Below is a blog post written by Prof Simon Lancaster and myself in preparation for the Higher Education Academy STEM Conference. I am sharing it here as many of the points raised are of value to anyone attending a conference. Added to this are some tips on Twitter etiquette,
Originally posted on the Higher Education Academy blog
The academic conference format has endured largely unchanged for decades. Despite the affordances of the internet, the opportunity to physically meet colleagues remains highly prized.
The format of the conference and the role of the lecture within that form have been hotly debated both on Twitter and between popular bloggers in the STEM community1. In practice the majority of conference presentations adopt a rather traditional style with all that entails. If the speaker has raced through quickly enough and / or is firmly steered by the chair then there will be time for questions. And of course we all know what the potential pitfalls of the conference question session are2. Whether it is a “good question” or a self-indulgent rant, it is still only one person’s question, the format will never permit everyone a voice. The conference, at least the formal sessions, might then be described as a linear experience.
Nowadays we all want to be heard, and we struggle to justify attending a conference unless presenting at least one paper. Conference organisers know this and so we have a proliferation of parallel sessions. Interesting choice of the word ‘parallel’, implying that the linear threads are never intended to cross; the result is a two-dimensional plane on which all we can do is touch the surface. Choices between sessions have to be made and the grass is always greener on the other side.
Our final observation is that the traditional conference is ephemeral and exclusive. You had to have been there. The networks you form might endure but will the handwritten notes you scribbled on the freebie notepad?
Given the authors, many of you will have guessed this blog post was always destined to arrive at Twitter. Sue @suebecks has written extensively on the value of social media to academics3 while Simon @S_J_Lancaster can tell you exactly what he thought of every lecture he attended at the 2013 HEA STEM conference4. Twitter can add additional dimensions to the conference experience:
1. Presenter and audience interactions
Twitter can render any presentation a communal event where the presenter encourages participants to tweet answers, comments, corrections and to engage in discussion. The participants themselves are able to use Twitter to crowd-source a rich and lasting record of the session.
2. Interconnected audience interactions
Twitter can thoroughly intertwine the threads of parallel sessions creating interconnected collections of stories across the conference. Analogous information between different sessions can be picked up and synergies formed to take the discussions forward online and arrange face to face meetings. Imagine a set of threads constantly colliding in a ball of twine.
3. In person and virtual interactions
The use of an event hashtag means that Twitter can facilitate the participation of people who could not attend the physical venue. By following the aggregated tweets, anyone can respond, raise questions, and provide links to associated information. Even the passive observer has an opportunity to develop their network by following interesting contributors to the conference Twitter stream.
4. Multiplicity of pre and post event interactions
The conference does not need to end after the closing remarks. Twitter can keep the discussion going and through tools like Storify keep it accessible and alive for years to come. Presenters can tweet links to their presentations uploaded to Slideshare and indeed openly share via other social networks. Participants may choose to blog about the event and embed key Tweets to emphasise points made. Within this space readers can be encouraged to interact with the blog post by ending with a question or call for feedback/opinion using the comments.
Twitter can deliver interconnectedness and timelessness to the traditional conference experience. What would you rather experience a two- or a four-dimensional conference? You know how to prepare for #HEASTEM16.
Good Twitter Etiquette
Whilst at many events it now an accepted form of communication there are a few things to consider:
- When taking photos of people speaking, do seek their permission. The conference organisers may have already sought permission from speakers, but it is courteous to check.
- When tweeting quotes, ensure that these are always attributed to the speaker. Ideally use the person’s Twit this is not known search for it (using the search box in Twitter or check the tweets of others who may know it. Failing that use the person’s full name. Place quotes in speech marks.
- Differentiate your own opinions from the speakers.
- When discussing the event through tweeting, always be polite and respectful.
- If someone asks for their work not be shared, then respect that request.
- Be professional and remember anyone can view the tweets.
- If you are presenting, include your Twitter name at the start of your slides to make it easier for people attending your session to attribute you.
- Do remember to PUT YOUR PHONE ON SILENT! No-one wants to hear the pings you may receive every 30 seconds.
Final Tips
- Make new connections ahead of an event
- Reach out and interact
- Make a note of user names or create a Twitter list of names of people you know are attending or speaking at an event.
References
See more at: https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/blog/four-dimensional-conference-using-social-media-conferences#sthash.1XOvga9N.dpuf
Sue Beckingham
Social Media for Learning 