To Confer Or Not to Confer

Confessions of a reluctant presenter

“If civilization is to survive, we must cultivate the science of human relationships – the ability of all peoples, of all kinds, to live together, in the same world at peace.” – F.D. Roosevelt

I’m not big on conferences - mostly because I don’t like having to sit and listen while speakers confer information on me. It reminds me too much of the lecture halls in college and more recently of the online trainings I’ve had to endure at companies. Employers seem to think that being able to click and move colored shapes or listen to an animated figure ask a question while it walks across the screen constitutes interactive learning. What they don’t seem to realize is that human brains do not operate like computer hard drives. Simply dropping data into them (even if it’s cute, brightly colored, animated data) doesn’t ensure that it will be retained. More to the point, memorizing data doesn’t teach the brain how to use it.

Real learning occurs when the whole person - body, mind, spirit, emotions, and creativity - is engaged AND that person has the opportunity to use what they’ve learned in practical, real world settings. In other words, information has to be engaging and relevant.

On the flip side of having information conferred on me is being a presenter at conferences. I’m almost as uncomfortable conferring information as I am with having it conferred on me. It’s not that I don’t feel experienced or knowledgeable, but I agree with Jung who said, “The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed,” and Malcom Forbes who said, “Diversity is the art of thinking independently together.” It’s hard to think independently and create sparks in situations where we aren’t seen as equals. Conferences are hierarchical by nature (speakers imparting words of wisdom), which is why I pose the following questions to myself whenever I’m asked to present:

a) What are the themes, questions, and issues that others want to hear about?

b) What can I bring to the table that will spark curiosity and encourage conversation?

c) How can I make the story I have to share compelling, relevant, and interactive?

d) How can I encourage others to give feedback, ask questions, and use what I’ve created as the basis for their own projects?

This year I’ve been invited to participate in the Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education (VWBE) conference taking place from April 3-5, 2025. There I’ll be sharing a story I’ve been working on in both physical and virtual realities. I’ll be talking about how working in both worlds has improved my story, and how I’ve come to stand in the middle - act as a bridge between the two worlds. I’ll also lead four tours of the 3D interactive story within Second Life. My presentation is entitled, “We Stand in the Middle” and will consist of two parts:

The Presentation

In this one-hour session I will attempt to explain what I mean by standing in the middle and give participants the chance to experience one part of the interactive 3D story. This presentation can be watched both inworld (you will need an avatar) or via a livestream. Stay tuned for an update with the URL for the livestream.

The Immersives

In each of these 90-minute tours, participants will enter the 3D story and have a chance to get to know the main characters by engaging with parts of their lives.

DATES and TIMES

Presentation
DATE: Friday, April 04
TIME: 4:00 PM (PST)
LOCATION (Inworld): https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/VWBPE%20Tundra%20Expanse/130/179/31
LOCATION (Livestream online): Stay tuned for an update with the URL.

Immersives (4 slots)
Please note that slots are limited so we ask that you sign up. Links to the sign-up forms are below each location.

#1 Sunday, April 6, 2025
TIME: 8:00 - 10:00 AM (PST)
LOCATION: https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Braided%20Lives/223/240/4002
SIGN-UP FORM: http://bit.ly/3XZRJ2L

#2 Monday, April 7, 2024
TIME: 8:00 AM (PST)
LOCATION: https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Braided%20Lives/223/240/4002
SIGN-UP FORM: https://bit.ly/3QNrpVT

#3 Monday, April 7, 2024
TIME: 10:00 AM (PST)
LOCATION: https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Braided%20Lives/223/240/4002
SIGN-UP FORM: https://bit.ly/4c9HlLN

#4 Monday, April 7, 2024
TIME: 12:00 PM (PST)
LOCATION: https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Braided%20Lives/223/240/4002
SIGN-UP FORM: https://bit.ly/4l52qv1

To learn more about the conference and the many talented presenters, visit: https://www.vwbpe.org/conference/vwbpe25-program

Copyright 2025 by Jena Ball. All Rights Reserved

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