Event details

Description

Webinar with embedded Virtually Connecting session

The purpose of the Virtually Connecting initiative is to enable remote participation at conferences and other types of academic events, widening access to a fuller conference experience for those who cannot be physically present – as explained by the VConnecting about page: http://virtuallyconnecting.org/about/

This model involves the use of emerging technologies with the aim of connecting onsite conference presenters and attendees with virtual participants in small groups. In particular, the approach fosters mediated interactions in what often feels like those great spontaneous hallway conversations, something not usually possible for a virtual experience.

What are the benefits?

● The webinar will give participants the opportunity to get familiar with the rationale, history and practical considerations for this approach.
● You will gain the basic knowledge required to participate in virtually connecting sessions and embed this approach into conferences you attend and/or organise.
● You will get valuable skills for internationalising your curriculum and adopting internationalisation at home approaches.
● This approach could be particularly helpful as a way of enabling collaborations between Coventry University Group’s campuses (i.e. Coventry, London, Scarborough, Dagenham) as well as with international partners.
● Focus on issues directly connected with two pillars of Coventry’s Educational Strategy: Intercultural & International Engagement and Digital Fluency & Innovation

Topics covered include:

● What is the Virtually Connecting initiative and model?
● Who is the community behind this initiative?
● What is its history and why was it needed?
● Practical skills for joining and running Virtually Connected events.

Who should attend?

● The webinar is aimed at anyone interested in widening participation at conferences and internationalisation at home.
● This could be particularly relevant to lecturers, researchers and PhD students interested in international conferences, but also to anyone interested in exploring new ways of collaboration between campuses within CUG and across partner institutions.
● No prior knowledge or skills are required.

Facilitator

Maha Bali, PhD (and other VC members: co-director Autumm Caines (Critical Instructional Designer, St. Norbert College, USA and Co-Director of Virtually Connecting), Canadian buddy Helen J. DeWaard (Lakehead University, Canada, and Virtually Connecting)