Hi Gisele,Eduardo,Ken,Chris,Teena and all,
One of the main reasons for the suggested Internet
conference is because I see that as adding value to
the actual conference. It could include people
of other disciplines to take part. It could include
votes and live question and answer sessions.
One way is via live emailing of thoughts in a live-chat
room system. I have seen this being done before on
discussion programmes live on telecast locally. The lines
of thoughts came in at the bottom of the telecast as the
debate was going on. If it were a post virtual conference,
perhaps we could have a recording of
discussions and debates as a starter before we have the
main course of debates,which are conducted as a live debate forum
with different virtual rooms like those in a real conference.
I am not in this line, so I don't exactly know how this is being done.
I think the media people would know how to implement such systems.
But I think it will be really interesting.
The other reason why I suggested this is that
I've also realized for most non-academics may most likely to miss it.
One reason is because of work commitments and as Teena has already
put it across
that the monetary lost from the absence of work is often the main
reason why non-academics
are not so willing to attend. The second reason being that most
non-academic establishments usually
do not sponsor academic functions unless it has direct commercial
advantage to what
they are doing. I really agree with Teena's points.
The cost of attending these conferences by students
and other academics can also be a drain. But the cost of
losing precious perspectives from other people in other
deprived countries is a far greater lost.
I agree that meeting live in person is the best. The actual
interaction with people cannot
be replaced by virtual presence but the value of adding a unique kind
of interaction
with virtual participation can be both interesting and enriching, if
implemented properly.
It would also allow any like-minded people, who are unable to attend,
the chance to
participate.Afterall, you are reaching a much larger pool of audience than
at the physical live conference. Hence growing the reputation of the
organizers
who are running the system too.
Should be neat. : )
Cheers!
Karen Fu
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