Multi-Faceted Refractions (backup version)

Organic Social Networking @ NECC Emerges

For me, there have been two transformatives and significant social networking aspects of the conference which have emerged at this conference. The first is the use of twitter as a way to hold conversations and communicate about sessions, locations, and other aspects, so that one can keep track of their friends. Until two weeks ago, I was personally questioning the power of twitter, but now I am sold.

Secondly, arising from the twitter experiment is the creation of a skype chat with members of the audience during a presentation. This began when David Jakes and Jeff Utecht turned and asked me if I had skype and would I like to participate in a skype chat during a panel discussion featuring Will Richardson, David Warlick, Gwen Solomon, Tim Magnert, and Lynne Schrum. This was a great way to exchange ideas and commentary during the presentation. (www.utechtops.com)

On Wednesday, during Will Richardson's presentation, a second skype cast took place. Since my battery had died, I missed the twitter announcement and thus was not able to attend the presentation. However, in this session, not only did on-site people participate, but others off-site did as well. Darren Draper has posted his notes but the chat as well (http://drapestakes.blogspot.com/2007/06/will-richardson-powerful-voice.html) as well as Jeff Utecht (http://www.thethinkingstick.com/?p=545) who posted the chat only.

As we move towards more blended, collaborative learning environments, these experiences are going to developed and harnessed to better allow for all learners to expand their knowledge networks and understanding.

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posted by Unknown @ 10:58 AM