I’m reading through the programme for this year’s OEB, which takes place this week – and my, are we in for a treat. There’s always something magical about Educa; non-stop action, amazing speakers, brilliantly organised, a real EdTech party atmosphere and what’s not to love about Berlin in December?
Obviously, I’m hoping for snow but the weather widget isn’t playing ball…
This year, OEB is more packed than ever. I haven’t got a clue how I’m going to manage this, as there are so many amazing sessions to attend. The OEB team really do know how to programme a conference, as evidenced by the variety of formats (workshops, panels, debates, comedy, music – the list goes on…) .
Keynote speakers this year include Howard Rheingold and Stephen Downes, so it’s great to see Open/Connected Education featuring so prominently. The Annual OEB Debate is also looking rather exciting – this year´s motion reads: ´This house believes that data is corrupting education´. Battling it out will be (PRO) Ellen Wagner and Inge de Waard, vs. (CONTRA) George Siemens and Viktor Mayer-Schonberger. I’ll have a front row seat, please.
The newest addition to the programme is the Spotlight Stage (programme here) which reminds me of a learning and technology variety show: where else would you get the Berlin Singularity Group sharing a stage with the comedian Amelia Jane Hunter, and the ‘they’ve seen it all’ duo a.k.a. Howard Rheingold and Jay Cross in conversation? Dave White’s “Re-Humanising E-Learning” is sure to be top quality, and I’m on stage shortly afterwards talking about curiosity and gaming, so very much looking forward to that. In fact, I could easily stay in that room for every session, but I won’t. I can’t. I’ll try not to, at least…
Actually, I definitely WILL be leaving the Spotlight Stage to chair a networking event on Thursday from 11.45 – 13.15 in the Köpenick I/II/III Rooms (SHAMELESS PLUG). I ran this session a couple of years ago and we had a blast. Lots of connections made, lots of fun in the process. Do come along if you want to meet others away from the hustle and bustle. These are always valuable sessions for finding others with similar interests and passions, and I’ll be there to make sure that it all goes smoothly (don’t laugh).
So, early start tomorrow and then we’ll be in OEB bubble once again: friends old and new for Europe’s biggest EdTech get-together. The perfect (near) end to the year. I just wish we had more than a few days!
See you there 🙂
Heloukee: EdTech and Digital Culture 