Virtual NECC09 Participation: After NECC, Whats Next?

Once again, overwhelmed by the sheer amount of content that came out of NECC. My largest lesson learned was time management and focus on core area of interest. It is very hard to choose 1 candy when in the candy shop.

I spent a great deal of time on Twitter and realized, after the experience, that much of what was posted could be very easily taken out of context. I often ended up tracking down particular statements to the sessions in which they were said, and then having to locate video clips, blogs, or discussions happening around these. After several dead ends and confusing tweets, I left it alone and went to create my own content.

After realizing this error, I began locating blogs to follow. (See Blog posting) These seemed to provide a better means of following a line of thought and resources for additional conversations.

I was extremely surprised to discover that Ning, however, was not used as often as I thought it would be for networking and sharing of content. I was even more surprised to find very little discussions and resources shared through Ning from the presenters.

In the NECC aftermath, I will continue to look for threads of dialogue and conversations as I watch the Istevision clips. I cannot help but wonder if I am still missing a part of NECC that was offered virtually. I am all for in person learning, especially once a year. But the same thing happens with any conference, once we leave the excitement and jazz of the event, will we stay empowered to implement our new learning? This is were Ning and the social networks step in. They can extend and introduce the conversations. Why are we not using them? Or again, am I still missing something.