Conferences continue to be one of the most popular methods for teacher professional development. Conferences, like ISTE and BETT, attract over 10,000 attendees each year. However, the social Internet has changed the way conferences are attended as well as the way in which teachers learn more about the profession and connect with other professionals in the field of education. Current online web conferencing tools allow any teacher around the world to participate in free quality professional development via the Internet. One of the growing trends is free online conferences. The founder of educator communities, Steve Hargadon, hosts a variety of free online conferences throughout the year. Anyone can attend and present via a webinar room, which allows participants to view the presenter live on a webcam and see their slides. Participants connect with other teachers via a chat area, while watching the presentation. These sessions are recorded and made available for free viewing later.
Teachers from around the globe now have access to quality professional development. Experience this for yourself by attending the 4th annual Reform Symposium Online Conference, RSCON, which takes place October 11th to 13th, 2013 as part of the DOE’s Connected Educator Month. Find the schedule here. A computer or mobile device with Internet access is all that is needed to attend.
Experience the following:
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Opening plenary- Sugata Mitra, 2013 Ted prize winner and instigator of the Hole-in-the-Wall experiment, will speak about The Future of Learning.
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Closing plenary- Salome Thomas-EL (Principal EL), award-winning teacher and principal of the Dr. Oz show, will speak about The Immortality of Influence: Believing Every Child Can Achieve Their Dreams.
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Musical guest- Steve Bingham, the internationally renowned electric violinist, will conduct a live performance.
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Musical guest- Laura Oldham, The Book Supplier, will play live.
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EdInspire Award Ceremony– nominate an inspiring educator here.
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Download a flier and program for your school here.
Over 100,000 educators from 188 different countries have been invited. Connect with them and receive conference updates via the FutureofEducation.com community, Twitter (@RSCON4), Facebook, or Pinterest.
Shelly Sanchez Terrell is a teacher trainer, author, and international speaker. She has been recognized by her peers and various notable entities, such as the ELTon Awards, The New York Times, Microsoft’s Heroes for Education, and the Bammy Awards as a leader, innovator, and visionary in the movement of teacher driven professional development and connectivity. She is the co-founder of the award-winning #Edchat movement, the free Reform Symposium Global E-Conference, The 30 Goals Challenge for Educators, Virtual Round Table language and technology conference, and various SMOOCS. She has trained teachers and taught learners in over 20 countries and has consulted with organizations such as UNESCO Bangkok, The European Union aPLaNet Project, Cultura Iglesa of Brazil, the British Council in Tel Aviv, IATEFL Slovenia, HUPE Croatia, and the British Council in South East Asia. She is the host of American TESOL’s Free Friday Webinars and regularly shares technology tips at Teacher Reboot Camp and on Twitter, @ShellTerrell. Keep an eye out for her upcoming book, The 30 Goals Challenge for Educators published by Routledge.