I’m proud to have been asked to be part of this conference in Sydney as one of the facilitators. List and short introduction of the other facilitators found below. This text is from the conference website. More information to be found there.  Sydney 2014 Flat ConnectionsThe Flat Connections Conference is a unique event that includes students and educators to envision the future of education and of learning communities as they use leading technology tools such as wikis, blogs, social networking and digital storytelling. The conference is diverse in participation while allowing smaller groups to work with leading world-class presenters in a “flattened” environment where virtual participants from remote corners of the world also join in the conversation and action.

Flat Connections Conference is produced by Flat Encounters, designers of alternative conferences. Educators will leave the conference understanding how to collaborate globally and a better understanding of how educational technology supports this and with skills and contacts in hand to start projects. Students will leave the conference with leadership skills, technology skills, presentation skills, and a better understanding of diverse cultures and collaboration.

It’s time to get out your calendar and put your plans into place to attend this live event to be held at  SHORE school in beautiful Sydney, Australia. Conference organizers are putting together another magnificent program that will include both teachers and students working on a challenge-based project and action. Shore School is endeavoring to determine how to best establish and develop global connections, from service learning, to student leadership, to global projects. Rather than just being places where students learn about the world, schools are now places where students can learn with the world.In his recently released book ‘The Future’, Al Gore claims that, “We are witnessing the birth of the world’s first truly global civilization.” Come and join us as we learn how to take advantage of these extraordinary learning opportunities available today.  With a magic view onto the Harbour Bridge and the famous Opera House, Shore offers an enviable location for a Flat Classroom conference. Come and experience the hospitality of Sydney-siders!

Frank Guttler is a film/video educator, professional development trainer, Adjunct Professor of Instructional Media at Wilkes University and is a Lecturer of Cinema & Television Arts at California State University Northridge.

Anne Mirtschin is an award winning  teacher from Victoria, Australia whose most recent major awards are ICT in Education Victoria Educator of the Year and Australian Computer Educator of the Year 2012.

Kristina Stoney began her career teaching english and science in south India with students eager to learn. In the following fifteen years, she has been dedicated to designing and facilitating programs that unleash the potential of young people and has worked in Guatemala, Canada, Australia, and the Caribbean.

Chris Betcher is a blogger, podcaster, speaker and author, and an active member of the Australian edtech scene. He shares openly and freely through his blog at www.chrisbetcher.com, and has presented at numerous national and international education events.

Julie Lindsay is the Director of Learning Confluence P/L, and the co-founder of Flat Classroom®. She has worked in six different countries in the past 15+ years as IT Director, Curriculum Coordinator, E-Learning Coordinator and more!