'New Learning Cultures' was the theme at this year's ONLINE EDUCA BERLIN, as it set the agenda for an in-depth discussion of the most important questions facing those in education and business today. 2154 delegates from 96 countries attended the conference, as we asked, how should we teach? How can we learn? Do we need a new culture of learning? Are the old methods dead? In a world of rapid technological change, is training enough or do we need to encourage the adaptability that only education can bring? And how can the delivery of education keep up with the pace of change?
In this year’s Opening Plenary session, Commissioner Kroes told conference participants from 96 countries that “excellence in education is the key to ensuring Europeans can keep the opportunities and lifestyle that recent generations have taken for granted.” She said that, despite the plethora of information and communication technology tools available today, Europeans are still not taking full advantage of the digital revolution to educate, enrich, and enlighten themselves.
Among the line-up of keynote speakers this year was Professor Huw Morris of the University of Salford, UK, who spoke about managed learning environments in the era of Web 2.0 and cloud computing. Professor Doug Thomas of the University of Southern California outlined his vision of “a new learning culture” in which education will involve much more than knowledge transfer from the teacher to the student, and Dr John Bohannon of Science magazine spoke about “transactive memory” and our increasing reliance on online resources and networks.
Participants interested in how learning technology can address business issues found a range of sessions designed specifically for business learning professionals through the Business EDUCA track.
The event offered delegates a range of formats through which to explore this year’s themes, including presentations, interactive Knowledge Exchange Sessions, Learnshops, Learning Cafes ,OEB Labs and discussion and debates.
The next ONLINE EDUCA BERLIN will take place from November 28th – 30th, 2012 where you can expect to discover more about the latest trends in education and training through new and exciting session formats, addressing the latest trends and issues facing education and training today.
This year's keynote speakers included:
Douglas Thomas
Associate Professor, Annenberg School for Communication, University of Southern California, USA
Monika Weber-Fahr
Senior Manager, Global Business Leader, IFC – International Finance Corporation, USA
Huw Morris
Chancellor (Academic) and Executive Dean of the College of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Salford, UK
Peter Nowak
Technology Commentator, formerly of CBC and National Post, and author of ‘Sex, Bombs & Burgers’, Canada
