Conference to Explore Technology Impact on Learning

The First Annual Congress on the Impact of Technology Upon Learning will be held at Wake Forest March 1-3. The university’s International Center for Computer Enhanced Learning (ICCEL) will host the event. Through a combination of programs and consulting services, ICCEL assists schools (K-12), colleges and universities to take advantage of information technology to increase learning.

Those attending the event will hear presentations by educators and researchers from colleges, universities and institutions in the United States and Canada. Topics range from “Assessment Strategies at 30 of America’s Most Wired Campuses” to “Looking at the Big Picture in Technology Assessment: What Questions Should We Ask?”

“We anticipate those registering for the program to include educators and government officials making decisions about investing in information technology,” said ICCEL director Craig Runde. “They want to see how technology makes a difference in education and how they should invest.”

“In most cases, they will be associated with colleges, universities and K-12 schools,” Runde added. “Some will be teachers and administrators, while others may be school board members or individuals with similar policy-making responsibilities.”

Information technology investments are sizable, Runde said, prompting decision-makers to look for places to turn where they can get help in making informed decisions.

“Our meeting will give them an opportunity to hear what others are doing and what results they are getting from the technology they have in place,” he explained. “Presenters will provide concrete examples of where people are using information technology in teaching.”

“We’ll also hear what systems are being used to measure, to assess technology’s impact on education,” Runde said.

He expects those attending the conference to leave better informed to develop their own opinions and decisions about technology’s effect on learning.

“They will benefit from hearing presentations, taking part in discussions, and interacting with others considering the same issues,” Runde predicted.

Conference organizers have made a special effort, he added, to provide daily opportunities for those attending the conference to participate in roundtable discussions with presenters.

Registration is required to attend the conference. For details, call 336-758-3762. To register on the Web, visit iccel.wfu.edu. A fee is charged for attending the event.