Overview
The Student Megaconference (Megaconference Jr.) is a project
designed to give students in elementary and secondary schools around the world
the opportunity to communicate, collaborate and contribute to each other’s
learning in real time, using advanced multi-point video conferencing technology.
Presenters will design and conduct videoconference-based presentations and activities
focused on both academic and cultural issues. Participants will be able to address
questions to presenters and to collaborate with geographically diverse peers in
collaborative learning activities, thus building international cultural awareness.
The program will meet many national and local curriculum standards in multiple
subject areas. It will also help students and teachers develop the capacity to
effectively utilize high-speed networks, videoconferencing and other emerging
technologies to enhance learning outcomes.
Who
Can Participate
Presenters, activity leaders and audience members in Megaconference
Jr. will be made up of students, teachers and technical staff from elementary,
middle and secondary schools in the US and around the globe. University teacher
education faculty and students are also welcome to participate. Participants will
need to have access to the Internet2 Abilene Network in the US (or equivalent
high-speed networks in countries outside the US that link to Abilene) at their
schools or at a local university where they can participate. They will also need
appropriate IP based (H.323) video conferencing capabilities and equipment.
We expect between 20 and 50 schools from at least 5 countries to participate interactively
in the event, with others viewing one way streamed video. The event will run from
7 am until 7 pm (EST). The 12 hour duration will make it possible for schools
from many time zones to participate during their regular school hours.
Internet2 University members, GigaPoPs, SEGPs, international MoU partners and
appropriate governmental and educational agencies will be involved in providing
high speed connectivity, videoconferencing facilities, technical support and other
services to the K-12 participants.
Help
Make it Happen
Elementary and secondary (K-12) teachers
and students from around the world are needed NOW to work
on the three planning committees listed on the next page.
Participation in a committee will provide the opportunity
to engage in weekly communications with international team
members towards organizing and completing committee goals.
Megaconference Jr. 2005 Planning Committees and their Responsibilities:
Technical Committee
- Create, maintain and update event website and investigate multi-lingual
capabilities
- Manage Web based registration database and create appropriate forms as necessary
- Determine Web hosting requirements and location
- Develop and disseminate technical (network) participation requirements
- Determine possible # of participating sites per timeframe and types of connections
- Assemble and distribute technical troubleshooting guidelines
- Coordinate video streaming and archiving of the event
- Coordinate network testing and troubleshooting
- Coordinate chat room(s) for technical support
Program Committee
- Define schedule format and structure
- Solicit, schedule and oversee event presentations and activities
- Oversee the nature and form of event content
- Create request for presentation proposals
- Manage program/content related issues and questions
- Communicate with presenters and activity leaders
- Manage VJs and VJ schedule and script
- Develop and coordinate curriculum/lesson plans
- Coordinate Megaconference Jr. cafes and "open" discussion times
Operations and Outreach Committee
- Develop planning and event timetable and schedule
- Create event promotional materials
- Manage event outreach and insure adequate knowledge of event and participation
- Create event logo, Web site and document design
- Manage registration and communications with participants
- Define and manage event parameters, ie, maximum number of participants, etiquette
protocols, etc.
- Manage administrative affairs and issues
Megaconference Jr. Planning Timeline
• Planning Committees Operating: by November 30, 2004
• Participant Registration Opens: by February 7, 2005
• Presenter Proposals Submission Opens: by February 18, 2005
• Cut off date for accepting Presentation proposals: March 18, 2005
• Acceptance Notification of presenters: by April 11, 2005
• Cut off date for accepting General Participants: by April 15, 2005
• Megaconference Jr. 2005: May 19, 2005
Want to know what the first Megaconference Jr. was like? You can view the entire archived event at: http://commonsvcg.oar.net/megaconference/ or highlights clips at:
http://megaconferencejr.cciu.org/video1.html
