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 PageThe North Carolina Distance Learning Association, a K-20 organization, is proud to announce that registration is available for the 2010 Blended Conference. In addition, the annual awards nominations and the Call for Proposals are also open . Last year’s conference was a great success and has set the stage for the caliber of professional experience we expect to see again this year.
The annual membership fee is $25 and can be paid online at http://www.usdla-nc.org/membership
We are also proud to offer institutional memberships at an incredible rate of $100 for 6 registrants. Don’t delay! Take the time to read and respond to this invitation now. Please share this email with friends and colleagues who have an interest in distance education!
NCDLA is currently seeking nominations for the 2009-2010 NCDLA Awards to recognize 1) individuals, 2)programs, and 3) organizations who have demonstrated exemplary work in distance education in the past year. All nominations must be received by March 12, 2010. Award winners will be recognized at the annual NCDLA conference in New Bern, N.C. from April 7-9, 2010. See the link below for more details and to submit your proposal online! http://www.usdla-nc.org/awards
NCDLA is proud to announce the new Dr. Bobby Hobgood Distance Learning Lifetime Achievement Award. The Distance Learning Lifetime Achievement Award will recognize an individual for their long-standing record of distance learning and learning technologies support, including serving the needs of distance learning advocacy, information, networking and opportunity. The award submission deadline for this award is March 12, 2010. For award criteria and to download a nomination form, please click on the following link: http://www.usdla-nc.org/HobgoodDLaward
The Blended Conference Call for Proposals is now open. Come be a part of this unique experience in K-20 education to be held in historic New Bern, N.C. on April 7-9, 2010 (Pre-conference workshops on April 7). This Call is for the New Bern Face-to-face conference only. The deadline for submissions has been extended until March 2, 2010. For more details and to submit your proposal online, click on the link below. To submit a proposal, you will first download the proposal from from NCDLA, then follow directions to upload your completed proposal to the ECU proposal system. http://www.usdla-nc.org/call
NCDLA continues to provide opportunities for all educators to become a part of a growing organization devoted to distance learning in our state. At a time when budgets are still tight, NCDLA is proud to offer some amazing benefits to its members for the price of the $25 membership. Institutional Membership (6 people) is available for only $100!
This year, all NCDLA members will receive the following member benefits:
In addition, all members will receive the quarterly NCDLA Newsletter, and will become a part of a statewide professional learning network devoted to distance education on all levels. Members will also be eligible to nominate individuals and organizations for the annual NCDLA Distance Learning Awards.
To become a member and for more details about the webinars and virtual pre-conference, visit the website at: http://www.usdla-nc.org/membership
Join us now to secure your seat in the upcoming webinars and conferences. We look forward to sharing with you online and on-ground!
March 31 & April 1 , 2010 (Virtual Sessions) / April 7-9, 2010 (New Bern, N.C.)
Last year’s virtual conference was a great success with 655 registrants from around North Carolina and the U.S. In 2010, we will blend the best features of last year’s virtual conference with a face-to-face conference.
The 2010 NCDLA Blended Conference begins with two days of web-based sessions that can be attended from anywhere you access the Internet. The following week, we’ll convene in historic New Bern, N.C. where we will extend the experience with all the elements of a traditional conference. The idea is that we’ll get to know one another through online sessions, and then deepen our conversations and acquaintances by meeting face-to-face. If you can’t attend the New Bern conference, then become a member of NCDLA for only $25, and join us for the webinars and the 2-day Virtual Pre-conference!
To learn more, and to register online, visit the Registration section at http://www.usdla-nc.org/registration
NCDLA is a non-profit organization serving K-20 education in North Carolina and beyond. We are pleased to share with you our Board of Directors for the 2009-2010 year. Note that we are seeking a community college representative and are happy to receive recommendations!
Dr. Maggie OHara (East Carolina University) - President
Bruce Friend (SAS Institute) - Vice President
Kay Zimmerman (North Carolina State University) - Past President
Alfred Mays (MCNC) - Secretary
Jeanne Whisnant (Retired N.C. Community College System) - Treasurer
Dr. Tracy Weeks (North Carolina Virtual Public School) - K-12 Representative
Dr. Bobby Hobgood (LEARN NC - UNC School of Education) - Higher Education Representative 2010 Conference Chair and Webmaster
NCDLA is a chapter of USDLA - http://www.usdla-nc.org - ncdlaonline@gmail.com