Here is a summary of delegate feedback from ALDcon24.
1. Reflection and Future Outlook
Participants reflect on past experiences and share hopes for the future:
- Optimism:
- “I hope you and your organisation go from strength to strength.”
- “Looking forward to seeing where we get to with LD and AI.”
- Uncertainty:
- “Ask us again at breakfast tomorrow!”
- “Either the UK university system has collapsed, or learning developers are running the show.”
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The role and impact of AI in education is a prominent topic of discussion:
- Integration in Education:
- “It’s all about AI!”
- “Rather than academic literacies, we will be teaching critical AI literacies.”
- “Hopefully AI has been relegated to its proper place as a sophisticated spellcheck.”
- Concerns and Challenges:
- “Effects of AI on cognitive abilities and human progress.”
- “Take the red pill, does your job still exist?”
- Opportunities:
- “Looking forward to more practice sharing on AI and its use in higher education.”
- “LDs will engage, employ, deploy, and co-create with Gen AI.”
3. Pedagogical Practices
Attendees discuss teaching methods and their practical applications:
- “Mini keynotes and discussions brought new thoughts: 1-to-1s vs. lectures.”
- “When we start to take theoretical discussions and create workable practice.”
- “Teaching information literacy in the age of AI.”
4. Accessibility and Inclusivity
The importance of equitable and inclusive practices is highlighted:
- “To include discussions around accessibility and equity.”
- “Support will be less prescriptive and more collaborative.”
5. Practical Suggestions
Participants share logistical and practical suggestions for improving the conference experience:
- “An exchange programme would be beneficial.”
- “A single campus delivery can make life easier.”
- “Consider having more healthy options for food.”
6. Networking and Community
The value of meeting people and building connections is a strong theme:
- Social Engagement:
- “Meeting new people, making new friends.”
- “Friendly vibe, very supportive.”
- “Loved mixing teams at dinner.”
- Supportive Environment:
- “Getting to test ideas out in a supportive environment.”
- “Meeting like-minded people passionate about supporting education.”
7. Inspiration and Collaboration
Participants highlight the importance of collaboration and inspiration during the conference:
- “Inspiring collaboration between chemistry lecturer and LDER.”
- “Achieve, Learn, Discover, Inspire, Network, Help, Excel.”
- “More engagement and enriched conversations.”
8. Conference Experience
Attendees reflect on their experiences, highlighting memorable moments and offering feedback:
- Highlights:
- “Rooftop views from the University of Glasgow.”
- “Ceilidh dancing, great conversations in lovely surroundings.”
- “The huge escalators at the University of Glasgow.”
- Suggestions for Improvement:
- “Longer tea breaks to provoke discussion.”
- “Emergency maps before the conference dinner.”
9. Nostalgia and Enjoyment
Participants fondly recall their experiences at the conference:
- “This was the most welcoming conference I’ve ever been to.”
- “Meeting old friends and familiar faces.”
- “Such a beautiful location here at ‘The House of Art Lovers.’”
10. Humour and Lightheartedness
The messages are sprinkled with humour and playful comments, reflecting the fun side of the event:
- “Hello, just get pissed. It’ll be fine.”
- “Tell me Trump isn’t President!”
- “AI will do it all for us so we can all go for a pint.”
- “What happens at the conference, stays at the conference.”
- “Take the red pill, does your job still exist?”
