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How to get the most out of the 2011 UNC TLT Conference
(adapted with permission from the International Online Conference for Teaching and Learning)
1. Be open to the positive differences of this online Conference. Don’t expect a conference hosted in Second Life (SL) to be exactly like the traditional face-to-face (F2F) conference. You’ll be disappointed. It is different. Discover the strengths of a SL conference format.
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2. Attend Pre-Conference Technology Sessions. The pre-conference technology sessions are designed to get you acquainted with SL, as well as ensure that your computer is ready and capable of connecting to conference sessions. These sessions will also introduce you to the conference format and provide time for questions and troubleshooting.
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3. Set aside time. While we know locking yourself in your office or avoiding campus may not be possible, set aside specific time to attend sessions of interest will help you feel more involved with the conference and the presenters feel like they have an audience. Don't settle for browsing discussion after the fact, be a part of the conference as it happens!
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4. Make the most of the interactive opportunities. This means planning ahead! Use the time during the conference days to attend the presentation, view the SL poster sessions, and network with presenters and other participants. Participate by asking questions or commenting.
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5. Be an active participant. Perhaps the most important advice is to actively participate by attending synchronous sessions, keynote and open forums, as well as accessing and commenting on asynchronous sessions; by participating in the pre-conference activities; by networking with presenters and other participants. At a traditional F2F conference, your physical presence is sufficient to give you a feeling of being a part of the event. Because of the nature of the virtual world, you won't get this sense of "belonging" unless you interact with other participants.
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6. Network. Because SL allows you to add friends and message them, you'll be able to identify key individuals and follow up with comments or informal conversations. Unlike a F2F conference, you won't have to search every room and hallway to find someone, they are just a click away! Use SL to develop a network of professional friendships that will last beyond the Conference.
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7. Read all official conference email announcements. All registered participants will be listed on the Conference website, which is the primary medium for announcements. The latest schedules, changes, etc. will be distributed via email to all registered participants—and simultaneously posted on the Conference website.
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8. Know your skill level. Navigating SL does require special skills, please attend one of the pre-conference sessions to get acquainted with SL, so you can get the most out of the Conference.
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9. Have fun! Explore. Discover. Experience. Learn. Share.
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REMINDER: While there is no registration fee, presenters and participants are still required to register for the conference.
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