An open space conference in Dunedin, on The Future of Learning in a Networked World

We've been having the odd talk, and our first meeting about an open space conference inviting influencial thinkers on the topic of the future of learning in a networked world. I have made initial contact with a list of people to check their availability from September 18 - 28. Below is a list of people who could be available. Added to this are a number of people coming to Dunedin for the annual TALO swap meet, and when this list is made known to members of that group, we should expect more key people from Australia will attend.

So from our first meeting we resolved that I would draft up a blurb for the concept (see below) and from that (if we are agreeable to that blurb) we would start chasing funding...

Here's the blurb as is being developed at the tekotago wiki. To obtain a password for that wiki, please contact me on leighblackallATgmailDOTcom

An open space conference on the future of learning in a networked world

Hey! let me drop some names on you...

Stephen Downes - Canada
Will Richardson - USA
Brian Lamb - USA
David Wiley - USA
Konrad Glokowski - Canada
Teemu Leinonen - Finland
Barbara Dieu - Brazil
Josephine Fraser - UK
JD Lasica - USA
Brewster Kahle - USA


We are working on bringing these people to New Zealand on September 18 to discuss the future of learning in a networked world. They have already helped to sustain a significant online discourse on the subject, now by bringing some of them face to face for the first time, we hope to give a boost to that exchange and record and capture the discussion for distribution to audiences in New Zealand and everywhere.

As a group these significant thinkers and developers will tour participating educational organisations in the South Island of New Zealand from September 18 - 28, making their way North to Wellington for eFest - September 27. The tour will be thoroughly documented online so as to demonstrate ideas and theories and to ensure online participants can remain as engaged as possible during and beyond the tour.

If you are familiar with some of the names on our list, we are confident you know how significant this tour will be. Join your organisation to the tour by sponsoring one of the following:

Flights, travel, accomodation and per diems ~ $4000 per person.
Need NZ$20 000 minimum, currently have NZ$4000...