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MERLOT Session Type Descriptions
The conference supports a variety of session types to help you make your presentation most effectively. If you have any questions about which type might work best for you, please contact a member of the Conference Committee.
Mini Session (15 minutes)
Short, sweet, and to the point, this innovative session format is ideal for a 10-minute topical overview of issues connected to the use and integration of instructional technology in higher education and 5 minutes for questions and answers. Consider submitting a proposal for a session designed to whet the appetites of the MIC08 audience. Mini session presenters are encouraged to provide a one-page handout, including related urls and/or a bibliography used in these quick, brisk, and research-based presentations. For examples of this format, consider the new TLTGroup model that uses a 5 minute YouTube segment (such as the one found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dnL00TdmLY) and 10 minutes of discussion centered around the segment you've created.
Regular Session (30 minutes)
This type of session is a popular format at the conference. These colleague-to-colleague presentations provide a wide range of expertise on topical formats. MERLOT encourages interactivity and involving the participants in an exchange of ideas around the topic. The Conference Committee suggests 20-25 minutes of presentation and at least 5 minutes for questions and answers.
Panel Session (45 minutes)
Panels should be organized around the conference theme, the conference tracks, emerging topics, technology trends, or case studies. Panels provide an opportunity for 3-5 people (including the facilitator) to present their views or results on a common theme, issue, or question and discuss them with the audience. Please include a list of co-panelists (name, professional title, organization) in your session proposal.
Learning Circles (45 minutes)
These sessions will include facilitator/facilitators knowledgeable on a specific topic who will engage in and encourage active discussion among the participants attending the learning circle. Activities in this session type could include brainstorming, sharing, and problem solving. Results from these sessions are usually provided to attendees and to MERLOT as an outcome of the session.
Hands-on Workshops (120 minutes)
These workshops run concurrently with other conference sessions and provide participants with hands-on, interactive learning opportunities. Workshop presenters are encouraged to provide opportunities to engage in hands-on activities that are not computer lab dependent. Because Computer labs are not always available, attendees will need to know if they should bring their own laptops (BYOLT). Workshop presenters should provide details on needed technologies in their proposals and indicate whether laptops are required.
Poster Sessions
Poster sessions allow presenters to demonstrate materials and research to interested MERLOT attendees in a one-on-one setting. A Poster Session may be a good follow-up to a 15-minute session. Posters are set up prior to the conference and are open for review throughout the conference. Poster discussions with the hosts present will be scheduled during specific times of the conference.
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