• A description or abstract of the event or paper
• A paper(s) for pre-reading (in HTML or Word)
• An accompanying Powerpoint presentation
• An audio or video message
• An asynchronous discussion
• A synchronous chat(s)
• Website(s) (URLs) to visit

Some presenters may choose to include several of the above list, but they do not have to be that comprehensive. Keep in mind that you do not have to be responsible for uploading the content to the conference website. You simply create the files, for example Word documents, and send them to the conference organisers. Here are a few examples of typical online conference presentations:

Type 1 – the Basic Presentation

• A description or abstract of the event
• A paper(s) or document(s) for pre-reading (in HTML or Word)
• An asynchronous discussion in an online forum. It’s up to the presenter to decide how long you want such discussions to run. You may opt for 3, 5, 6 days or for the entire length of the conference. About 5-6 days is an ideal length of time for such discussions. Whatever length you stipulate, you are committing yourself to monitoring and facilitating that discussion for that length of time so it requires your attention at least twice a day.

Type 2 -  the Basic Presentation + Live Synchronous Chat

• A description or abstract of the event
• A paper(s) or document(s) for pre-reading (in HTML or Word)
• An asynchronous discussion in an online forum
• Live chat(s). You’ll find many conference delegates will enjoy the opportunity to discuss the issues raised by your topic/presentation in an online synchronous chat. One specified chat time is typical, though if your event is running over an extended period offering two separate chats will allow an added group of delegates to interact with you.

Type 3 – the Website Tour

• A description or abstract of the event
• A selection of websites to visit that highlight issues related to your presentation or topic, or that showcase materials you want delegates to view
• An asynchronous discussion in an online forum.

There are of course many other types of presentation. You may decide to host an email game, have delegates trial a piece of software, trial online games such as at http://www.designplanet.com.au/New_Practices_069SA/aqtftrialsite.htm, complete an online survey, join an online course for a few days, work on a collaborative document, interact with a guest speaker – the possibilities are endless!

Examples of Presentations from NET*Working 2002

The 2002 online conference site is at http://nw2002.flexiblelearning.net.au/ If you follow the Featured Presentations link you will find the archives of all presentations from 2002.(http://tinyurl.com/6qjvm)

Here are a selection of presentations that may give you some ideas:

• http://tinyurl.com/6pmsn
• http://tinyurl.com/69988 (the presenters of this session opted to record an interview for inclusion on the conference CD)
• http://tinyurl.com/4rszr  (this presentation offered delegates the chance to participate in a short facilitated online course)
• http://tinyurl.com/5tyv6 (this was a team presentation that introduced the topic via a prerecorded audio message posted on the conference website)

Discussion? Workshop? Showcase? = EVENTS

If you continue browsing the presentations here you may find others that suggest other ways of doing your presentation. Note: presentations on the NW2002 site are classified as either discussions, workshops, or showcases. For the 2004 conference all presentations, regardless of format, will be called EVENTS.

It should be clear that online conferences offer a lot of scope for variety. The style and delivery method of your presentation is limited only by your imagination and available time.

OTHER OPTIONS

Using the Elluminate Live Virtual Classroom
Wimba Voice Board

If you have any questions about material on this page, or about designing events for NET*Working 2004 please contact Michael Coghlan - michaelc@chariot.net.au or 0417 899 912

NET*Working 2004 Conference Site - http://flexiblelearning.net.au/nw2004/