I have mentioned in some previous posts that the conference I am planning for October will have an evening opening function. I guess I am stealing this from other conferences I have been to where this initial function has been a great opportunity to be an ice-breaker for those who have traveled to the event and want to make some early connections. It can often be a real highlight of an event.
The last two Learning 2.0 conferences in Shanghai had this as an opening. The first year, 2007, they did a “forum” event on the stage where one of the organizers fired questions at members of the panel and tried to get them to discuss some hard and contentious topics. I thought that this was quite a good opening, especially as there was a screen behind the forum speakers showing twitter comments from the gathered crowd. It lead to good audience involvement.
I particularly remember the exchange between Alan November and Jamie McKenzie over games where each had a very different view of how much control over the level, type and amount of gaming kids should be exposed to and how much responsibility teachers and parents should assume to enforce this.
Speaking after the event to Chris Smith, who was on the forum, he was very annoyed that he did not get a chance to be briefed about the topics and felt very exposed and under-prepared. I commended Chris on looking very prepared and relaxed but noted his comment as not everyone likes to have to think on their feet in front of a crowd numbering in the 100s, without at least a little time to ponder some really big questions.
Last year, 2008, the Learning 2.0 team tried a different format, which they called a “TED Talks” style of presentation. I have to say that this was less effective for me as the collective group did not seem as engaged in what was being said and, due to a lack of dissenting view, it was a great deal of preaching to the choir. Others I have spoken to seem to agree with my assessment of this.
I want the opening session at the 21st Century Learning @ Hong Kong conference to be memorable. What I have proposed so far has been a “Doha Debates” style of discussion on the Thursday evening with a vigorous discussion of a topic that grasps all of the delegates at the conference. I have toyed with the topics “That the slow uptake in the use of Learning Technolgies in schools is a leadership problem” or “That use of ICT for learning in a ubiquitous way in schools is hamstrung by the current external examination system” and even “That playing digital games in school is inappropriate unless it is happening under the guidance of an adult”.

The feedback I have received so far for my debate topics has been ‘measured’ to say the least! I am running out of ideas so over to my readership for advice. Two Questions:

1. What do you think about the idea of a vigorous debate around a student use of ICT in schools issue to kick off the conference?
2. What is a debate question/statement that would be guaranteed to generate a passionate debate from two opposing camps either in Hong Kong or likely to be here for the conference?

I look forward to your replies.