Off to a flying start...
5 Keynote speakers from a variety of different places; UNESCO, New York Law Institute, UK Dept. of Health and Microsoft. The theme of the conference is mobile technologies transforming lives and libraries. This was immediately apparent with Steve Vosloo from UNESCO, who spoke about the BBC Janala project in English Language Skills. This project utilises mobile technology i.e. Kindle and smart phones to reach and teach Bangladeshi's via the technology (wifi) that is the cheapest option available. Implications for libraries to consider, think mobile, think smart phone, anywhere anytime access.
Parallel sessions were also themed around Inspiration, Imagination, Transformation, Exploration and Collaboration...no more 'tions' were available :)
Unfortuately we couldn't attend all the streams but we split up so that we could get different perspectives. Toohey attended the Transformation stream (no noticeable difference in her appearance so ...) and Hickson attended the Inspiration theme (and just quietly she is feeling the pressure to inspire...).
Off to the grandly named Gala Dinner...bit of an overstatement one might think but we have been assured we don't need ball gowns...lucky that huh?
Will blog tomorrow. Tweeting was a bit hap hazard as neither of us are twits (you know who this came from don't you...)
Toohey and Hickson
Interesting about using technology to teach in Asian countries. Wonder how that is going in Africa.
ReplyDeleteHow was the Gala?
UNESCO does a great job of improving education for all. I think it is ingenious how technologies are used to facilitate learning, particularly in less than wealthy countries. Looking forward to hearing more!
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy the Gala.