Dear Delegate, Thank you for participating in the Twenty-third International Conference on Learning. We are pleased you will be joining us in Vancouver at the University of British Columbia. In preparation for the conference, we have put together some information that we hope will prove useful to you as you begin to prepare for the conference and your arrival in Vancouver. This packet is a starting point for your preparations. We realize you may have some additional questions after reviewing the material here. For any questions that remain please contact the conference secretariat at support@thelearner.com. We hope your planning goes well, and we look forward to seeing you in Vancouver. Best wishes, Patricija Kirvaitis The Learner Conference Producer

TABLE OF CONTENTS VENUE INFORMATION

• Venue Address • Getting to the Venue • Pre-registration Event • Registration Desk Location • Plenary and Parallel Session Location and Hours • Session Types

• Themed Presentation • Poster Session • Focused Discussion • Colloquium • Workshop/Interactive Session • Virtual Lightning Talk • Virtual Poster

• Equipment • Program • Internet Access

ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION

• Walter Gage Residence

ACTIVITIES AND EXTRAS

• Pre-Conference Registration • Conference Dinner • Conference Tours

GENERAL TRAVEL TIPS AND INFORMATION

VENUE INFORMATION

Venue Address University of British Columbia, Main Campus Buchanan Building 1866 Main Mall Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada

Getting to the Venue

Vancouver International Airport

Most arrivals into Vancouver will be through Vancouver International Airport. The airport is about 13 km from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver. For more information about airport services, such as airlines, car rental agencies, and airport maps, visit http://www.yvr.ca/

Getting to UBC Main Campus

Taxi Service from Airport

Taxi service is available from the arrivals level of the Vancouver International Airport. The trip will cost approximately $50-65(CAD) and takes about 30 minutes.

Public Transport from Airport

There is no direct bus service from the Airport

• Take the Canada Line in the direction of Waterfront Station to 41st Station • Walk to the northwest corner of Cambie St. & 41st Avenue and take any bus labeled

‘UBC’ (the #43 or #41) to UBC. You may also get off the Canada Line at the Broadway-City Hall Station, walk to the northwest side of Broadway (9th Ave) and take the #99 bus to UBC

• These buses will stop at the UBC bus loop, across the street from the Gage Residences & West Coast Suites

Visit Translink for more transportation info and options: http://tripplanning.translink.ca/

Driving directions from the Airport to UBC

• From the airport, follow the signs to downtown Vancouver • Take the Granville Street – City Centre exit • Turn left off Granville St. at West 70th Ave. • Veer right onto SW Marine Drive • Follow SW Marine Drive fro approximately 15km (10 miles) • SW Marine Drive loops around the UBC Campus and turns into NW Marine Drive, then

Chancellor Boulevard • Turn right (south) off Chancellor onto Westbrook Mall • Turn right on Student Union Boulevard and take an immediate right into the Gage

Residences

Driving Directions from Downtown Vancouver to UBC

• Turn right (west) onto 4th Avenue from either Granville or Burrard Street • Follow 4th Avenue westbound for approximately 5 km (3 miles), it will turn into Chancellor

Boulevard • Turn left (south) off of Chancellor onto Westbrook Mall • Turn right on Student Union Boulevard and take an immediate right into Gage

Residences

Getting to the Buchanan Building

From the Walter Gage Residences

• Upon exiting the Residences (from the Southeast exit), take a right on Student Union Boulevard

• Turn right on E Mall N • Turn left on Memorial Road • The Buchanan Building will be on your right

Pre-Conference Registration and Welcome Reception

There will be a pre-conference registration and welcome reception on Tuesday, 12 July from 16:00-18:00 (4:00-6:00 p.m.) at the Walter Gage Residence in the Isabel MacInnes Ballroom, just off the lobby of the Walter Gage Residences.

At the pre-conference registration and reception, meet delegates and enjoy light refreshments and avoid the lines at registration on the first morning of the conference. In addition to registration, you will also be able to pick up your name badge and program, so you are all set for the first day of the conference.

Date: Tuesday, 12 July Time: 16:00-18:00 (4:00-6:00 p.m.) Location: Isabel MacInnes Ballroom on the ground floor of Walter Gage Residences

Conference Registration Desk (13-15 July)

Registration will re-open at 8:00 am on the first day of the conference in the Buchanan building and will be open throughout the hours of the conference. The conference registration desk will be located on the first floor of the Buchanan building, outside the lecture theatre (A101).

Plenary and Parallel Session Location and Hours

The opening and plenary sessions will be taking place in the Buchanan Building, in the auditorium behind the registration desk (A101).

All parallel session rooms are located in the Buchanan Building, located on Floors 1-3. Conference room and directional signs will be posted on each floor of the Buchanan Building.

Session Types

For a complete description of session types please visit our website.

• Themed Presentation: If you have a Paper Presentation in a Themed Session, you have been scheduled into a seventy-five or one hundred-minute session with three or

four other presenters. In these themed sessions, papers are grouped by similar topics or by different perspectives on a particular issue. This format allows for greater participation and enhanced discussion. In themed sessions, each presenter speaks for twenty minutes. A group discussion of all presented papers follows in the time remaining. To allow adequate time for group discussion, please limit prepared remarks to twenty minutes.

• Poster Session: Poster Sessions advertise your research. They combine text and graphics to make a visually pleasing presentation. As viewers walk by, your poster should quickly and efficiently communicate your research. Unlike the fast pace of a slide show or verbal presentation, a Poster Session allows viewers to study and restudy your information and discuss it with you one on one. Authors will hold discussions with the registrants who are circulating amongst the poster boards. Many authors find it helpful to present a brief introduction to answer the obvious questions and allow the remainder of time for more in-depth discussions. The author must remain by his/her poster board for the duration of the session. If you are considering distributing handouts, approximately 20 copies are recommended. Easels and a cardboard backing will be provided for these session types.

• Focused Discussion: In a Focused Discussion session each presenter is assigned to a specific table where attendees will have the opportunity to have an in-depth discussion with presenters. On entering the room, you will see tables with 6-8 chairs in each grouping. Each session presentation will be identified in the center of each table with a title card, listing the title of your presentation. Focused Discussions offer unique opportunities for learning and professional exchange, are excellent venues for giving and receiving targeted feedback, promote engaging in-depth discussions, and facilitate meeting colleagues with similar interests.

• Colloquium: Colloquium sessions are organized by a group of colleagues who wish to

present various dimensions of a project or perspectives on an issue. Four formal presentations are followed by commentary and/or group discussion. A single article or multiple articles may be submitted to the journal based on the content of a colloquium session.

• Workshop/Interactive Session: Workshop sessions involve extensive interaction between presenters and participants around an idea or hands-on experience of a practice. These sessions may also take the form of a crafted panel, staged conversation, dialogue or debate – all involving substantial interaction with the audience. A single article (jointly authored, if appropriate) may be submitted to the journal based on a workshop session.

• Virtual Lightning Talk: Lightning talks are 5-minute "flash" video presentations. Authors present summaries or overviews of their work, describing the essential features (related to purpose, procedures, outcomes, or product). Like Paper Presentations, Lightning Talks are grouped according to topic or perspective into themed sessions. Authors are

welcome to submit traditional "lecture style" videos or videos that use visual supports like PowerPoint. After the conference, videos are then presented on the community YouTube channel. Full papers can based in the virtual poster can also be submitted for consideration in the journal.

• Virtual Poster: This format is ideal for presenting preliminary results of work in progress

or for projects that lend themselves to visual displays and representations. Each poster should include a brief abstract of the purpose and procedures of the work. Full papers can based in the virtual poster can also be submitted for consideration in the journal.

Equipment

Data projectors are provided in all session rooms. All presenters are required to bring their own computer for their presentation. If you are a Mac user, you will also need to bring the correct Mac VGA adapter for your computer. We also suggest you preload your presentation on a USB as backup copy, in the event that there are any issues with your personal computer.

Program

The draft program can be found at: http://thelearner.com/2016-conference/program.

In addition to this, you will receive a program booklet at the conference containing the schedule for the plenary and parallel sessions.

Internet Access

Wireless Internet access is available to conference delegates within the conference venue, details of this will be provided at the conference desk upon check in.

ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION UBC Walter Gage Residences Gage Premium Single $CAD 57.00** per night offers (not inclusive of tax):

• Private bedroom with single bed (sleeps one) and telephone in four-bedroom shared apartment

• Guests share a washroom, lounge with flat-panel TV, breakfast bar and kitchen (not equipped with dishes, cooking utensils, etc.)

• Complimentary coffee service provided

Gage Studio Suite $CAD 125.00** per night offers (not inclusive of tax):

• Private suite with double bed (sleeps one or two people) • In-bedroom sitting area • Private washroom with shower (no bathtub)

• Fully equipped kitchen • Phone, TV and wired Internet (no wireless Internet available) • Complimentary continental breakfast included

Gage One Bedroom Suite $CAD 139.00** per night offers (not inclusive of tax):

• Private suite with queen bed in bedroom, queen sofa bed in living room • Private washroom with shower • Fully-equipped kitchen • Phone, TV and wired internet • Complimentary continental breakfast included

UBC West Coast Suites $CAD 199.00** per night offers (not inclusive of tax)

• King-size bed in bedroom with luxury linens • Separate living room area with double-size sofa bed (room sleeps up to 4 people*) • Private washroom with shower • Balcony • Phone with voicemail • Fully-equipped kitchenette with Starbucks Coffee • Flat panel LCD TV in the living room • Complimentary wireless Internet • Complimentary continental breakfast included

More information on rates, amenities, fees, and services can be found at http://thelearner.com/2016-conference/hotel-travel

Parking at the Conference

Delegates who are driving to the conference have two options for parking at the conference

• Delegates staying at the Walter Gage Residences and West Coast Suites may park at the surface lot, but you will be required to request a pass from the front desk of the hotel.

• Delegates arriving to the UBC campus just for the day will be able to park at either the North Parkade or the Rose Garden Parkade. The rate is $CAD 8.25 per vehicle, per day. A parking permit will be required. More information on how to purchase a permit can be found here: https://parking.ubc.ca/community-parking

• Anyone with disabilities who is driving from the US, will need to bring their “disability” sign with them otherwise they will have to go to the DMV office downtown to get one. There are no wheelchairs on site (only one for emergencies). Anyone using a wheelchair will need to bring it with them.

ACTIVITIES AND EXTRAS

Pre-Conference Registration Tuesday, 12 July 2016, 16:00 – 18:00 (4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)

Due to the size of the conference, there will be a pre-conference registration and reception on Tuesday, 12 July from 16:00-18:00 (4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.) at the Walter Gage Residences lobby on the University of British Columbia campus. This is a large conference and, if possible, we invite you to come to this pre-conference registration to pick up materials and avoid potentially long check-in lines on the first morning of the conference.

Location:

Walter Gage Residences and West Coast Suites 5959 Student Union Blvd. Vancouver, BC Canada V6 1K2

Conference Dinner Wednesday, 13 July 2016, 18:00 (6:00 p.m.)

Join your fellow delegates for an evening of conversation and a delicious, sustainable, locally-sourced buffet dinner at the iconic Sage Bistro East, located at the University of British Columbia Point Grey Campus, a brief 3-minute walk from the conference venue. Sage Bistro offers fresh, modern West Coast cuisine prepared with ingredients that are local, seasonal, and organic whenever possible. Enjoy a fine dining experience coupled with breathtaking views of the Georgia Strait and North Shore Mountains.

Location: Sage Bistro East 6331 Crescent Rd. Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z1

Price: US$75.00

To book, contact our conference team at support@thelearner.com.

Capilano Suspension Bridge & Nature Park Tour Thursday, 14 July 2016, 17:00 – 21:00 (5:00 p.m. – 9 p.m.) Friday, 15 July 2016, 17:00 – 21:00 (5:00 p.m. – 9 p.m.)

Take a walk on the wild side and join your fellow delegates on an adventure-filled evening of history and exploration. Cross over the world famous Capilano Suspension Bridge and take in the breathtaking views of Vancouver's north shore at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. View North America's largest private collection of First Nations totem poles, exhibits highlighting the park's history and embark on a unique treetops nature tour of the surrounding temperate rain forest. This tour will be available on both Thursday and Friday, but spaces are limited so be sure to book early to reserve your spot.

Tour Itinerary: Depart from UBC Walter Gage Residences at 5pm and begin the journey to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park via air conditioned bus. We will take a panoramic bus tour through Vancouver and over the Lion's Gate Bridge to Vancouver's North Shore on our way to the nature park (approx. 45 mins). We will stop briefly at the Capilano Salmon Hatchery located on the picturesque Capilano River to see and learn about Vancouver's salmon industry and preservation efforts (approx. 30 mins). We will continue via bus to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Delegates on this tour will have the opportunity to take part in a brief guided history tour and nature walk as well as explore the following areas of the park on their own (approx.1.5 hrs). Price: US$65.00/person

To book, contact our conference team at support@thelearner.com.

Granville Island & Vancouver Panoramic Tour Thursday, 14 July 2016, 17:00 – 21:00 (5:00 p.m. – 9 p.m.) Friday, 15 July 2016, 17:00 – 21:00 (5:00 p.m. – 9 p.m.)

Whimsy has found a home in Vancouver and it's called Granville Island. Granville Island is a delightful place filled with artistry and charm and is a must see stop for any visitor to Vancouver. The island is located in the middle of downtown Vancouver and is home to an array of artists' studios and workshops, art galleries, performing arts, eclectic dining, and a fabulous public market that offers the widest array of fresh food in the Lower Mainland as well as a favourite place for people to meet, eat, and spend some time in an enjoyable and relaxing environment. Join your fellow delegates and preview some of Vancouver's many treasures.

Tour Itinerary:

Depart from UBC Walter Gage Residences at 5:00 p.m. and begin the journey to Granville Island via air-conditioned bus. We'll arrive at Granville Island and delegates will have a chance to explore the world-famous market, shops, and food stalls at their leisure (approx. 1.5 hrs). After departing Granville we will take a panoramic bus tour through Vancouver to view some of the city's most notable areas including Gastown, Chinatown, English Bay, Vancouver Harbour, and the Olympic Cauldron (approx. 45 mins) The tour's last stop will be at Stanley Park for a photo opportunity with the park's famous Totem Poles before returning to the conference hotel.

Price: US$35.00/person

To book, contact our conference team at support@thelearner.com.

GENERAL TRAVEL TIPS

• Get to know the city you are going to visit before you leave home. Many resources are available on the Internet nowadays to help navigate the different sights and cultures abroad, and help you to more easily find your way around. Remember, the conference organizers are visitors to this beautiful city too, and although we do our best to assist our conference delegates, we may not be best qualified to offer directional or tourism information. For this, we encourage delegates to engage the many and helpful resources of a hotel’s concierge desk or reference trusted travel sites and guidebooks such as www.Frommers.com, www.Fodors.com or www.TripAdvisor.com.

• Know where you’re going and how to get there. Differences in languages can sometimes make getting around a foreign city more challenging even for the savvy traveler. It’s helpful to have the addresses for both your hotel and the conference venue handy. Showing a taxi driver or ticket operator a written address is a helpful way to get you to your destination within the city when you arrive. If during your trip you will be on a schedule and need to get to places by a certain time (ie. conference check-in, presentation times, tours, dinner reservations, etc…), it’s recommended that you explore and “test drive” the route you’ll be taking ahead of time so that you’re aware of the time it will take to get there. Taking this step also helps you know exactly where you’ll be heading without the worry of getting lost. Maps, along with utilization of your hotel’s concierge desk, and a little research of the local transportation systems ahead of time will also make your trip more enjoyable and run more smoothly.

• Familiarize yourself with the transportation options available in your destination city.Knowing the best way to get around any city is key. For instance, in many larger cities, public transportation is the preferred and often times the most economical and quickest means of transportation. These robust public transportation systems means there are often metros, subways, busses, trollies and trains available to get you from one point to another seamlessly throughout a city, many times more economically and quicker than taxi or car hires.

• Use only certified and registered public transportation when abroad. If using taxis, avoid using taxis that are unmarked and have no identifying company emblems. It’s always a good idea to call and order a taxi from a central dispatch office to ensure safe, professional service and pricing. If you need to hail a taxi on the street, be sure to look for a familiar taxi emblem from one of the major taxi companies in town and negotiate the fare before getting into the taxi to ensure a fair and agreed upon price.

• Make hotel reservations before you arrive at your destination. To ensure the availability of accommodations, make sure to confirm a reservation at the conference hotel or hotel of your choosing before leaving home. Often times, and also depending on the time of year and what events are going on in your destination city, hotels fill up well ahead of the conference date, and accommodations can be very difficult to secure upon arrival. Reserving accommodations well ahead of your arrival (2-4 months prior to trip is recommended) can avoid much stress and often times can result in more economical rates versus last-minute accommodations.

• Exchange money before you leave home. Whether you plan on exchanging the majority of your currency when you arrive at your destination or anticipate paying mostly with credit cards, it’s always a good idea to exchange a small amount of money before you leave home to have on-hand in case you can’t find an exchange desk/shop right away upon arrival. Be sure to carry at least enough for transportation to your hotel and a meal or two. When exchanging money abroad, be aware of service charges noted in small print and shop around for the best exchange rates.

• Be aware of the currency differences and familiarize yourself with the currency for the country you will be traveling to. Having a working knowledge of the various denominations ahead of time will help you avoid common tourist pitfalls such as short-changing and over-charging.

• Place a travel advisory on your credit and debit card accounts. Because of all the security measures banks and credit card companies have in place today, many companies will freeze a credit or debit card account if they see unfamiliar or foreign charges come through. To avoid this inconvenience, call your bank or credit card company before you leave home and ask to place a “travel advisory” on the card(s). Provide your institution with the dates of travel and countries you will be visiting to avoid having your card service interrupted while abroad.

• Travel with a back-up credit card or travelers cheques for emergencies. When traveling abroad, it’s always smart to have more than one form of payment available in case your main form of payment is accidentally lost or not immediately available to you.

• Bring country/region appropriate power adapters and voltage converters for personal electronic devices and appliances. Standard electrical outlets and voltage amounts vary from country to country. Prior to leaving home, confirm the correct adapter type and voltage for the region and country you’ll be visiting so that you’ll be able to easily connect and use laptops, e-readers, cell phone chargers, electric shavers and hair dryers during your trip. Foreign adapters and converters can be purchased at most electronic stores and airport newsstands. Note that more powerful appliances, such as hair dryers, also require voltage converters to function properly overseas. Be sure to research and confirm what each of your devices will need in order to function safely and properly.

• Consider purchasing travel insurance. The savvy traveler is always prepared for the unforeseen and occasional emergency situation. Travel insurance is a smart way to make sure you’re covered in case a medical emergency arises. Contact your insurance provider to see if they have travel policies that cover you overseas. Some credit card companies also offer travel insurance that cover travelers in case they experience medical or dental emergencies while abroad.

• Bring any personal items and medications you will need during your time abroad. Although pharmacies and grocery stores are easily found in many major cities, be sure to bring personal items and necessary medications with you especially if you require a specific brand or prescription that can’t easily be found or filled abroad.

• Familiarize yourself with your cell phone carrier’s roaming and international rates/charges prior to leaving home. Often times, using personal cell phones abroad can be very costly depending on your carrier’s roaming and international rates. Some companies have temporary international plans that can be purchased during your time abroad. Contact your cell phone carrier prior to your trip to inquire about the options available to you