Getting Ready

The 2010 Online Fall Focus Session includes web-based presentations and participant discussions to revisit the status of blended learning today to assess what we've learned and how this instructional approach continues to evolve to support learning across many disciplines. The session will bring together professionals from across the country to explore this model that expertly blends face-to-face and distributed interaction, which allows institutions to address learners' unique needs and customize the learning environment rather than rely on a "one size fits all" approach. The program will include a series of keynote presentations, general sessions, project rounds, and discussion breaks designed to help participants more deeply connect with the content and with each another.

Presentations for the Online Fall Focus Session will be offered in real time inside an Adobe Connect virtual learning space. Inside the virtual space, participants can submit questions and communicate with colleagues using the chat feature. Live polls, interactive whiteboards, and breakout rooms will offer attendees a chance to communicate with one another and participate in active knowledge building. Materials and resources for the focus session can be found in the Learning Commons.

How Can I Prepare?

You can participate in the focus session as a team or as an individual. Once registered, team and individual participants will gain access to customized packets designed to help them get the most out of the focus session.

We also suggest these additional steps for those participating as teams:

• Send an announcement asking campus participants to hold the dates scheduled for the focus session.
• Reserve a room with the necessary technology (an Internet connection for the audio and video components with adjustable sound along with a speakerphone is recommended) that's large enough to accommodate participants.
• Prepare participant packets based on team resources and materials received.
• Use the focus session discussion times and consider adding time to initiate campus-focused dialogue around the focus session theme.

Focus Session Orientation

To help participants maximize their experience in this online event as well as learn how the online interaction and program will work, we've scheduled two orientation sessions. Feel free to choose the one that works best for you.

• 11:00-11:30 a.m. eastern time on Tuesday, September 7 - View Recording
• 3:00-3:30 p.m. eastern time on Wednesday, September 8 - View Recording

Tuning In: Focus Session

On September 13, all registered participants will receive an e-mail message from us with the subject line "Important Information: ELI Online Fall Focus Session," which will include your username and password. All those who register after September 13, will receive a personal e-mail with this information.

On the day of the event, you will:

• Go to the Adobe Connect website. (Please note: This room will be open starting at 11 a.m. ET on the day of the event.)
• Select "Enter with your login and password."
• Type in your username and password from the registration email.

Listen to the session through your computer speakers. If you have any audio difficulties, please visit our Audio Troubleshooting Page. However, if you lose audio completely, please listen to the session via one of the following toll-free telephone numbers. If you have any problems with one of the below numbers, please contact ELIfocus@educause.edu or send a message to EDUCAUSE Help in the adobe connect chat field during the session.

• United States and Canada: 1-877-944-2300 (access code: posted in Adobe Connect)
• Australia: 0011 800 2200 4444 (access code: posted in Adobe Connect)
• South Africa: 00 800 2200 4444 (access code: posted in Adobe Connect)
• Sweden: 00 800 2200 4444 (access code: posted in Adobe Connect)
• Trinidad and Tobago: 1-512-225-9559 (access code: posted in Adobe Connect) Please note: This number will give you immediate access, but it is NOT toll free. For toll free access, contact ELIfocus@educause.edu or send a message to EDUCAUSE Help in the adobe connect chat field during the session, and a staff member will call and connect you.
• United Kingdom: 00 800 2200 4444 (access code: posted in Adobe Connect)

Technical Requirements

To participate, you will need:

• A high speed WIRED connection (wireless and/or dial-up are not recommended)
• A reliable telephone line (preferably landline) in case you experience audio difficulties during the event
• Cookies enabled in your web browser
• Adobe Connect
• Operating system, browser and software requirements are below

Please run the Adobe Acrobat Connect Connection Test at least one week before the event. The test takes approximately 30 seconds and will verify that your computer meets hardware and software requirements to use Adobe Connect. If you have problems completing the test or installing required software, please visit the Adobe Support web site, or call Adobe Connect Technical Support at 1-800-945-9120.

Participant Requirements

Presenter Requirements