 Call for Proposals Now Open: 17th Annual Sloan-C Online Learning Conference (Orlando)
The Sloan Consortium invites you to submit a proposal for presentation and/or workshops for the 17th Annual Sloan-C International Conference on Online Learning to be held November 16–18, 2011 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL.
The theme of this year’s conference is "Online Learning, Teaching, and Research in the New Media Ecology". It’s clear we are witnessing rapid and ongoing changes in how we communicate and represent ideas and these changes have profound consequence for how we know, learn, think, and teach in higher education and beyond. The dizzying pace of change is evident as established conventions of online education are now challenged by emerging means of access, such as mobile and cloud computing, new forms of communication such as video streaming and real-time information networks, and innovative modes of participation represented in new social media. Millions of online students are at the forefront of this evolving landscape and it’s crucial we gain a clear understanding of pedagogies, policies, and practices that leverage the new media ecology to support our students learning.
Our understanding needs to be rooted in solid research that can promote best practices. We are confident that this year’s conference will create opportunities for learning, networking, and sharing that will make this a reality. Our keynote and plenary speakers each have a unique perspective on the promises and pitfalls of the new media ecology. Lee Raine, Director of the Pew Internet and American Life Project has vast experience in studying the impacts of the digital age on the citizens of the United States. His insights on topics ranging from the digital divide, health, safety, gaming, teens, and social networking in the age of the internet will provide breadth in our investigation of the new media ecology for learning.
Additionally, Cable Green, Director of eLearning and Open Education for the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges will help us to focus in depth on the new Open Educational Resources movement which inevitably leads to discussions of the crucial topic of the economics of higher education. Cable’s participation also marks the opening of a new track in the 2011 conference dedicated to issues surrounding Open Educational Resources.
Adding another dimension to our theme is cognitive neuroscientist Maryanne Wolf, author of Proust and the Squid, who will share with us her research on the transition from a reading brain to an increasingly digital one. This work holds promise in illuminating the evolution of human intelligence, and the choices we might face in shaping that future through online education.
We eagerly anticipate your participation in this year’s meeting. We firmly believe that the theme and speakers we have identified are timely and essential and we look forward to your contributions. The many forums for participation include both face-to-face and online modes. Our new venue, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin featuring the Mandara Spa, 17 spectacular restaurants and lounges, five pools, a white sand beach and much more promises to be a well-appointed backdrop to the stimulating conversations at this year’s event. We urge you to attend the premier annual gathering of professionals concerned with the future of online education.
The conference strongly encourages presentation and workshop proposals that reflect the implications for the field of specific e-learning experience and practices. We are looking for proposals that are innovative and cutting edge and will provide important take-aways for participants. Proposals that address blended learning, issues of diversity, international applications of online learning, open educational resources, social networking, online learning and community colleges, and/or K-12 online education are especially encouraged. Last year’s conference attracted 1200+ onsite and over 250 virtual participants to more than 230 presentations, as well as 60 exhibits, 40 vendor showcase sessions, 18 total pre- and post-conference workshops, keynote and plenary addresses, and a variety of other special events.
Proposals must be submitted by May 2, 2011 Conference tracks highlight and demonstrate research, application and effective practices in the following areas: - K-12 Online Education
- Faculty and Professional Development and Support
- Open Educational Resources*
- Learning Effectiveness
- Technology and Emerging Learning Environments
- Student Services and Learner Support
- Leadership, Values and Society
(* The OER track is a new addition to the 2011 Program.) To submit a proposal or for additional information on the conference, visit our website at http://www.sloanconsortium.org/aln , call (781) 583-7561, or email confe...@sloanconsortium.org. |
