WIDS Holds Third Annual International User Group Conference, Nov. 5

Waunakee, WI, August 28, 2009 --(PR.com)-- The Worldwide Instructional Design System (WIDS) will host its third annual International WIDS User Group conference, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 5., at the Concourse Hotel in Madison, Wis. A nonprofit organization, WIDS provides performance-based curriculum-design software, training and instructional design consulting services to colleges and businesses worldwide. Participants are encouraged to attend an optional pre-conference workshop, “Try Out the New WIDS,” from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 4.

Gathering from across the globe, instructional designers, trainers and educators will converge at the conference to share ideas and discuss best practices related to instructional design. During the conference, the new WIDS Web-based software prototype, which is currently in the developmental stage, will be introduced. During the pre-conference workshop, attendees will explore and use the Web-based WIDS software and participate in a show-and-tell of the prototype.

Other presentations on Thursday include, “WIDS 2 Web,” by WIDS Director Judy Neill; “Active Online Learning,” by Nancy Chapko and Margaret Hunter of Gateway Technical College in Wisconsin; “Cool Tools to Enhance Learning and Assessment,” by Sheila Lapp of Northwest Technical College in Minnesota; “Interactive Designing and Assessing Learning Workshop Activities,” by Theresa Butori of Blackhawk Technical College in Wisconsin; “From DACUM to Delivery: The Complete Curriculum Package,” by Dick Joerger of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities; and “Multimedia Learning: How to Use Audio-visual Media Effectively Based on Principles of Instructional Science,” by Less Howles of Howles and Associates.

“The WIDS User Group is one of the few places where instructional designers can meet to talk about innovative ways to design and assess learning,” said Robin Nickel, WIDS associate director. “It offers a unique forum for designers to share challenges and talk with colleagues in similar positions.”

Open to experienced and new WIDS Software users, the User Group conference is $175 before Oct. 1. After this date, registration is $199 per person. Registration includes the pre-conference session. A special discount of $99 is available only to Wisconsin Technical College System members. Registration must be completed by Oct. 30 and can be completed by visiting www.wids.org.

A nonprofit organization, WIDS offers advanced tools and personal support to help clients design effective learner-centered curriculum. To find out more about WIDS, and the organization’s many successes, visit www.wids.org or call 800-677-9437.

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