Networking the Learner

Book excerpt: Deryn Watson and Jane Andersen Editors INTRODUCTION The role of a Preface is to introduce the nature of the publication. The book that emerges from an IFIP Technical Committee World Conference on Computers in Education is complex, and this complexity lies in the nature of the event from which it emerges. Unlike a number of other major international conferences, those organised within the IFIP education community are active events. A WCCE is unique among major international conferences for the structure that deliberately ensures that all attendees are active participants in the development of the debate. In addition to the major paper presentations and discussion, from international authors, there are panel sessions and professional working groups who debate particular themes throughout the event. There is no doubt that this was not a dry academic conference - teachers, lecturers and experts, policy makers and researchers, leamers and manufacturers mingled and worked together to explore, reflect, discuss and plan for the future. The added value of this event was that we know that it will have an impact on future practice; networks will be formed, both virtual and real -ideas will change and new ones will emerge. Capturing the essence of this event is a challenge - this post-conference book has three parts. The first is the substantial number of theme papers.