The UnConference!

The MQUncon 09 is a FREE event for educators to connect and share ideas and solutions around using educational technology in learning and teaching. It is being hosted by Macquarie University and the Islands of jokaydia in Second Life.

An unconference is a facilitated, participant-driven conference. During the day, people are free to present, share and participate in a range of activities - sharing tips, stories and examples of using technology to enhance, augment and facilitate more effective learning and teaching.

The agenda for the day is organised largely by the attendees and will be faciliated by the Learning and Teaching Centre.

The event will be held around the U@MQ venue from 9am to 3pm AEST (check local time here), and in on the Islands of jokaydia in Second Life (more info here - http://mquncon09.pbworks.com/), as part of their weekend long Unconference 09.

MQUncon 09 offers participants an inclusive opportunity to discuss, share and connect with leading educators and technologists about 21st century learning at the practical level, as well as listen to people who might be on a similar journey.

The First Virtual University Open Day in Australia at the University of Ballarat

The University of Ballarat proudly presents the first annual University of Ballarat Virtual Open Day. This is the first of its kind in Australia!

As part of this Open Day you will have the opportunity to visit the University of Ballarat's Virtual campus and take a tour of our newly created virtual facilities. You will have the chance to look at what the University of Ballarat Virtual Campus has to offer, which includes a virtual learning clinic that is to be used by for healthcare education, an exhibition of digital art by one of the University's academic staff members, and the Virtual Stuttering Support Center designed to help support people who have difficulty with stuttering. In addition, you can explore what the First Life University of Ballarat has to offer through web links, brochures and video presentations

Representatives of the University of Ballarat will be on hand on the day to guide you through the Virtual University and answer any questions you may have

We look forward to seeing you there on 30th August 2009, 10am - 3pm, Australian EST

Go to https://secure-web0.secondlife.com/events/event.php?id=2981017&date=1251615600 for the location InWorld. You will need a Second Life Avatar to participate - and its free!

The first annual University of Ballarat Virtual Open Day

Check out the event announcement for our Virtual Open Day - https://secure-web0.secondlife.com/events/event.php?id=2981017&date=1251615600

Social Networking for Business

This article: http://webworkerdaily.com/2009/07/21/32-ways-to-use-facebook-for-business/
discusses various ways to setup and use a Facebook account for business, including the use of groups and fan pages. The frontrunner for individuals in business however, is LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com). Both can help move your business along and increase your professional visibility.

"Seven Strategies for Plagiarism-proofing Discussion Threads in Online Courses "

Interesting article about a type of plagiarism sure to be hitting your online classes soon!

http://jolt.merlot.org/vol5no2/olt_0609.htm

Finding the value of Twitter

University Lecturers are now finding uses for Twitter.
http://www.kansas.com/news/local/story/880654.html

Second Life Success

https://blogs.secondlife.com/community/community/education/blog/2009/07/10/case-study-loyalist-college-massively-improves-test-scores-and-training-outcomes-using-second-life