Overview

In the first unit, we focus on orienting ourselves to the digital place and space. This first week is devoted to your participation in the virtual symposium. The symposium takes place at the beginning of LRNT 521 and as one of the culminating activities in LRNT 690, 691 and 692. It is where “new-to-program” students like you begin their orientation to the field and “near-to-completion” students are able to share their knowledge with the larger professional community.

There are three tracks to the symposium:

1. Lay of the Land Track: this track featured sessions by professionals, experts and academics in the field(s). These sessions explore topics related to digital learning environments, networks, communities.
   1. You must join in live or watch all (4) recorded presentations in this track. In addition, you will need to watch the Dave Cormier and Catherine Cronin tracks from the 2017 symposium.
2. Work in Digital Learning – Stories from the Field Track: this track featured sessions by working professionals in the field(s) of digital learning as they discuss “a day in the life of”; the importance of the role and skill set etc.
   1. You will need to join in live or watch 2 recorded presentations in this track. Of course you are always invited to join in live or watch more later at your convenience. This is a living schedule so the recordings will be here to come back to at any time.
3. End in Mind Track: this track featured presentations by “near-to-completion” students. These presentations focused on both content (e.g., a short summary of their research) and process (e.g., summary presentations on the process of completing a thesis; research paper; or digital learning research consulting project).
   1. You will need to join in live or watch 2 – 3 recorded presentations in this track; one of which needs to be Keith Webster WP and Feedly presentation and,
   2. You will need to review at minimum 2 presentations on the padlet and ask one good question.

Learning Activities and Assignments

• Participate in the MALAT 2018 virtual symposium and related discussions.
• Create a reflection on the topics/talks attended.