Since the dawn of the new millennium, the WebWise conference has stood as a pivotal gathering for professionals dedicated to shaping the future of high-quality online educational resources. Bringing together minds from museums, libraries, archives, systems science, and education, WebWise has consistently focused on the evolution and impact of digital technology in learning environments. This annual event serves as a crucial platform to explore cutting-edge research, spotlight innovations in the digital sphere, and analyze their transformative effects on library and museum services. A core mission of WebWise is to advocate for and disseminate effective practices in museums and libraries operating within an increasingly digital world, emphasizing Webwise Learning strategies. Furthermore, it offers a unique stage for grantees of technology-focused initiatives from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to showcase their exemplary work and contributions to the field of digital education.
The essence of webwise learning is deeply embedded in the WebWise conference’s DNA. Each year, the conference delves into how digital tools and platforms can be leveraged to create more engaging, informative, and accessible learning experiences. From its inception, WebWise has been about empowering educators and institutions to become more webwise – adept at navigating and utilizing the vast resources of the internet to enhance learning outcomes and broaden educational reach.
In 2015, IMLS introduced the IMLS Focus Conference, expanding its commitment to highlighting key priorities and showcasing grantee achievements. However, the legacy of WebWise continues to resonate as a foundational event that paved the way for focused discussions on digital advancements within museums and libraries. To understand the rich history and the ongoing importance of webwise learning in these sectors, examining past WebWise conferences provides invaluable insights.
WebWise 2014: Anchoring Communities, held in Baltimore, MD, on February 10-12, 2014, exemplifies the conference’s forward-thinking approach. Keynote speakers like Nick Poole from Collections Trust and Mary Flanagan from Dartmouth University led discussions centered on the role of digital technologies in strengthening community engagement through museums and libraries.
Looking back, WebWise 2013: Putting the Learner at the Center (March 6-8, 2013) emphasized learner-centered approaches in digital education, a core principle of effective webwise learning. This focus underscored the importance of tailoring digital resources and strategies to meet the diverse needs of learners in the digital age.
WebWise 2012: Tradition and Innovation (February 29-March 2, 2012) explored the crucial balance between honoring traditional practices in museums and libraries and embracing digital innovation to enhance their services and educational offerings. This theme remains highly relevant as institutions navigate the integration of digital tools without losing their core values.
WebWise 2011: Libraries, Museums, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) in Research, Education, and Practice (March 9-11, 2011) specifically addressed the role of digital resources in STEM education within museum and library settings. This conference, with its focus on STEM, highlighted the potential of webwise learning to make complex subjects more accessible and engaging through digital mediums.
Earlier WebWise conferences like WebWise 2010: Imagining the Digital Future (March 3-5, 2010) and WebWise 2009: Digital Debates (February 25-27, 2009) further demonstrate the long-standing commitment of the conference to exploring the evolving digital landscape and its implications for cultural and educational institutions. Themes such as WebWise 2.0: The Power of Community (2008), Stewardship in the Digital Age (2007), and Inspiring Discovery, Unlocking Collections (2006) all point to the continuous exploration of how digital technologies can enhance the core missions of libraries and museums and foster webwise learning environments.
In conclusion, the WebWise conference series has been instrumental in fostering a community of practice around webwise learning within museums, libraries, and archives. By consistently highlighting innovative digital technologies and effective online content strategies, WebWise has significantly contributed to advancing digital literacy and enhancing educational experiences in the digital age. The insights and discussions generated at these conferences continue to inform and inspire professionals striving to create impactful and accessible learning opportunities in an increasingly digital world.
