The North Carolina Distance Learning Association’s 2010 Conference is less than a month away, but there is still time to register. This year’s conference is a two-part bended format with a two day virtual conference, followed by a two day traditional face-to face conference in New Bern. The two formats provide the perfect solution to learn about what is happening in Distance Learning around the state and across the nation. The regular face-to-face conference affords the most opportunities to network and learn, but if your budget doesn’t allow you to attend in person, then the virtual conference is the next best deal.
Presenters from around the state and nation are scheduled to share best practices, current research, demonstrations, panel discussions, and tutorials. A preview of program topics and speakers for the virtual conference is listed and more details are available on the NCDLA conference website.
The 2010 NCDLA Blended Conference begins with two days of web-based Virtual sessions on March 31th and April 1st, 2010. You can participate in as little or as much of the virtual conference as you want. The traditional face-to-face conference in New Bern, which convenes on April 8th and 9th, offers a wide variety of session topics and will feature vendor exhibits from all of the major players. Register today and plan to meet your peers and friends in New Bern. As always, there will be lots to see and do at the conference.
The following line-up of virtual sessions has been announced, but check on the website to see the latest list. The face-to-face program and speakers will be announced shortly.
The Virtual Conference - March 31 and April 1, 2010
All sessions of the virtual conference will take place online using Centra web conferencing software. Participants will receive login details just prior to the first day of the Virtual Pre-conference. All you need to participate is the current version of your favorite web browser. No additional hardware or software is needed. You should run the Centra Computer Setup Wizard prior to the Virtual Pre-conference, and should enter each session at least five minutes before hand. Details for verifying the proper configuration will appear one month prior to the virtual conference.
Day 1 Schedule - March 31, 2010
9:30-10:30 EST
Session 1.1 Identity: How to systematically harness transactional distance for identity development in SecondLife in order to measurably increase academic performance.
Heidi Maston - Opening Keynote
10:45-11:45 EST
Session 1.2 Guest Speaker
Reggie Smith, USDLA President
3:30-4:30 EST
Session 1.3 Building Online Language Courses for North Carolina Students
Ann Marie Gunter and Ellen Minter
4:45-5:45 EST
Session 1.4 Statewide Proctoring System: The Academic Services Portal
Dr. Maggie O’Hara, Marshall Clark, Greg Miler, and Steven Hopper
Day 2 Schedule - April 1, 2010
9:30-10:30 EST
Session 2.1 Rocking the Virtual Classroom
Jane Bozarth
10:45-11:45 EST
Session 2.2 Using Elluminate’s Unified Learning and Collaboration strategy to solve challenges in K-20
John Repetto, Elluminate Product Marketing Manager Along with Mary Prentice, Instructional Technologist from Thomas University
[NOTE: This session will be conducted in Elluminate.]
3:30-4:30 EST
Session 2.3 Benefits and Challenges of online Professional Development with Teachers
Adria Kempner
4:45-5:45 EST
Session 2.4 Learning With the Lich King - World of Warcraft in School
Lucas Gillispie
The Face-to-Face Conference in New Bern – April 8th and 9th
The following week, we’ll convene in historic New Bern at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center for the face-to-face portion of the conference. The face-to-face conference begins on April 8th and ends at noon on April 9th. You don’t have to participate in the virtual conference to attend the face-to-face component of the Blended Conference! We hope you’ll choose to participate in both! We will be announcing the detailed schedule for the face-to-face conference real soon!
NCDLA is a chapter of USDLA :: www.usdla-nc.org :: ncdlaonline@gmail.com
* Also see: NCDLA Announces 2010 Blended Conference - Program Overview and Speakers's Home Page