The VITTA '08 Conference in Melbourne

It's funny the way things can happen and the circumstances in which you can met people. I'm currently in Australia as a result of one of those funny happenings that occured at BETT in London earlier this year. I delivered a seminar about the work that I have been doing in schools and at the seminar was a chap called Phil Callil from the Victorian ICT Teachers Association (VITTA). He introduced himself to me, said he was very interested in what I was doing and asked if I'd like to come out to deliver a keynote at the VITTA conference later that year. The proposed invite did duly arrive and eleven months later I found myself on a plane heading to Australia for the first time in my life...

This is the end of the second day of the conference and up until now I have been so very impressed with the standard of seminars in the programme, the keynote speakers and the organisation of the event. I have also been taken with the enthusiasm, knowledge and passion for teaching that seems to emanate from everyone that I meet. I can't remember meeting so many teachers who are interested in and working with games design in their schools!

Twitter also appears to be a huge hit here and the twittering that was going on in my keynote (live feed by ICT Guy here VITTA Day 2) showed just how this tool can be used to enable teachers to share ideas, perceptions and resources instantaneously.

It was really pleasing and also a great relief to see that my keynote was well received today. You can get a feel for how things are going when you present because you can tell from the members of the audience's faces, their body language and how they react to your attempts at humour if things are going well. All of these seemed to be at a good level today so that really just sealed an otherwise superb trip.

If you ever get the chance to come to Australia then I would say that Melbourne is a must see. The city itself is huge but so relaxed and welcoming. There are great things to see in the city, (including a pair of crested cockatoos that lived outside my hotel room) such as
Queen Victoria Market, the Eureka Tower, St Kilda Beach, numerous alleyways such as Desgraves Street. But not far from the city you have the Yarra Valley, the Dandenongs, Philip Island and Great Ocean Road. This place is spectacular, beautiful and welcoming and I would recommend it to anyone.

Countdown to return to Scotland now and to more bearable weather. Thanks to all at VITTA and evryone I met during my stay here for making this such a worthwhile and memorable experience.

Comments

[Dawn H]

sounds like you had a fantastic time - and all the places that you listed have brought back fond memories of my visit to Melbourne 18 years ago!!!

[Kim Pericles]

Glad that you have such positive thoughts about us "Down Under". You're right, Melbourne is a beautiful place and your photos are great :)
Pity we couldn't meet up over here, but will catch up in a month or so up your way.

KimP

[Anne Baird]

It is a great pleasure to see and hear you at VITTA08 Derek. Your presentation has encouraged me to try something that until this stage I have avoided because I really wasn't aware of the potential of games for students. This is despite chatting with my students about their passions around online games, in particular a number of 'disengaged' boys who love the World of Warcraft game and keep telling me that "you really do have to think when you play it miss". I have oft wondered what the attraction was and I really did try to understand but it just didn't jell with me. If nothing else your presentation has inspired me to look into it more and to actually have a go at some of the great games that you shared with us. I think however I'll leave the World of Warcraft to the boys. :)

[Lisa Dumicich]

Thanks-you for the inspiring presentation that you gave today. I like Anne have been avoiding the gaming area for education but you really helped me to see the potential in this! I have already been back and raved to my principal about it!!I am really hoping that i can get something like this happening at my school!

[Jo McLeay]

Thank you Derek for your presentation this morning. I loved the way you made the games you showed so possible, rather than esoteric. I know that games and learning go together 'cos my 17 year old son tells me so (a lot) and he tells me the forums that he is on to do with the game playing teach him to communicate better in standard English since a high standard of spelling and grammar is just expected. So I am happy (as an English teacher). It was great to meet you and hear your passion.

[John Connell]

Derek,

How long are you in Melbourne, and where are you staying? If you are there long enough I could point some good people in your direction for a chat - I know they would like to meet you.

I'm heading to Melbourne in April - looking forward to it.

John

[Tess Watson]

Melbourne is my favorite City in OZ- Like the best bits of Glasgow and Edinburgh in one :-)

Tess

[Derek Robertson]

Thanks for all your comments. I head back to Scotland on Thursday night John and have some great people for you to meet too. I'll give you a shout before you head off in April.

[John Connell]

Looking forward to it, Derek - where are you staying?

[John Connell]

By the way, Derek - if you haven't already tried it, you have to try The Edge at the top of the Eureka Tower. Brilliant!

[Margaret]

Hope you have a safe journey home. Will you be having any 'Robertson Sessions' back in Scotland?

[Tony]

Hey ya Derek,

Thanks for the keynote and the shot of inspiration I needed again. Thanks also for your time to talk to us at the EdtechCrew (www.edtechcrew.net) keen to chew the fat some more on what you are doing with games in education.

Regards

Tony

[Derek]

@ Margaret We can arrange a 'Robertson session' anytime you like ;-) ha ha ha

[Margaret]

Derek. I am still receiving therapy after my last encounter with you!! Visited SMC last week but fortunately did not spot any weaslels!!!

[erwan]

Hi,
just catching up with your news from around the world. back for the Rangers game ?
see you
Erwan

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Derek,
Happy New Year.

Just commenting to let you know I have tagged you in end/start of year game.

http://ltsblogs.org.uk/laurieodonnell/2009/01/02/tagging-game-facts-about-me/

See you soon.

Laurie

[Blake Curran]

Hey Derek,

Well I've created a webpage based upon my research and uses of the Nintendo Wii in my classroom. Hopefully you'll be able to visit this year! Hope ur feeling better

Blake