This post appeared on the CEGSA site after the CEGSA2012 state conference in July.
The CEGSA2012 conference is over for another year but the difference this year is that it is not over as the buzz from the conference is still happening well after the event!
Let me start by saying how wonderful it was to see people face to face having a wonderful time connecting with like minded peers who challenge one another’s ideas. The community feel of the conference was palpable and our community is thriving like never before. There was an excitement in the air which was started by our amazing keynote George Couros, from Canada, who challenged people to share online and to connect! He engaged the audience as only George could, through his questions, personal stories and animated examples of social media. People got into the spirit by joining Twitter, starting blogs and extending well-established networks.The buzz continues online and myself and others are compelled to be part of it.
For two full days, conference delegates were immersed in amazing presentations and workshops across a broad range of topics that appealed to our varied member’s needs. Our keynotes presented back to back workshops and sessions which gave many of our delegates a chance to really connect with them.
After their keynote presentations, our speakers mingled freely with delegates and and were extremely approachable. They were always happy to chat and attended sessions along with everyone else. Tony Bryant shared the amazing transformation of his school, Silverton Primary School in Victoria. Professor Glenn Finger presented about TPACK and the responses to critical challenges for schools. Margot Foster and Ruth Motley explored the relationship between 21C pedagogy through the SA Teaching for Effective Learning Framework (TfEL); the Australian Curriculum; and digital technologies. George Couros presented more workshops over both days of the conference on getting started with Twitter, blogs as learning portfolios and digital footprints.
As the convener I felt so privileged that our CEGSA2012 conference attracted local, interstate and international keynote presenters who are leading the way in their areas. We thank them for their willingness to be totally part of our conference and for being so approachable and gracious. The conference wouldn’t have been so successful if it wasn’t for our exceptional members – without your support we wouldn’t have a conference. Behind every great conference is a hard working organising committee and a wonderful band of volunteers – thank you to all of you.
This year’s conference was one of our biggest in a long time and we are planning to keep the momentum going with our online connections through social media. See you all in 2013!