Living in rural BC means that I’m participating more and more in conferences and workshops online. I just finished two Elluminate sessions on BCeSIS Gradebook. The presenter was in Kamloops and there were ~20 people from all over my district participating. It was great – so convenient. I’ve also participated in the K-12 online conference from home and at school with a couple of other colleagues crowded around a computer. Online is definitely better than driving 4-6 hours to and from a conference and spending $ on hotel, travel, etc. for those of us living outside the lower mainland.

One thing I have noticed is that the experience is different if you do it alone. By yourself you can really focus and be completely self-directed (there’s also the added bonus of wearing your pjs!). I think that sometimes though, it’s nice to experience the online learning with others. I think it’s more fun when there’s a small group of people sitting around the computer together (that could be my learning preference talking though).

I still do enjoy travelling to the big conferences and walking into the bustling lobby full of conference delegates. But I’m thankful that I can learn from the comfort of my home or school too.

I was shocked about several “chats” especially the non book belief! I love any opportunity to add books to our class library. There is a place for digital literacy and another for good ‘ole non fiction book literacy:)

Maybe next year I too can attend in pj’s!