Welcome to ULearn09

Following the success of ULearn08, CORE Education is preparing for ULearn09 which will take place in Christchurch from 7-9 October 2009. There will also be an option of an in-depth day-long pre-conference workshop on Tuesday 6 October.

What you can expect More than 2000 delegates from around New Zealand and overseas will take part in the ULearn09 conference. This annual conference will involve some 400 speakers, and is being organised by not-for-profit educational research and development organisation, CORE Education. Associated pre-conference workshops make up four days of back-to-back inspiration, education, ideas, strategies and fun, equipping educators with all they need to transform their teaching, learning, school or early childhood community.

The conference will provide educators with a unique opportunity to:

• discover common ground through conversation and discussion with other teachers
• improve their knowledge of and expertise in new technologies by participating in the many breakout sessions on offer
• get ideas and strategies for integrating these technologies into the learning experience of their students
• hear about policy changes and directions from senior New Zealand Ministry of Education staff
• be inspired by world leading thinkers in the field of education and new technologies
• try out the latest technological wares on offer at the trade expo.

The ULearn conference has been held annually since 2005 and followed on from the successful Navcon conference series held in NZ in 2002 and 2004. The conference is designed to provide a forum for professional development and networking as well as an event to gauge trends, provide information and celebrate best practice focusing on e-learning in education.

An exceptional trade expo in the Christchurch Convention Centre will also be open to delegates as will the spectacular gala dinner and dance held at Westpac Arena.

ULearn09 will provide a package of professional learning that can be effectively and directly applied in teaching and learning environments. Catering for all educators, from early childhood, primary, secondary, and tertiary education, ULearn09 is a highly relevant, inclusive and practical conference that includes a comprehensive programme of pre-conference workshops.

Renowned for attracting top quality speakers, the ULearn09 organisers, CORE Education, have ensured New Zealand teachers hear from leading practitioners from New Zealand and around the world.

ULearn09 gives delegates the much sought-after opportunity to meet and share with fellow educators from all over New Zealand and overseas. The common ground often discovered can form the basis of ongoing and rewarding collaboration to explore the issues and ideas that emerge in their professional practice.

Teachers will be able follow a theme or dip into areas of interest. There will be a great emphasis on creating a professional learning platform where delegates are active participants in their own learning.

ULearn09's key themes cover leadership, connecting and developing relationships, e-communities of practice, innovation and sustainability, learning and teaching, curriculum, assessment, vision and values, pedagogy and practice, diversity, and student perspectives. These themes will provide the essence of the two strands of learners and leaders that support the main goals for ULearn09.