The Changing Roles of Institutes of Learning: The Transformative Power of Technology

November 12-15, 2014
Hilton Orrington Hotel, Evanston, IL

The conference based on the mission statement of MWERA will look critically, optimistically and strategically at the realities of "The Changing Roles of Institutes of Learning: The Transformative Power of Technology" as our theme for the 2014 conference.

The growing trend in online education provides the promise of more convenience and wider access for potential learners. Technology has changed the way we communicate and cyber-based resources have the potential to revolutionize our ability to educate and transform the way students learn. The transition from a brick-and-mortar classroom to cyberspace course implementation presents challenges and opportunities for the online experience and considerations for creating online educational resources. Yet, questions remain about whether online education in its current state actually “delivers” on these potential promises and how these issues impact the future of the educational process.

Education has been the means for empowerment for developing and building capacities of individuals, institutions, and communities to make them part of the main stream society. Access to equitable and affordable educational opportunities has gradually enhanced opportunities for children and youth, yet we have more work to do. The conference will create the space for dialoging, discussing and sharing our research, experiences, thoughts, ideas and work about the theme within the broad context of our educational systems, organizations, and communities. MWERA would encourage submissions from a range of intellectual, practical and activist perspectives for a meaningful dialogue and dissemination of high quality research. The various themes unifying the educational discipline would provide insights into theory, practice, methodology or field work on contemporary research practices.

We will be meeting at the Hilton Orrington Hotel in Evanston (www.hotelorrington.com). The hotel offers charming guest rooms, excellent meeting facilities, wireless Internet access, and readily available access from both O’Hare and Midway airports.

Nestled within the heart of the Northwestern University campus and the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan, the Hilton Orrington Hotel is located in the center of Evanston among an international assortment of quality restaurants, lively night spots, and unique specialty shops. Downtown Chicago is only minutes away, via public transportation or other means of travel, and is home to world-class theaters, concert halls, great restaurants, shopping, tourist attractions, and fun nightlife!

If you are looking for a place to sit down and chat with colleagues from schools and universities about your ideas and perspectives, the Mid-Western Educational Research Association provides that opportunity with its supportive and collaborative environment. Both new and veteran educational researchers, practitioners, and students from across North America return annually to MWERA to renew acquaintances, make new contacts, and engage in exciting conversation in a collegial atmosphere.