Information on the Learning and Skills Group Conference 2009 will be available from February 2009.

2008 Conference sessions

The content and structure of the sessions at the Learning and Skills Group Members' Conference has been put together entirely through feedback from the January Learning Technologies conference and interaction with the delegates that attended.

As a result there are six types of session in each session block for delegates to attend:

Speaker sessions

These sessions are 'theatre style', with an industry expert leading the session. The speaker will share their thoughts on the topic for about half the total length of the session, with the remaining time devoted to questions and answers and debate.

SS1: Escaping the tyranny of 'the course'

SS2: Learning for peak performance

SS3: Getting the most from rapid development

SS4: Are we trying to perfect the irrelevant?

Cafe sessions

These are interactive sessions where delegates share thoughts and experiences with fellow delegates seated at their 'cafe' table. The session is led by a lead facilitator, with an initial positioning of the session and reason for discussion. Other facilitators in the room will help the conversation flow.

CS1: Creating and designing effective e-learning

CS2: Using tools and technologies

CS3: Engaging learners and managers

CS4: The role of the brain in learning with technology

Practical workshops

These are small hands-on practical sessions focusing on the experience of technology in support of learning.

PW1: Using virtual worlds for learning

PW2: How to use blogs, wikis and RSS feeds in learning

PW3: 25 free tools that you should be using!

PW4: Mobile learning in practice

Theory workshops

These are small workshops and highly interactive experience sharing sessions, facilitated by an experienced practitioner.

TW1: How to establish the value of learning

TW2: Building e-learning for classroom trainers

TW3: Association-episodic instructional design

TW4: Setting a strategy for L&D

Sector groups

These are for small groups working within a particular industry sector. We make a room available, along with endless tea and coffee and then it's up to you to decide what the next steps are for the SG, and what support you would like from the LSG. If you wish, a facilitator will be on hand to get the conversation moving.

SG1: Large private sector enterprises

SG2: Central and local government

SG3: Banking, insurance and finance

SG4: Military and emergency services

Interest groups

These are for small groups with a particular area of interest. Again, we make a room available, provide more tea and coffee and then it's up to you to decide what happens next and what support you would like from the LSG. If you wish, we'll help things flow by providing a facilitator.

IG1: New to technology supported learning

IG2: Learning systems

IG3: Deploying competencies

IG4: Informal learning

For sessions with limited availability places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

Sponsor demo area

In addition to the above session types there will also be a sponsor demo area in the conference reception, where some of the leading suppliers in the field will be demonstrating some of the latest technologies and products available, including:

• Blended learning solutions

• Collaborative learning and technology

• Content authoring and design

• Content libraries

• e-Learning strategy, technology and implementation

• Instructor-led solutions

• IT qualifications

• Knowledge management systems

• Learning management, methods and systems

• Mobile learning solutions

• Moodle and open source tools

• Performance support technologies

• Rapid e-learning

• Virtual classroom technologies
  

Please feel free to visit the demonstration area during lunch and coffee breaks.