We just came back from Online Educa Berlin, and there are quite a few things that are worth reflecting on.
It was quite a big event. I must say that it was the biggest educational related evet I have attended so far. I enjoyed it very much, not so much for the presentations, but especially to all the informal learning, and networking opportunities that emerged from those two days on conference. The possibility to meet and talk to people is indeed the highlight of this event. The added value of Online Educa is not really the presentation we can attend or the ‘knowledge we can extract’ from presenters’ lectures (if you want that, I suggest you check youtube. There are loads of great resources and talks there…at the push of a button), but actually the active participation in discussions and sharing of ideas that spontaneously emerge while people interact.
In Short, Online educa is a big, involving conversation. And the best way to take part in it, is to get involved, be it online or face to face. That was also our mission there, as our main purpose at the event was to host two live radio shows over the web. It enabled people to actively get involved, both at the physical venue and also online. Those who couldn’t make it to Berlin were also able to participate. And that is the added value of technology. The power it gives the common individual to connect (to) people, and offer them a chance to take part in a wider community. And that is also partly the role of the trainer these days – to set up alternative channels of communication, and host opportunities for interactive participation and meaningful conversations.
More about this experience has been posted here. To access the recordings of the two live shows, please browse here and here.
Cristina Costa