Mark Your Calendars Now - Megaconference Jr. celebrating its 6th Year this February 19, 2009!
Join the Planning of Megaconference Jr. 2009 - Committees Forming NOW

Megaconference Jr. 2008 was held on February 21, 2008
If you missed it, you can view the Archived Webstream

WHAT IS MEGACONFERENCE JR.?
Megaconference Jr., now in its sixth 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.

WHEN IS IT GOING TO BE?
The NEW date for Megaconference Jr. 2009 has been set for February 19, 2009, 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?
Elementary and secondary (K-12) teachers and students from around the world are needed now to work on the five planning committees. Participation in a committee will provide the opportunity to engage in regular virtual communications with international team members towards organizing and completing committee goals. Join a planning committee now!

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.

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. 2009 Planning Timeline:
* Planning Committees Operating: by September 30, 2008
* Call for Proposals Out: by October 5, 2008
* Presentation and Activity Proposals Deadline: November 30, 2008
* Event General Registration Open: November 17, 2008
* Technical Testing with Presenters/VJs: Starting December 8, 2008
* Notification of Acceptance: December 15, 2009
* Interactives Registration Opens: December 22, 2009
* Presenter and Interactives Dress Rehearsals: Starting January 5, 2009
* Interactive Registration Closes: January 16, 2009
* General Registration Closes: January 30, 2009
* Megaconference Jr. Event: February 19, 2009