Q1: What kinds of activities occur during the conference?

A: It'll depend on the activity:

1. ✦The presentations will be accessible via a single web address, which will be provided to registered participants just prior to the preconference workshops.
   

2. ✦Discussion forums will be held using bulletin board or other asynchronous formats. Participants will have the option to participate in forums of their choice.
   

3. ✦Conference-wide greetings and keynotes will be delivered via email. They will simultaneously be posted on the web site, where they will remain as a permanent part of the proceedings.
   

4. ✦All registered participants will be subscribed to a conference mailing list at the start of the conference. The conference list serves as a "broadcast" medium and will deliver email about important announcements prior to, during and after the conference.
   

5. ✦Pre-conference activities will involve live orientation sessions, and other special workshop sessions. Access to the pre-conference will be provided only to registered participants.
   

Q2: Do I participate by sitting at a computer screen all day?

A: It depends on your level of participation. The actual conference is spread out over three days. However, the web site for presentations will be open to participants at least a week prior. Participants will have a week to review the presentations that interest them. During the actual conference days, participants will have the opportunity to "meet" presenters via live sessions, which will be scheduled throughout the 3-day period. Discussion forums will also be conducted during the three days. In short, the participant decides how much time he/she will spend on the computer, participating in activities.

Q3: What kind of computer will I need to participate?

A: At a minimum, you need a system that allows for email and web browsing. We believe you already have that capability. However, the more powerful your system, the better, especially for web-based activities that involve graphics, and to allow you to access live sessions. You will need a Java enabled web browser to participate in our live sessions. Consult with your local computer support staff if you aren't sure about the requirements. Technical support questions may be sent to help@learningtimes.net.

Q4: Should we organize one of our computer training rooms where several participants may interact?

A: This would be a wonderful idea! We are interested in group interaction, and we'd welcome the opportunity. We may be able to work out, via the web, live-video/live-audio transmissions with your site, linking conference staff and perhaps some of the presenters. Another possibility is linking various groups for discussions on specific topics. Contact us to discuss options.

Q5: What if I have a class of students that want to participate in this event?

A: Contact Bert Kimura <bert@hawaii.edu> describing your class and the number of expected students. A special conference fee will be arranged for your class to participate in this event.

Q6: Why have a "virtual" conference instead of a "real" one?

A: Virtual conferences will become a viable alternative to their traditional, face-to-face counterparts in the coming years, and this conference is helping to establish this trend. Participants will gain valuable information and will also develop skills required to participate in and get the most out of virtual conferences. It allows faculty around the world to gain access to experts and colleagues and dialog about the latest trends, issues, innovation and solutions relating to teaching and learning in higher education. And besides, how else can you travel to Hawai'i for just a few US dollars?

Q7: What if I miss one day of the conference? Can we view the conference at any time or will we have to be on-line on all of these days?

A: The presentations are on the web, and discussions related to each presentation will be archived. Thus, they'll be accessible at any time during the conference and the week prior. We're also planning to keep the web site open for you after the conference. Missing a day shouldn't hamper your access to the presentations. Some sessions are scheduled in real-time; thus, missing a day may mean missing actual interactive chats. However, sessions will be archived for later retrieval and review by participants. The greetings and keynotes will be delivered in real-time via email, and they will also be posted on the web. The emailed messages will be available to you whenever you log in to your email account. The Luau Lounge is an information discussion room. It'll be open 24 hours a day throughout the 3 days; you'll be able to drop in at anytime.

Q8: I would like to participate but will not be able to "attend" the conference on the exact days. Does this question make sense?

A: Yes, this question makes sense. If you miss a "live" event, you can always "attend" later by reviewing the archives, which will be kept on the web. In many cases, you'll be able to participate in discussions even after the fact since most events will include an extended web discussion feature. You'll notice in the schedule that many activities are virtual and ongoing, allowing you to plug in when you wish.

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