Professional Development

Ongoing developments in learning and instruction as well as in scholarship and research require creativity and flexibility in meeting the challenges posed by emerging technologies, changes in learning and working situations, and new demands placed on education and training. Our professional community exists in an exciting and dynamic world that requires us to do more than merely maintain our knowledge and skills – we must engage in ongoing professional renewal, growth, and transformation.

This year's convention theme is Integrative Approaches: Meeting Challenges. Given developments in research, technology, and society, professional practice in the various disciplines that comprise the AECT community continue to change and evolve. To meet the challenges posed by ongoing changes, we need serious and sustained efforts to (a) actively incorporate findings from multiple disciplines; (b) involve key stakeholders at multiple levels to transform education and training; (c) integrate technologies seamlessly into learning, instruction, and performance; (d) dynamically interweave research, practice, and theory development; and (e) demonstrate what works when and why with regard to improving learning, instruction, and performance.

Networking

Year after year, AECT members’ conference evaluations illuminate “networking” as one of the gleaming benefits of their membership and conference attendance. And with AECT councils, divisions, special interest groups, graduate student meetings, First-Timers Orientation... our entire program is offers our members’ networking and collaborative opportunities.

This year three “can’t miss” evening events are free and open to conference participants. The Wednesday night Division and Affiliate Round-Up Reception will offer you an chance to learn about group’s conference and yearlong activities and sign up to join members for dinner. Thursday night, the ECT Recognition Reception will offer a chance for AECT members to highlight those who have mentored or provided them leadership opportunities. Friday night’s University Receptions will illuminate outstanding programs, people and opportunities by a number of the university faculty and students. It is always an exciting event!.

Learning

Conference Program - Opportunities to expand your horizon abound through the hundreds of conference presentations. The view of the horizon represents the current and potential visions of the individual and unique pieces of our profession that, in the light of day, create rays of continuously changing yet integrated patterns of practice. Supporting the main theme are six sub-themes: (1) Transforming Learning and Instruction ; (2) Linking Design and Development with Learning and Performance; (3) Establishing the Benefits of Integrative and Interdisciplinary Approaches ; (4) Exploring New Media in Learning, Instruction and Performance; (5) Assessing and Evaluating Educational Technology Applications; (6) Integrating Social Networking and Distributed Media into Learning and Instruction. From division to affiliate to committee-sponsored presentations, a myriad of information is available to you.

Workshops - hands-on, experiential, and informative - add new learning opportunities to your convention experience. AECT will offer professional development workshops to all full paid convention registrants for a minimal materials fee of $15. Register early to take advantage of special offer. Workshops are offered on a space available basis.