ATN ideas room

Description

Assistive technology ideas room
A shared thinking space to explore, support and inspire.

What is an ideas room?
Inspired by Lou Mycroft’s work on thinking environments in further education, the ideas room is a place where people have time to really think about an aspect of their work. Talking in small supportive groups provides time to explore and reflect. To find out more about Lou’s approach, check out her work on Thinking Cultures and follow #JoyFE on Twitter.

Who should attend?
Anyone working in further and higher education, with an interest in assistive technology. From beginners to more experienced practitioners and researchers - all are welcome. We’re about ideas, not job titles, hierarchy or levels of expertise. Everyone gets equal time to talk, a firm rule is “no interrupting.” Friendly members of the AT Network Steering Group will be there to support.

What kind of things will we talk about?
Whatever idea you have that you’d like to explore, related to AT. As this is a new format for many people, we’ll provide some prompts and inspiration. We’ll kick off with some topics or key ideas and then people can join the room that interests them most. Over time, we’ll get used to the format and more confident using it.

What if I don’t have an idea to discuss?
Simply say you are just there to listen and to reflect on others’ ideas.

What is the outcome?
Good quality thinking is an outcome in itself. Our goal is that members leave feeling energised and connected. Where thinking sparks an idea for some collaborative work and sharing, we want to support this. If we want to build on something, attendees will have opportunities to act as facilitators and producers to take forward plans forged in the room.

How do I get involved?
Turn up in the Zoom room! Please ensure that you have your full name on your Zoom profile, so that you are admitted.

Will these be recorded?
No

Is it accessible?
We’re using Zoom as it’s a platform with good accessibility features. Please ensure you have the latest Zoom updates installed. Live automated captions will be enabled. If you are able to, please use your cameras and ensure your face is well-lit to make it easier for people who lip read. Please also use a headset if you have one and choose a location with low or no background noise. If you are bringing a BSL interpreter, let us know, so that we can ensure you are in the same breakout room and have ‘pinning’ permissions. We won’t be using polls or slides etc., just discussion and the chat box where appropriate.

Will there be more?
We’ve pencilled in two more ideas rooms for:
Friday 27 January 13:30 – 14:30
Friday 31 March 13:30 – 14:30

Period	2 Dec 2022
Event type	Workshop