Epic Show Report

BAOL Conference 2003

Questions - and even some answers

Conferences often fizzle out as people leave early and the final plenary session seems like a cleaning up exercise. This was different. The audience was small but lively.

Who's vision was right - Paul McKelvie's or Mathew de Lange's? Most agreed that they were talking about different worlds and times and that the comparison was, as Dr Johnson said, odious.

Could e-learning teach soft skills? You bet it can, said some. The jury's out, said others. Most agreed that they had seen a demonstration that went some way towards showing that we're getting there.

What of the 'digital divide'? The digital divide was seen by some as a problem, by others as barely existing. Truly an example of seeing the cup and half full or half empty. Problems with small text and small buttons were countered by statistics showing ready access in all schools, colleges and universities.

All I promised were a few selected highlights. As usual the best discussions were in the bar and during the breaks. It makes you wonder whether a conference which is one big break and drinking session may be better than all of these organised sessions!

Intro
Unblocking arteries with LSC
Learning as punishment
De lange stares into the abyss
Going up around the blend