Graduate Stream Keynote

George Siemens, Athabasca University, Canada

Abstract:

Participating in knowledge and research networks only after they have their graduate or doctoral degrees. Fortunately, this view is false. Students can (and should!) begin to participate to the knowledge base of a discipline as soon as they embark on their studies. This session will provide an overview of the processes and mindsets required by students to engage with and contribute to the development of the educational technology field. Topics addressed will include: developing your digital profile, engaging with established (often traditional!) academics, developing as a digital scholar, bridging emerging and established spaces of academic discourse."

Biographical Information:

George Siemens is a prominent writer, speaker, and researcher on learning, networks, technology and organizational effectiveness in digital environments. He is the author of Knowing Knowledge, an exploration of how the context and characteristics of knowledge have changed and what it means to organizations today, and the recently released Handbook of Emerging Technologies for Learning.

Siemens is also with the Technology Enhanced Knowledge Research Institute at Athabasca University. His current research interests include social software, emerging technology, information management and visualization, and the design of organizations in response to social and technological change pressures. He is founder and President of Complexive Systems Inc., a learning lab focused on helping organizations develop integrated learning structures to meet the needs of global strategy execution. He is an international speaker and consultant, detailing the changes universities, colleges, and corporations must make in order to address the challenges of an increasingly complex world.

Siemens maintains www.elearnspace.org and www.connectivism.ca. Additional background information is available at www.elearnspace.org/about.htm.