3rd International Forum on Innovation and Quality ::: European Foundation for Quality in E-Learning September 23, 2009

On behalf of TKK Dipoli and the European Foundation for Quality in E-Learning, we have the great pleasure of inviting you to the EFQUEL Innovation Forum 2009, which will take place on 24-25 September, in Helsinki, Finland.

The Forum’s theme is “Fostering Quality through Creative Learnscapes” and questions how informal learning can contribute to innovation and quality. Learnscapes are ecosystems for informal learning and are viewed as a major factor for releasing creativity, providing the space for learners to design their own “learning landscape” and innovating educational practices and organisations.

With this theme, EFQUEL recognises the emerging importance of informal learning as a catalyst for innovation in individual, organisational, and regional learning. The EFQUEL forum will be a bridge for dialogue between Europe and many other regions of the world, as EFQUEL brings together an international panorama of experts and experiences in innovative formats to discuss and exchange experiences in order to create learning spaces.

The programme presents thought leaders from different parts of the world in moderated keynotes and provides opportunities for deep reflection in interactive workshops and learning cafés:

Moderated Keynote Presentations

+ Prof. Gilly Salmon, University of Leicester, UK, on learning futures
+ Prof. Muneo Yoshikawa, University of Hawaii, on the double-swing model for informal learning
+ Ms. Nnenna Nwakanma, Director nnenna.org, Vice President of the Digital Solidarity Fund, Ivory Coast, on about opening education
+ Mr. Markku Markkula, Aalto University, Finland, on future universities
+ Mr. Brian Holmes, Head of Unit at the European Commission, on the new ICT policies of the European commission.

Interactive Workshops & learning cafés include

+ ICT in HE – Chances for quality and innovation in a future university
+ The informal revolution – Quality Learnscapes for innovation at the workplace
+ Quality for Open Educational Resources and user generated Content
+ The Creative Learnscape: Interactive Learning Café on “creation of the future learnscape” with visual thinking techniques

Please find further information on our website: http://www.qualityfoundation.org In addition, EFQUEL decided this year to launch an innovative format of pre-conference events: One September 23rd 2009, the day before the official opening, we are offering the possibility for European projects to organise an “Open Project Day” in which they can involve all interested participants into their activities, inform, discuss and show their tools.

The event will be a great opportunity for dissemination, validation, networking and gaining visibility. So far, a series of projects have announced their presence, amongst them: ENGAGE, HEXTLEARN, ECBCheck, QMPP, QUAL-C, and others. If you are interested in gaining privileged visibility with your project we invite you to organise an open project meeting in Helsinki as well. Together with the TKK Dipoli, we are able to provide you the right room on September 23rd. Please contact us for further details.

Please note that EFQUEL members benefit from reduced conference fees and that an early bird fee is available until July 27th 2009. For registration and all the necessary information related to the Forum and other topics about quality and eLearning, please check our website: http://www.qualityfoundation.org

We are looking forward to welcoming you in Helsinki!

Yours sincerely,

Rolf Reinhardt
(Executive Manager European foundation for Quality in E-Learning)

Official Website: http://www.efquel.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=63&Itemid=79&lang=en