t have to take the time needed to travel
  • Online conferences are green and cost-effective in this downturn
  • You have the opportunity to attend more conferences
  • Can hear keynote speakers and practitioners you might never encounter any other way
  • Can share information and experience with peers

Disadvantages include

  • It’s very easy to decide you don’t really have time … or to do something else while you’re “listening”
  • The networking opportunities are possibly negligible, at the most different – and possibly less significant
  • You have to provide your own lunch and coffee!

I’m even attending the 2008 Elluminati Community Conference (today) for users of Elluminate.

From 4-7th November JISC is holding the  Innovating e-Learning online conference 2008 online, Learning in a Digital Age – Are we prepared? Its themes focus on the productive and energising tension between the tried and tested and the wholly innovative. e-Learning may now have established a foothold in learning and teaching, but are the demands of delivering the curriculum restricting its innovative potential? How can we plan to ensure the best possible e-enhancement of learning in the future?

Also in November the Learning Futures Festival starts – that’s run by the Beyond Distance Research Alliance as part of their 4th International Conference on  ‘Learning Futures’. This year’s event is taking the form of a festival with both online and face-to-face events throughout November, December & January.

Originally published at reachfurther.com

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