Two communities

Back again. I've been back and forward to Australia the last three weeks for two reasons.

The first was to the Blackboard Asia Pacific conference in the Gold Coast. What a way to reignite my passion for online learning. The community of online facilitators and their areas of knowledge gives a real insight in to what can be achieved online. I presented at the conference showcasing what MIT are doing online within our trade departments. I have made new contacts with people in Tasmania, Darwin, and Canada and will be looking to keep in contact with these people to share knowledge in the use of online material to teach my students.
The best sessions I attended were presented by a couple from Alberta, Canada who use online games and alternative assessment strategies to engage their learners in their communities of learning, not just for fun but to learn as well. The games were used for Year 4 students in a post graduate programme at the University of Alberta. Once engaged the students were repeatedly going to the computer rooms between lectures to play against others within their community.
I guess it comes back to the simple task of engaging students online in an interactive and fun way to enjoy their learning and giving them a sense of belonging in their courses.

Secondly I spent time with my family community in Brisbane and on the South Coast of Sydney. My parents and sister have been in Oz for over 15 years and it was a good opportunity for my kids to catch upwith their aunty, uncle, and grandparents. A relaxing time for all. Now back to reality and Auckland weather. More to come regarding George Siemens lecture later today.