EdtechPosium: An Annual EdTech Conference for Higher Education and Vocational Training
EdtechPosium (originally known as MoodlePosium) is an annual educational technology conference held in Canberra, Australia. It brings together educators and technologists from the higher education and vocational education sectors to explore and integrate new digital tools into teaching practice. Organized by a consortium of local universities and colleges, the event emphasizes practical ways to enhance learning through technology. Over the years, EdtechPosium has even attracted industry support – for example, Pukunui, has been a proud sponsor in past years.
Focus on Higher Education and Vocational Learning
EdtechPosium is tailored to professionals in higher education and vocational training. University lecturers, instructional designers, TAFE trainers, and other educators attend to share how they’re using technology to improve learning outcomes. The conference has a practical, hands-on focus, showcasing innovative uses of educational technologies in real teaching scenarios. Whether it’s a case study from a university classroom or a workshop from a vocational institute, every session centers on integrating educational technology into teaching in meaningful ways. This focus ensures that ideas exchanged at EdtechPosium translate into actionable strategies for attendees’ own courses and programs.
From MoodlePosium to EdTechPosium: Broadening the Scope
EdtechPosium wasn’t always as broad in scope as it is today. In fact, it began life as “MoodlePosium,” a meetup devoted mainly to the Moodle learning management system (which was widely used by the founding Canberra institutions). As the educational technology landscape expanded, so did the conference’s vision. The event rebranded to EdtechPosium to reflect a shift from a purely Moodle-centric focus to a wider exploration of all educational technologies. This name change signaled a new era where topics range far beyond any single platform. For example, one recent conference theme “Fitting the Tech to Teaching” underscored the importance of aligning digital tools with pedagogy, embodying EdtechPosium’s mission to fit technology to teachers’ needs. Today, attendees can expect discussions on everything from learning management systems and open educational resources to the latest apps, multimedia, and emerging tech trends in education.
Benefits of Attending EdtechPosium
Attending EdtechPosium is a valuable professional development opportunity for anyone involved in tech-enhanced teaching or training. Here are some key benefits that make this annual edtech conference a highlight on the academic calendar:
- Networking with fellow educators: EdtechPosium offers a friendly space to meet colleagues from universities, colleges, and training organizations. Educators swap stories, share challenges, and build a professional network of like-minded peers from the education technology community. The conference’s collaborative atmosphere makes it easy to spark conversations that can lead to lasting connections and future collaborations.
- Discovering new EdTech tools and trends: The event features demonstrations and showcases of the latest educational technology tools. Participants can explore new learning platforms, classroom gadgets, and software innovations firsthand. Whether it’s an update to a major LMS like Moodle or a cutting-edge e-learning tool, EdtechPosium is an ideal place to discover technologies that could enhance your teaching toolkit.
- Learning best practices: Through workshops and case-study presentations, EdtechPosium highlights what’s working in digital education. Experienced speakers share success stories and best practices for implementing tech in teaching – from boosting student engagement online to improving blended learning design. These practical sessions, focused on real-world use of technology in higher ed and vocational settings, equip attendees with actionable strategies and ideas that they can apply in their own classrooms or training centers.
- Inspiration from keynote speakers and peers: Every EdtechPosium features inspiring keynote talks and thought-provoking presentations. Renowned education technology experts and innovators share insights on emerging trends and research in the field. Their ideas often spark fresh approaches to teaching with tech. Attendees leave motivated and full of inspiration – ready to experiment with new techniques and driven by the success stories they’ve heard. Even beyond the keynotes, simply hearing how peers are tackling common challenges can ignite creative solutions and renew your enthusiasm for teaching.
A Community-Centered EdTech Conference
One of the hallmarks of EdtechPosium is its strong sense of community. Because it originated in Canberra and is organized by local institutions, the conference maintains a welcoming, down-to-earth vibe. Regular participants often return year after year, creating a tight-knit network of education technology enthusiasts. New attendees are warmly welcomed into this circle, making it easy even for first-timers to jump into discussions, ask questions, and share their own experiences. The event is not just about learning from sessions, but also about those hallway conversations and coffee-break chats that foster camaraderie among educators. It’s a great opportunity to connect with the dynamic technology-enhanced learning (TEL) community in the region, as well as with edtech entrepreneurs and solution providers who often support the event.
(No matter your role – lecturer, trainer, instructional designer, or administrator – EdtechPosium offers a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and connections. By broadening from MoodlePosium to a comprehensive edtech conference, it continues to evolve with the times while staying true to its core mission: helping educators leverage technology to teach more effectively. If you’re passionate about professional development in educational technology, EdtechPosium is a conference that promises to leave you energized and equipped with new ideas to bring back to your own learning environment.)
