2007 QSITE Conference

Last week I attended and presented at the 2007 QSITE (Queensland Society of Information Technology Educators) Conference in Brisbane. My presentation focussed on my "Exploring Ancient Wonders: The Parthenon" project as part of the eLearning conference strand. A PDF of my PowerPoint presentation should be available from the conference site soon; in the interim, it is available to view from my EAW site.

From a personal and professional point of view, I enjoyed attending the conference. There are many innovative IT teachers actively engaging with, investigating, and exploiting the diverse range of pedagogical opportunities afforded by new technologies. I was challenged in a number of ways.

The implications and potential applications of Web 2.0 technologies to learning and schooling (as combined and separate contexts) are massive. It occurred to me that I had not effectively grappled with the significance of the 'social networking' and collaboration applications of Web 2.0 (thanks Tom March and Amanda Rablin). I have been challenged to consider how I might use these technologies more effectively in my professional and personal life. My del.icio.us bookmarks represent the start of this endeavour.

I was pleasantly surprised by the number of teachers interested in the 'games in learning' project. I was challenged by the various ideas and technologies being used. A number of schools have already begun embedding games study, planning and/or development in the curriculum. Lindy McKeown's research into Second Life as a professional development tool is very interesting; particularly, the utilisation of collaboration and social engagement in Action Learning. Indeed, the convergence of games-style technology and social interaction in virtual environments (Web 3.0?) is exciting.

Possibly the greatest challenge related to my own project work. EAW: The Parthenon had a very narrow focus - which was my intention, given the context in which it was developed. It is clear to me that future projects, on the other hand, need to incorporate social networking and collaboration.

Thanks to the organising committee and QSITE community for an excellent conference.