Technology in education explored at UOW conference

18 Jun 2008 | Kate McIlwain

Academics will have the chance to explore new technologies at the three day Emerging Technologies Conference beginning tomorrow (Wednesday June 18).

The conference, hosted by UOW’s Centre for Educational Development and Interactive Resources (CEDIR) and the Research Centre for Interactive Learning Environments (RILE/TITR), will look at how technologies like iPods, mobile phones, blogging and video conferencing are useful tools for teaching and learning

Tom March, an educator who co-developed idea the idea of ‘WebQuests’ and other online learning tools, will give a keynote address tomorrow morning (June 18).

March, who moved to Australia in 1998 from San Diego, will speak about ‘trends and the digital era’ and look at how these trends can be integrated into teaching. He says the combination of technology and education is important because we are entering an era where it is possible for a self-motivated student with broadband to learn more than they could in school.

Professor Ron Oliver, the Pro-Vice Chancellor Teaching and Learning from Edith Cowan University will also present a keynote address on Friday as part of a special theme on mobile learning. And Professor Farzad Safaei will close the conference with an address on the future directions of immersive learning environments.

UOW staff and external educators are invited to the conference, and will have the chance to attend a variety of workshops and presentations over the three days.

The conference program includes a poster expo, which will highlight innovative teaching practices at UOW including the development of ePortfolios for Education students and the use of bilingual blogging to help in French classes.

Media please note

The conference will begin at 8.50am with Vice-Chancellor Professor Gerard Sutton giving an introductory welcome in Building 20.4. Tom March’s keynote address will begin at 9.30am.

The poster expo will begin at 12.30pm in the Communications Building (Bld 20) foyer.