ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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Bonnie,

This summer at the Games for Change conference in NY, I saw a format
that was new to me and very effective. Henry Jenkins and Jim Gee
presented a "Fireside Chat," which was basically an informal discussion
between the two, in front of an auditorium of people. The approach
worked because Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Gee are such preeminent thinkers in
the field and everyone at the conference is interested in their work.
The session ended with questions from the audience. 

I think it's a great format if you are programming any science "rock
stars" during the ASTC meeting. It felt very behind the scenes and
inclusive, like we were invited to an informal lunch with our heroes!

Joan Freese
Web Producer
SciGirls | DragonflyTV

-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Bonnie VanDorn
Sent: Tuesday, July 28, 2009 4:06 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: New conference formats?

ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
************************************************************************
*****

The ASTC Conference Program Planning Committee is considering
alternatives to standard presentations in a panel format. Please send us
1-2 examples of an alternative presentation format that you would like
to see at a future ASTC conference.
Below is an example of the type of information that would be helpful to
the committee as it considers new formats for the conference:
The Fishbowl format (a form of dialog for use when discussing topics
within large groups): Four to five chairs are arranged in an inner
circle. This is the fishbowl. The remaining chairs are arranged in
concentric circles outside the fishbowl. A few participants either
volunteer or are selected to fill the fishbowl, while the rest of the
group sit on the chairs outside the fishbowl. One chair is left empty.
The moderator introduces the topic and the participants start discussing
the topic. The audience outside the fishbowl listens in on the
discussion. Any member of the audience can, at any time, occupy the
empty chair and join the fishbowl. When this happens, an existing member
of the fishbowl must voluntarily leave the fishbowl and free a chair.
The discussion continues with participants frequently entering and
leaving the fishbowl. When time runs out, the fishbowl is closed and the
moderator summarizes the discussion.



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For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.

Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org.

The ISEN-ASTC-L email list is powered by LISTSERVR software from L-Soft. To learn more, visit
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