Connected Canada (#ConnectedCA) will be happening on May 25-27, 2012 at the Calgary Science School (you can register here).  This will be a conference that is significantly different from many that are being offered with a focus on creating connections and conversations on things happening in the world of education.  We really hope that people from around Canada (our friends outside of the country are more than welcome!) will join in on these conversations, and continue to build connections long after the conference.  There is also an opportunity to check out the classrooms of a very innovative school and bring ideas back to your own classrooms.  Here are some reasons why you should attend:

1. Face-to-face is better – There are many great conversations that are happening through social media, such as Twitter, Facebook, and other social networks on the Internet, but the chance to sit and talk to each other is something that we should always take advantage of when the opportunity arises.  Admittedly, a lot of learning happens at these types of conferences outside the sessions through informal conversation.
2. You are part of the conversation – There are people from around Canada that are committed to sharing their work but we all know that no one is “smarter than the room”.  Conversations are meant to be interactive with participants also sharing their successes and struggles.  We can all learn from each other and the format of the conference is meant to take advantage of that idea.
3. No expensive keynotes – Okay…so many people might not see this as an advantage, but we wanted to provide an opportunity for educators to learn from other practicing educators.  We did our best to keep this 3 day event as cheap as possible, treat participants great, and give a valuable, connected learning experience.  Keynotes can definitely be hit or miss so we wanted to keep the speaking to a minimal so that you are a part of the conversation! (See #2)  Not one person is being paid for this event; we are there to support education and educators in Canada.
4. See classrooms in action! –  Often we hear of some great ideas that do not seem feasible in the classroom.  On the first day of the conference, participants will have the opportunity to visit classrooms and see innovative teaching and learning as it happens.  We are all better when we have the chance to learn with one another so we are hoping that seeing students and educators in action will spark some great conversations and learning for participants.
5. It’s going to be fun! – This is the unspoken truth of many conferences.  The chance to learn from other educators is invaluable, but we also have to revel in the opportunities to get to know each other as people as well.  The chance to socialize with one another and take part in functions, tweetups, and more will help us to deepen in our relationships which are the foundation of our schools.  The chance to connect is so important and we plan to ensure that there is ample time and opportunity for this.

We hope to see you in Calgary on May 25!