How to get the most out of an online conference

Before the conference

Register early
Your registration needs to be transacted online from within the secure online conference website. When you register as a user of the ASLA website you will create your own username and password. Once you have completed the online registration you will need to process your payment before you are able to enter the conference space. An early registration means you can access the papers and conference program for the duration of the conference.

Set aside time
You will need to set aside the adequate time to participate in the conference. Many participants and presenters continue with ‘business as usual’ during the conference program. Some log in and participate on a regular basis each day, whilst others wait for the weekend. You will need to schedule your time as it suits your working needs and may need to book some time during your day to get the most out of this online conference. Remember, this is your professional development opportunity and you will need to read, share, discuss and engage in a different learning experience.

Invite others
A low cost registration fee provides an opportunity for you to invite friends and colleagues to register and join you online. Knowing someone else at a conference can help you to get more out of the experience as you share and discuss the ideas presented in the papers and during the discussion sessions.

Selecting papers
Each presentation is described on the Australian School Library Association website. You will find links to details on the presenters, their topic, and an abstract of their paper. This information will help you identify the papers best suited to your needs.

Plan ahead
A schedule of events will be posted on the online conference website. Take some time to review the program, select the ones that interest you, and plan your time for involvement. Don’t forget to check in often to view any updates to the scheduled events. The papers will be available 4 to 6 weeks prior to the electronic forum discussion times. This allows you to read, reflect, and prepare your questions. The discussion times will be scheduled to take place over a 7-day period with each conference strand/theme taking place on a staggered basis. In addition, there will be an Introduction forum to allow you to introduce yourself to other delegates.

Prepare your questions
An online conference provides a great opportunity for you to find answers, solutions, and strategies to issues, concerns, and problems that you may face in your day-to-day working environment. By preparing your questions beforehand you can focus on your needs and improve your opportunities to gain some valuable information that you can use in your workplace. This is an opportunity to tap into expertise that may not be available elsewhere.

Be open to a different experience
An online conference has some similarity to a traditional face-to-face conference, but in many ways it is very different. Be open to the positive differences, prepare yourself to take advantage of the extended time for professional engagement, and don’t get too frustrated with the weaknesses. Help will be available.

Introduction forum
Before the main conference events get started take some time to explore and become familiar with the conference site. Find the strands/themes that interest you and view the papers. Look at how the papers are presented and check to see if you need any special software in order to access them (Adobe Acrobat Reader will be required if you choose to download files in this format). Find the conference forum guidelines and check the procedures. Learn how the discussions will be hosted and how you will access them. Only a basic level of navigating the web, and sending messages to and accessing messages from forums, are needed to get the most out of this online conference.

During the conference

Watch for news updates
At regular intervals you will receive an email message alerting you to new events.

Ask for help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you are feeling overwhelmed, frustrated or lost. An email request can be sent to the Conference Secretariat.

Electronic forums
Forums will be available for an introduction of delegates and general discussion, and for each strand/theme. You will receive an email message inviting you to be involved in these forums. To access the forums you will need to use your registration username and password. The forums will provide you with the opportunity to post your questions, share your thoughts, engage with the presenters, and give them feedback about their paper. Procedures will be available on the conference website.

Keep a record
To get the most out of the online conference keep a track of all the good ideas, thoughts and strategies you get when reading the papers and engaging in the forums. Keep a note taking software application open on the side so you can jot down notes. If you download any papers, or copy and paste, please don’t forget to give credit to the presenter or contributing participant.

Have some fun
Even though this is a chance to explore new ideas and strategies, discover new tools and experiences, and to learn and share with others, it is also a time to have some fun. The Introduction forum will provide you with the chance to network with others.

After the conference

Complete the evaluation survey
Take the time to complete the evaluation survey. Your responses are important and will help us to improve the conference program and events to meet your needs for the next online conference.

Share the experience
Share the ideas, thoughts and strategies you have gathered with your workplace colleagues so they can benefit from what you have learned. Or apply them to problems, challenges and projects that you have happening. Taking notes during the conference will help you remember all the great ideas and contacts.

Follow up the contacts
During the conference you will identify key individuals with whom you would like to stay in contact. Developing a professional network of colleagues will help you to apply the new ideas well and truly beyond the actual conference time.