By now, most of us are familiar with the ABCs of e-learning. But what about the XYZs?—generation X, generation Y, and generation Z, that is.

Today's college and university students are more generationally diverse than ever before. Non-traditional students ages 35 and older are enrolling in campus-based and distance education courses in ever-increasing numbers. Meanwhile most undergraduates on our campuses represent a new breed of learner. Researchers refer to this latest generation by a variety of names—Millennials, the Net Generation, Generation Y, even Generation Why. But no matter what we call them, one thing is certain: their values, experiences, expectations, and learning habits and styles are very different from the Baby Boomers and Gen Xers that came before them.

How can we as faculty, instructional support staff, and administrators design learning experiences that are engaging and relevant to a student body that spans multiple generations? And how do we prepare for the learners of the next generation (sometimes called Generation Z)? Finally, what role can technology play in supporting these efforts? Join us in Indianapolis to explore these and related questions at the 2006 IHETS/IPSE All Partners Conference.

When and Where? The 2006 All Partners Conference will be held Friday, April 21, in the Schwitzer Student Center at the University of Indianapolis.

Who's Eligible? Faculty and staff at all IHETS member institutions (all of Indiana's public colleges and universities and as well as members of the Independent Colleges of Indiana) are eligible to submit proposals. Presentations can be made by individuals or teams from one or more institutions.

How to Submit a Proposal: Complete the online form at
http://filemakerpro.ads.ihets.org/cfp

Submission Deadline: January 23, 2006. Proposals will be reviewed by the IPSE Faculty Services Committee during the first week of February. Applicants will be notified of the results in mid-February.

For more information, contact:

Lynn Ward
Assistant Director of E-Learning
Indiana Higher Education Telecommunication System
714 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: 317.263.8909
E-mail: lward@ihets.org

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Presentation Options:

Electronic Poster Sessions – The electronic poster session is intended as an opportunity for presenters to showcase special projects or research results in an informal setting. The session takes place in a large open room and each poster presenter is given a table for setting up a computer, other equipment (if necessary), and any print materials. Presenters are expected to provide their own computers.

Conference attendees are encouraged to visit the tables, taking the opportunity to talk to the presenters about their projects and view their materials or whatever is on the computer screen. Poster sessions generally lend themselves better to presentations with a visual component, such as a class Web site, interactive course materials, charts and graphics that can be displayed either on the computer or on poster boards, etc. The poster session will be open throughout the morning and after lunch.

Breakout Sessions – Concurrent breakout sessions are 40 minutes in length, during which a single presenter or a team of presenters delivers a lecture, conducts a panel discussion, or engages the audience in a discussion around a single topic or group of related topics. Although many session formats are possible, presenters are encouraged to incorporate opportunities for audience participation. A notebook computer, LCD projector, and Internet connection will be provided. Other presentation equipment is available upon request.

Session tracks – Breakout sessions will be organized into the following tracks:

• How-to and Hands-on
  Sessions should provide practical information and/or hands-on experience using specific technologies for instruction. There are two possible formats for sessions in this track: lecture demonstration or hands-on workshop. For hands-on sessions, participants will be asked to bring a notebook computer with a wireless or wired network interface. Any required software must be freely downloadable in advance of the session. We especially encourage sessions on applications that will be of broad interest to faculty and support staff.
  
• Evaluation and Assessment
  Sessions should emphasize evaluation and assessment strategies, best practices, tools, and/or research results in a wide range of areas, including but not limited to: teaching and learning effectiveness, student assessment, course design, instructional support services, course and program evaluation, academic integrity, and evaluating new technologies.
  
• Supporting Online Learning
  Sessions should focus on the programs, services, and activities that help prepare and support faculty and students in online and technology-enhanced classes. Possible topics include but are not limited to: faculty training and development, technical support, library services for distance learners, traditional academic services in an online world (registration, academic advising, financial aid, transfer and articulation), information literacy, acclimating students to online learning (orientation programs and strategies), and recognizing and supporting cultural, ethnic, and/or generational diversity.
  
• Teaching and Learning with Technology
  This track is reserved for topics such as online pedagogy, instructional design, learning theory, teaching strategies (collaborative elearning, problem-based learning, experiential learning, guided inquiry, games and simulations, etc.), understanding learners and learning styles (especially the characteristics of millennials), and accommodating cultural, ethnic, and/or generational diversity in the physical and online classroom.
  
• New and Emerging Technologies
  Presentations in this track will explore new technologies and associated practices that have the potential to increase engagement and improve learning in specific disciplines or across the curriculum. Possible topics include: mobile learning, podcasting, Web conferencing, social software (blogs, wikis, social bookmarking), immersive technologies, handheld and tablet PCs, clickers, and next-generation course management systems.