Moot UK 2011: Unconference Uncovered

Yesterday’s Pre-Moot UK 2011 (18th April 2011) meet brought together Moodle Developers from around UK as well as all over the world. The Pre-Moot meet was held at the Senate House Library, University of London based on an Unconference format. For those not familiar with the term, here is a quick Wikipedia page for it ‘Unconference Definition by Wikipedia‘. The Pre-Moot Unconference had a slow start but picked up steam no sooner than the next tea break.The Unconference started with participants putting up topics and issues they would like to share and discuss  on cards and sticking these on ‘The Grid’. The Grid is a board with a collection of themes, so naturally, the cards would go under the relevant theme.

The participants were then split into Interest Groups (based on the Themes) with each holding two 30 minutes slots in the morning and another two in the afternoon. During each session, participants share and discuss any issues or topics listed on those cards. Participants who have taken the extra step of preparing for the Unconference used the session to present their work but usually the session is led by the developers themselves, throwing around ideas and sharing their experiences.

Indirectly, the Unconference created a Support Group or a sort of AA group for Moodle Developers or shall I say ‘Moodleholics’. It allowed those who worked in their own organisation to come out of their own zone and join like minded people, to connect, share and socialise. The important thing is it created a sense of camaraderie among its participants.

by Samuel J. Tan