2009 International SIM Conference

2009 International SIM® Conference Q&A

We’ve posted answers to some of the frequently asked questions we’ve received to help people understand our planning process for this year’s conference as well as to further explain some of the new features for 2009.

STRANDS

Why did KU-CRL choose the strand format this year?
We developed the strand format in response to years of conference feedback asking for more time for deep, thorough study of topics important to SIM Professional Developers. Strand topics and content were selected based on the changing nature of the work we do, especially as it relates to literacy, and on suggestions from members of the SIM Network. You might remember the surveys we asked you to complete earlier this spring. Your answers on these surveys were instrumental in shaping the content of the strands. Strand leaders and their teams have worked hard to plan these experiences for this conference. Each strand will include activities developed to supplement discussion as well as time for you to discuss implications of strand information with your colleagues and gain deeper understandings through shared perspectives. By the end of the day, you will have developed a solid understanding of the strand’s subject, and you will feel confident discussing related issues with others as you go about your professional development work.

Do I have to attend the same strand all day Wednesday, or can I move around among strands?
You are free to make decisions about which strand or strands you attend based on your own needs. However, some strands will be structured in such a way that if you come in late, you will miss important information. We recommend that you carefully consider your options, read the strand descriptions posted on the web site, and review any supplemental materials posted for each strand before deciding which strand to attend.

AFFINITY GROUPS

If I sign up for an affinity group early in the week, am I obligated to attend that affinity group on Friday, or can I choose a different group?
We are asking conference participants to sign up for affinity groups of interest by the end of the day Thursday so we can estimate our space requirements for Friday morning’s meetings. However, if you decide on Friday morning that you would rather attend a different affinity group, you are welcome to make the switch.

I have an idea for an affinity group topic. What do I do?
Throughout the conference, we will have an affinity group sign-up table near the registration area. You will be able to review all of the affinity group topics, sign up to indicate your interest in attending an affinity group, or add your own topic to the list.

Can I move from one affinity group to another Friday morning if the first isn’t working for me?
You are welcome to move from one group to another to find the right fit for you. We want this time to be useful and productive for you.

Can I meet with just my school or district team?
Yes! Affinity group time could be some of the most beneficial time you spend during this conference. It is time for you to process the information you have received and determine how you will use it in the future. We encourage you to choose an affinity group topic in which you are interested or to form your own affinity group. If it will be most beneficial to you to meet with others from your school or district, we heartily approve!

How can I stay connected with my affinity group after the conference?
After the conference, visit http://sim2009.kucrl.org to keep in touch with other affinity group members. Each group will have a page on the site where interested individuals can continue discussions or start new discussions related to the topic. Stop by the 2009 and Beyond: Maximize Your Conference Experience display during the poster session to learn more about using the conference web site.

HANDOUTS

What do I do if I can’t bring a laptop to the conference? Will I miss out on important information?
Your ability to participate in several conference sessions may be hampered if you do not have a laptop computer. In addition, most conference handouts will be delivered to participants via a USB drive that you will receive when you check in. We will not be making paper handouts available at this year’s conference. Presenters have been asked to provide electronic copies of their handouts so we can make them available on the conference web site and on the USB drive. You will not miss out on important information, as everything will be posted to the web site. Do check the conference web site and download documents before coming to the conference, as that will help to orient you. The Holiday Inn lobby has a station with two computers where you can check the Internet while at the conference. Printing (within reason) is free, and printouts are picked up at the front desk. The hotel reserves the right to charge for copies, if printing becomes excessive. There also will be several computers in the Conference Bookstore. These computers will not have printing capability, but they will have Internet access.

What’s on the conference USB drive?
We asked conference presenters to provide electronic copies of their handouts so we can cut down on the amount of paper distributed during the conference week. All handouts received by July 6 are on the USB drive you will receive when you check in during the conference. You will also find forms, articles, and other materials that in the past we have distributed as paper handouts. You will receive one piece of paper that may prove helpful: We’ve included a paper table of contents for the USB drive.

Why are there so few paper handouts?
In the past year, KU-CRL has taken several steps to cut down on the amount of paper materials we produce and distribute. The effort to put most conference handouts on the USB drive is a continuation of these “greening of SIM” efforts. Handouts also will be available to download from the conference web site. Other steps you likely have noticed: This spring saw the publication of the last paper version of Stratedirectory and the debut of Stratedirectory Online. Also, although we still publish Stratenotes as a paper newsletter, we also post electronic copies to SIMville. Our goal is to phase out the paper version of the newsletter within a couple of years.

Can I get handouts from all sessions, not just the ones I attend?
We have asked presenters to provide electronic copies of their handouts. All handouts we receive in this format will be posted on the conference web site. Many of them will be posted before the conference begins. All conference participants will have access to all handouts posted on the web site. In addition, any electronic handouts we received by July 6 will be on the USB drive you will receive at registration.

MISCELLANEOUS

What is the KU-CRL Help Desk?
The number of electronic resources available from KU-CRL has increased dramatically in the last few years. To help you navigate some of these new products, Amber Nutt will be available at a KU-CRL Help Desk in the Conference Bookstore. Amber will answer questions about and demonstrate the Stratepedia family of tools that can be found at http://stratepedia.org. These tools include the Learning Labs, Depot, and Coaching Calendar. She also will have information available on how to access Hello (the Stratepedia blog) and Stratepedia guidebooks.

What is the Photo Booth?
Some new SIM-related applications (such as Stratedirectory Online) offer opportunities for you to share a photograph of yourself with others who use the application. Stop by the Photo Booth and we’ll take a nice, digital photo of you. We can e-mail a copy to you after the conference, and we’ll even upload your photo to your Stratedirectory Online profile for you!