EFC at DigiFest 17
Monday, 15th - Wednesday, 18th March 2017
Day 1
From the moment Vikki asked me to attend Digifest towards the end of last year, I knew I was in a treat; I was extremely enthusiastic as I am fascinated by the evolution of technology and its use in the classroom.
Bright and early I made my way to Euston Station where the digital adventure begun. I waited by the departure board for Vikki Liogier and Zac Grego to arrive. I scanned the board looking for our train to Birmingham whilst thinking about the exciting digital technology I would have the chance to use and the presentation I was soon to present.
We arrived and with no time to lose, we collected our hotel keys, dropped off our luggage and dashed to the networking event! This took place at The Institution of Engineering and Technology. At the event I and Zac had to opportunity to introduce ourselves, getting to know our fellow attendees prior to the big day. This was fascinating as I got an insight into the careers of those who work at Jisc and higher and further education institutes including Mark Ayton, Tom Mitchell, Paul McKean and Karen Colbron. This allowed me to understand the all-important role they have in introducing young people to digital technologies that will aid them, helping to achieve the most in education. This is the similar role that I and Zac have as Digital Voice Xpert’s supporting both staff and students in becoming 21st century digital citizens. (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/student-digital-voice-xpert-programme-efc-vikki-liogier?trk=v-feed&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_feed%3BDyCjsL8RiwOQrdklXuyliw%3D%3D)
Departure
The lce Breaker
Networking
DVX
Wednesday, Mar 15, 2017, 02:15 PM
The International Convention Centre, Broad Street, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Day 2
After a fulfilling breakfast we headed to the International Convention Centre to attend a variety of workshops where we listened to inspiring speakers whom discussed learner analytics and the development of education once the digital resources that are increasingly becoming available are fully intergraded into the working environment.
Additionally a fascinating talk by speaker Mark Hamilton (https://twitter.com/martin_hamilton) explored the progression of robots and the threat they pose by doing the jobs that many are desperately on the hunt for. An example he gave would be the high number of truck driver’s at stake particularly in the U.S. due to vehicles that can pilot themselves. This left us to ponder: In years’ time could the majority of jobs in the future be to repair the very machinery that caused this to happen? I was extremely engaged with the talks that took place and had the privilege of meeting Eric Stoller (https://twitter.com/EricStoller?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor) who had a unique back story coming to the country with zero contacts but making a valuable impression through his online presence. Eric gave advice on how to get noticed online by creating a blog and being active as frequently possible. This way your name will more likely appear on the first page of a search engine.
Breakfast!
Mark Hamilton's Presentation
VR Fun!
Eric Stoller
End of Day 2
End of Day 2
Day 3
The final day was the busiest of all. I, Zac and Vikki had numerous presentations, video interviews and podcasts to present. Firstly one camera crew stopped us asking to discuss how we use technology daily in life. From here we were ushered to a seating area to do a podcast about the ‘Expectations and experiences’ of technology and how well the college have met my expectations’. Next we hurried along to the small TV studio set up next door. Lights, camera, action! Our video interview started. For almost 8 minutes we discussed how digital technology is put to use in our studies within college as well as the platforms we have in place for student’s opinions to be heard. After this another two camera crews got hold of us to enquire about the implementation of technology within our establishment.
To end what was an amazing event, we took centre stage and gave a presentation about learner voice surveys, the DVX scheme and Student’s Union, all of which are committed driving the quality of digital technology in college forward with addition to new resources that could be supplied and how the results are published. Finally we touched on the MAD Digital Challenge for which I and Zac came first, allowing us to go on to develop our initial app ideas with an education impact. More about this can be read at: https://www.smore.com/m1314-mad-digital-challenge?ref=lboard.
Student's Expectations Presentation
Student's Expectations Presentation
Heading Home
Response!
As two of the youngest, our presence was very well received as we were and we successfully engaged our audience, discussing with big conglomerates and educational institutions across the U.K our ‘Best Practices’.
I was extremely fortunate and proud to be asked by Sarah Knight from Jisc who is responsible for change implementation support in education to return to the next event ‘CAN’ on the student panel with a selection of students from other universities. Additionally I will be giving further talks along with Vikki, Jeremy Scales and Deividas Balciunas including an overview of the MAD Digital Challenge. Overall I was over the moon to attend such an event as my passion for public speaking has grown as I was able to network, raising my profile and getting to know others who are passionate in the same areas I am, providing me with brilliant advice that I can put to use in the future.
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Contact: Brad Forsyth
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-forsyth-9a113811b/
Twitter: @BradForsyth3