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=eFest Open Space Day=

On Tuesday 29 September 2009 the NZ eLearning Forum is organising an **eFest Open Space Day** as an opening event to the joint **[|Teaching & Learning meets eFest]** conference. This is a day for anyone who has an interest in exploring how technology can be used to enhance teaching & learning, online or in the classroom.

In line with the overall conference theme, activities during the Open Space day should address the general theme of "**21st century learners - what are they and what do they mean for you?**"

To start a conversation or share an experience/interest go to the Suggested topics page !
Special guest: Peter Mellow What is an Open Space Day? How do I participate?

Where to add your contributions?
Wiki: @http://efestopenspace.wikispaces.com Wall: @http://www.wallwisher.com/wall/etlc09 Ning: @http://efest-teach-learn.ning.com Twitter: @http://twitter.com use hashtag #eTLC09 Twitter: @http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23eTLC09 Flickr: @http://www.flickr.com/groups/efest/ use tag eTLC09

**Special guest**
The day will start with a presentation from Peter Mellow. Peter is an inspirational speaker and award winning teacher. [|Read more about his achievements on the conference site.]

**What is an Open Space Day?**
You know how at a conference, the best part is often the time spent at coffee, lunch & in-between sessions talking to others who share your interests? Well that is what an Open Space is.

It is sometimes also called an [|unconference] - a conference where the content of the sessions is created and managed by the participants during the course of the event. It is a BYO session in which participants can introduce a topic, discuss an opinion, or share a viewpoint about a subject.

The principles of ‘Open Space’ unconferences are:
 * 1) Whoever comes are the right people.
 * 2) Whatever happens is the only thing that could have.
 * 3) Whenever it starts is the right time.
 * 4) Whenever it is over it is over.

And, finally, the Law of Two Feet is a guide to people attending an unconference: //“If you are not learning or contributing, it is your responsibility to respectfully find another place where you are.”// Remember that whoever comes to your session will depend on who is present at the time, and whatever happens on the day is meant to happen! So, think about what you might like to talk about and be ready to share your ideas at the eFest Open Space Day.

How do I participate?
.
 * 1) Register for the eFest Open Space day at the [|eFest/Teaching & Learning Conference site]. Only NZ$35 for the day!
 * 2) Suggest a topic, start a conversation or share an experience/interest you want to talk about on the Suggested topics page
 * 3) Indicate which other topics you would be interested in on the Suggested topics page
 * 4) Come to the eFest Open Space Day ready to talk, collaborate, challenge others' thinking, learn & share what you do.


 * Optional**
 * 1) List yourself as an attendee on the I'm attending page.
 * 2) Get connected with other attendees prior to the event by setting up a [|Twitter account].
 * 3) Use the tag #eTLC09 when tweeting, blogging, or posting other content about the eFest Open Space Day or about the Teaching & Learning meets eFest conference.