I have really had THE experience of my life at EWB 2005 - now the world's largest conference, for the students, by the students. A short write-up on this experience follows. Read on..... ***********************************************************************************************************
My experience at e-ducation Without Borders 2005 : The world's largest student conference
"E-ducation Without Borders" is a conference organized by students, for the students of the world and is held every 2 years in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This conference has been designed to be a platform for discussions and focus groups that initiate dialogue concentrating on the theories, development and applications of e-learning. The opportunity to attend the conference as a student delegate is open to the global community – irrespective of one's branch of study; the student delegates were selected based upon their demonstrated interest in the topics of the conference (
http://apps.hct.ac.ae/ewb2005/2005/index.asp)
The theme of EWB 2005 (held 19-21 February) was "E-learning through the eyes of the world: responsible development and desired role". I chose to write a Critical Analysis paper on the first sub-theme "Effectiveness of e-Learning in the Educational Process" and named it "Does the Prefix Really Make a Difference?". My focus was on highlighting the importance of the learner's attitude – rather than on the teaching and learning methodology itself. When the results were announced and I got an email saying that I was one the 60 students who had won a travel scholarship, well, I was humbled. Being among the top 60 in the world, where I was competing with undergraduates and PhD candidates, was special. Moreover, when I learnt that I was the only person from the eastern part of India to attend, it made it even more special.
Reaching there, it was quite an exhilarating experience for me – there were more than 700 delegates from 89 countries attending the conference (among the 1100+ applicants). I was taken in a Limousine from the Abu Dhabi International Airport to the Armed Forces Officers' Club – where we all stayed for the duration for the conference. The conference took place in the world's second 7-star hotel – the Emirates Palace Hotel (
http://www.emiratespalace.com), also being opened to the public for the first time.
The most exciting part of this multi-cultural extravaganza was neither the sights of one of the richest cities in the world, nor the fact that that I got an opportunity to listen to the ideas of the famous people (decision-makers of Abu Dhabi, Nobel Laureates, Professors, and CEOs of the biggest corporations were among the speakers), but the fact that I got to listen to the great visionary Shri Nara Chandra Babu Naidu, one political leader who I feel, really used his power.
Being called "Excellent" in the debate session by the judge from the Oxford Union was also a good feeling. I would say that being a part of "E-ducation Without Borders 2005" has been a great learning experience and the feedback that I have received from all over the world, from both students and professionals, indicates I did make a positive impression in people's minds with my attitude and opinions.
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Could have written much more.. but I prefer short and sweet.
I would appreciate your feedback on this blog.
Love and Peace..
Shoubhik
