cc licensed flickr photo shared by alexindigo
In January 2011, my eyes were opened to an awesome way to share conversation and learning when I attended Educon in Philadelphia. Through my experience of connecting and collaborating using social media, these connections were made extremely strong through face-to-face connections that were made. The conversations were also deepened on what we were doing in education. This was not the “stand and deliver” type conference that I have attended in the past. Educon was something different.
Through one of my conversations with Dean Shareski and Alec “Google Doc” Couros, we wondered why do we not have something like this with a Canada wide focus? Many of the conversations that happened at Educon often turned to things that really didn’t apply to our situation in Canada (No Child Left Behind, etc.). Through my conversations with Alec, Dean, and others, we talked about some essentials:
- Students and parents were involved.
- It was held in a school.
- It was participant driven.
- It was affordable and focused on treating educators awesome!
- It was in a large center that had a major airport so it would be easy for participants to get there.
- It shares innovative practices that we can take back into our schools.
- It is not focused solely on any particular grade set (good teaching is good teaching) and was open to all educators.
- It would change locations yearly.
Through talks with Neil Stephenson, his school (Calgary Science School) has graciously offered to host this conference in May 2012 (May 25-27). As this is the first one and we want to keep it in a school, there would be room for about 300 participants.
As we REALLY want this to be participant driven, I would love some ideas from everyone on the following:
- What would be a good name for this conference?
- What are some things that would be essential to make this truly a Canadian conference? (To all of my international friends, you are more than welcome to join us!)
- Any other questions?
Also, if you are interested in joining us, please take time to fill out this short form.
P.S. Thanks to Chris Lehmann and SLA for the inspiration.
We would love to hear your thoughts!
