Megaconference Jr. 2008 was held on February 21, 2008

If you missed it, you can view the Archived Webstream

Download the 5 Year Anniversary Flag (.pdf)

WHAT IS MEGACONFERENCE JR.?
Megaconference Jr., now in its fifth year, is a project designed to give students in elementary and secondary schools around the world the opportunity to communicate, collaborate and contribute to each other's learning in real time, using advanced multi-point video conferencing technology. Presenters design and conduct videoconference-based presentations and activities focused on both academic and cultural issues. Participants are able to address questions to presenters and to collaborate with geographically diverse peers in collaborative learning activities, thus building international cultural awareness.

As we celebrate our fifth anniversary we would like to thank everyone for making this such a successful event. We have exceeded all of our initial goals and objectives. We have made connections, built collaborations and begun to understand our cultural differences and similarities. With our new understandings we hope to continue to build respect for our differences and a willingness to work together to find answers and solutions to the questions of our times. We encourage you to look at your community, region or nation and identify issues that not only affect you but others around the world. As global citizens, can we begin talking and working together to make positive changes in the world? As you begin planning your presentations and proposals for this year you might want to think of these ideas and how we can make this 5 Year Anniversary Megaconference Jr. event even better by further addressing these global questions and concerns that face us all. Of course, we always welcome presentations dealing with cultural exchanges, music/art/video exchanges and projects or innovative classroom practices.

WHEN IS IT GOING TO BE?
The event will be on February 21, 2008, and it will run from 7:00 am until 7:00 pm EST (UTC-5). The 12-hour duration will make it possible for schools from many time zones to participate during their regular school hours. We strongly encourage schools to open up participation to parents, administrators, and the community and to stay connected for as long as possible so that they can actively participate with sites from around the world in different time-zones. Museums and libraries are especially encouraged to invite children, library patrons, and the community at large to participate during non-school hours.

HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE?
You can propose a 20-25 min. interactive presentation or showcase an interesting collaboration project that you have been doing in your school. You can also suggest activities that could be organized at "downtimes" between the blocks of presentations. You can also sign up as an "Interactive" site once the final schedule is posted. Or, you can join us as participants with no special presentation given from your side.

WHAT TECHNOLOGY DO I NEED TO PARTICIPATE?
Most sites will need Internet2 or comparable high-speed connection and access to H.323 video-conferencing equipment. Presentations must be made using H.323 technology, preferably at 768 Kbps, and they will be made from the presenter's location. Presentations with multiple remote presenters are encouraged (see evaluation criteria above).

WOULD I BE ABLE TO REHEARSE?
Yes, all presenters will be required to hold at least one dress rehearsal, preferably with their interactive sites, prior to the event to rehearse and refine their presentations.

Join the online discussion on the Megaconference Jr. blog at
http://megaconferencejr.blogspot.com/

Megaconference Jr. 2008 Planning Timeline:
• Planning Committees Operating: by September 10, 2007
• Call for Proposals Out: by October 18, 2007
• Presentation and Activity Proposals due: November 16, 2007 (EXTENDED)
• Event General Registration Open: December 10, 2007
• Technical Testing with Presenters/VJs: Starting December 11, 2007
• Presenter Dress Rehearsals: Starting December 12, 2007
• General and Interactive Registration Closes: February 1, 2008
• Megaconference Jr. Event: February 21, 2008

Thanks and see you on February 21, 2008!!