The following conferences may be of interest to the readers of the Quarterly Review of Distance Education. Recommendations for conferences to be listed in future issues may be sent to: burmeist@nova.edu
22nd Annual Conference on Distance Teaching and Learning: August 2-4, Madison, Wisconsin: Monona Terrace
“This conference is recognized internationally for the quality and integrity of its program. Each year the conference provides a forum for the exchange of information on distance education and training. The conference addresses the needs of educators, trainers, managers, and designers from throughout the world who are involved in the application of technology to the teaching and learning process and in the planning, administration, and management of distance education programs. The aim of this annual conference is to foster effective distance learning applications through the sharing of new knowledge, skills and developments among education and training professionals. The conference program will offer more than 150 concurrent sessions, workshops, advanced seminars, panels, keynotes, and course design showcases. The conference program and registration brochure will be available in early May.” http://www.uwex.edu/disted/conference/
Internet and Multimedia Systems and Applications (IMSA) 2006, International Association of Science and Technology for Development (IASTED) 10th Annual Conference: August 14-16, Honolulu, Hawaii
This conference is sponsored by the International Association of Science and Technology for Development (IASTED) and the World Modeling Simulation Forum (WMSF). “The International Conference on Internet and Multimedia Systems and Applications (IMSA 2006) is a major contact venue for research scientists, engineers, and practitioners throughout the world to present their latest research, ideas, developments, and applications in this field. IMSA 2006 aims to strengthen relations between universities, research laboratories and industry.” http://www.iasted.org/conferences/2006/hawaii/imsa.htm
Washington Interactive Technologies Conference (SALT): August 23-25, Arlington, Virginia: Sheraton National Hotel
The Interactive Technologies Conference will be a premier venue for the presentation of the cutting edge of the state-of-the-art in personnel performance, organizational efficiency, product/service quality through training systems, job performance improvement systems, and knowledge management systems. The conference objective is to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest in research, design, and development in order to furnish attendees information on systems that are applicable to their organizations. http://www.salt.org/salt.asp?ss=l&pn=washington
CAUDIT EDUCAUSE Institute 2006: August 27-31, Coolagatta, Queensland Australia: Calypso Plaza Hotel
“Offering an annual program in Australia, the CAUDIT-EDUCAUSE Institute is designed as a professional development program for those who manage some aspect of information technology and resources in higher education, whether within their department or for the entire institution. Participants come from a wide variety of backgrounds, from those who may be new to information resources management, through those who are ready to move up to the next level of management, to others who are interested in exploring the ways in which information resources can be better managed to support the overall institutional mission.” http://www.caudit.edu.au/institute/institute2006/index.html
22nd ICDE World Conference on Distance Education: September 3-6, Rio de Janerio, Brazil
“The International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) and The Brazilian Association for Distance Education (ABED) present the utmost within distance education in an event to be remembered. The ICDE World Conference, held biennially, is already established as one of the leading educational events worldwide. A successful format combines visionary presentations from keynote speakers with hundreds of leading-edge technical presentations on every aspect of distance, flexible and Information and Communication Technology-ICT-based education.” http://www.icde22.org.br/
ALT-C 13th International Conference: September 5-7, Edinburgh, Scotland: Heriot-Watt University
“The conference program includes research papers, short papers, symposia, workshops, demonstrations, and posters. We invite papers and abstracts for these under the following four themes: Next generation learning; Next generation learners; Next generation technology; and Next generation providers. The conference is for established practitioners and researchers from all sectors involved in learning technology, as well as those new to the field. We are particularly keen to encourage participation form Further Education and Adult and Community Learning.” http://www.alt.ac.uk/altc2006/
TechLearn 2006: September 10-13, Las Vegas, Nevada: Mandalay Bay
“TechLearn 2006 focuses with laser-like precision on your most pressing technology, process, and people-related issues. The insights and advice you’ll gain during the conference sessions—combined with the products and services you’ll find in the Learning Showcase—offer a cohesive and compelling set of solutions to your most mission-critical challenges.” http://www.techlearnnewsline.com/
5th International Internet Education Conference and Exhibition: September 11-13, Cairo, Egypt: Ramses Hilton
“Relationships between Education, Training, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are increasing accelerating, sometimes in unexpected ways, with original ideas and innovative tools, methodologies and synergies. Accordingly the main purpose of ICT-Learn 2005 conference is to bring together researchers and practitioners from both areas, in order to support the bridging process between education/training and ICT communities.” http://www.distant-learning.net/index.shtml
Beyond Boundaries: Integrating Technology into Teaching and Learning: September 28-29, Grand Forks, North Dakota: Memorial Union, University of North Dakota
“The conference is an outgrowth of the University’s strategic plan, which recognizes the critical role information technology plays in instructional and research missions. Information technology has taken a central role in our institutions of higher education by enhancing teaching and learning, expanding the accessibility of student services, adding efficiency and effectiveness to our business operations, and making all of our programs more accessible. With this conference, it is our hope to explore and share insights and best practices in the use of information technology. It is through the exchange of ideas and experiences that we will be better able to understand and utilize information technology to meet our institutional needs and missions.” http://www.beyondboundaries.info/
2nd Annual Southeastern Scholarship Conference on E-Learning: September 29-30, Macon, Georgia: Macon State College
Conference presentations will focus upon the broad spectrum of e-Learning, including but not limited to, areas of scholarship of teaching or research in designing and teaching online courses, hybrid courses, web-assisted instruction or computer-based instruction. Proposals are invited from post-secondary faculty and instructional technology staff in the scholarship of e-Learning or in the research of eLearning. The goals of the conference include to (1) help other faculty enhance their classroom through teaching with technology, (2) provide insight into possible problems that might be encountered in teaching with technology and offer solutions to these problems, and 3) offer ways to incorporate technology in the classroom more efficiently and effectively. http://sscel.maconstate.edu/
EDUCAUSE Annual Conference: October 8-12, Dallas, Texas
“Focused on the theme “Spurring Innovation and Marshalling Resources,” the diverse program offers a variety of ways to gather information, engage with peers in the higher education IT community, and hear from leading figures in the field—including preconference seminars; track sessions; poster sessions; small group meetings; and corporate exhibits, presentations, and workshops. The conference’s energizing setting is a place to germinate new ideas, forge valuable collaborations, and discover effective strategies. You’ll meet people from all professional levels, from all sizes and types of institutions, and from across the United States and around the world. Don’t miss this opportunity to recharge professionally and come away with useful ideas and an expanded network of colleagues—join us at EDUCAUSE 2006! “ http://www.educause.edu/conference/annual/2006
E-Learn 2006: October 13-17, Honolulu, Hawaii: Sheraton Waikiki
“The E-Learn conference series is an international forum designed to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas on the research, issues, developments, and applications of a broad range of topics related to eLearning. E-Learn is an innovative collaboration between the top public and private academic researchers, developers, education and business professionals, and end users from the corporate, healthcare, government, and higher education sectors. All presentation proposals are reviewed and selected by a respected international Program Committee, based on merit and the perceived value for attendees.” http://www.aace.org/conf/eLearn/default.htm
Conference on Information Technology: October 22-25, Charlotte, North Carolina: Charlotte Convention Center
“The League for Innovation’s annual Conference on Information Technology (CIT) offers a diverse program and cutting-edge exposition exploring the intelligent application of information technology in community and technical colleges. Regardless of your campus responsibilities, whether you’re a novice seeking solutions to everyday challenges or an experienced professional interested in learning about the latest educational advances, you’ll find useful information and practical tips that will help you do your job more effectively!” http://www.league.org/2006cit/index.html
mLearn: 5thInternational Conference on Mobile Learning: October 22-25, Banff, Alberta Canada: Fairmont Banff Springs Resort and Conference Centre
“The goals for the conference are as follows: Assist personal and professional development and the development of new skills for educators; encourage the study and implementation of mobile applications in teaching and learning; facilitate dialogue between technical experts and educators; facilitate networking, business and cooperative activities and partnerships; facilitate dialogue and sharing among different cultures with regard to the optimum use of emerging technologies; promote the development of mLearning, globally; provide opportunities for graduate students to network and collaborate with experts in the mLearning field; share local and international developments, experiences and lessons learned; and stimulate critical debate on and research into theories, approaches, principles and applications of mLearning.” http://www.mlearn2006.org/
4th Pan Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning: October 30-November 5, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
“The Commonwealth of Learning’s PanCommonwealth Forum on Open Learning is held biennially in collaboration with the Federation of Commonwealth Open and Distance Learning Associations. It is cohosted with different partners in different regions of the Commonwealth each time. The 5-day program is designed to address open and distance learning through widening educational access, bridging the digital divide and by advancing the social and economic development of communities and nations at large. The forum’s focus is on topics relating to, and participation by, societies in developing countries.” http://www.col.org/programmes/conferences/pan_commonwealth.htm
18th Annual WCET Conference: November 1-4, Portland, Oregon: Portland Marriott Downtown
“Around the world, technology is changing the way colleges and universities approach their missions, interact with their students, and achieve their goals. Some of these changes are wrought by choice; others occur out of necessity; and still others are an accident. There is no clear path—we are all learning how to use these new technologies most effectively. And while we are learning, issues of good practice, accountability, evaluation and assessment, always on the table, have become more urgent. This conference will focus on blazing that elearning trail together: identifying and sharing ideas and practices about what works and what doesn’t across six strands that make up the fabric of higher education. We’ll explore forwardlooking changes in pedagogy, in student access, success, and retention. And we will look at shifting faculty roles and responsibilities, and at new policies and procedures at international, national, state and local levels. We’ll discuss some of the new technologies on the horizon, too, and how we can best include them in our future plans. And we’ll leave this conference with a better understanding of how we can collaborate in building a strong path toward a bright new technological future in higher education.” http://conference.wcet.info/2006/
12th Sloan-C International Conference on Asynchronous Learning Networks (ALN): November 8-10, Orlando, Florida: The Rosen Centre Hotel
“Asynchronous learning networks (ALNs) are helping to transform education and training from site-based, time-bound experiences to anytime-anywhere online learning environments. By connecting learners with each other, with their instructors, and with a wide range of resources, ALNs allow a high degree of interaction and collaboration. This conference, which will provide the latest information on asynchronous learning programs, processes, packages, and protocols, is geared to both experienced professionals and interested newcomers to online learning who hail from a variety of work sectors, including higher education, continuing education, business, government, health care, professional associations, and nonprofit organizations.” http://www.aln.ucf.edu/
IST 2006: Strategies for Leadership: November 21-23, Helsinki, Finland: Helsinki Messukeskus (the Helsinki Fair Centre)
“This year’s edition of the most important European event in the field of Information Society Technologies will coincide with the launch of the EU’s Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Development. IST 2006 includes a high-level conference, an exhibition of cutting edge research results from across Europe and a program of networking sessions and workshops. Three strands, but one overriding aim: to help achieving Europe’s innovative potential in developing and rolling out Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).” http://europa.eu.int/information_society/istevent/2006/index_en.htm
Online Educa Berlin: November 29-December 1, Berlin, Germany: Hotel InterContinental
“Meeting the networking needs of the international e-learning and distance education industry, the annual Online Educa Berlin conference is the key networking venue for strategists and practitioners from all over the world. The conference is held entirely in English and includes plenary sessions with world-class experts, smaller presentation and special focus sessions, practical demonstrations and debates on specific topics, as well as various informal networking opportunities where practitioners share their experiences, ideas, new information and perspectives. Online Educa is the largest gathering of e-learning and distance education professionals in Europe, enabling participants to develop multinational and cross-industry contacts and partnerships, as well as to enhance their knowledge, expertise, and abilities.” http://www.online-educa.com/
ITU Telecom World: December 4-8, Hong Kong, China: Asiaworld-Expo
“The theme of the conference is ‘Experience Living The Digital World.’ The conference will provide a varied and exciting theme for the Forum, one which encapsulates how information and communications technologies (ICTs) are impacting and shaping our lifestyles. New ICTs are giving rise to trends such as home-networking, multimedia entertainment platforms or telecommuting-trends which are fundamentally changing our day-to-day existence. They are also reshaping the way we do business, redefining relations between businesses and between businesses and their customers. And of course, the technologies of today and tomorrow could pose many challenges for policy makers and regulators. Within its theme, the forum will explore three different domains: digital lifestyle, digital ecosystems, and digital society.” http://www.itu.int/WORLD2006/index.html
