What's an Unconference?
You may be wondering, “What's an unconference?” In short, an unconference can be described as a participant-driven learning experience where the attendees decide on the agenda, session, and discussion topics.
While an unconference is meant to be more unstructured and free-flowing, we’re taking a “hybrid” approach where each high-level session topic has been pre-determined and each session will begin with a short “sharing” portion by the moderators before jumping into the participant-driven conversations.
Theme
A’o Aku, A’o Mai is sometimes interpreted as a cyclical way of learning that is unending. Visually, the unconference logo contains graphics of both mauka and makai, which represents the connected relationship between teaching and learning.
Welina Mai (Welcome)!
Mahalo to those who participated in the 2024 UH Online Unconference: Aʻo Aku, Aʻo Mai! Participants actively shared and collaborated about online teaching and learning throughout the sessions! Select the buttons below to view the 2024 Unconference sketchnotes and resources.
Mahalo to those who participated in the inaugural 2024 UH Online Unconference: Aʻo Aku, Aʻo Mai! Despite the pause in 2025 due to the Laulima to Lamakū transition, the positive feedback in 2024 confirmed that the event should continue. Therefore, we will be hosting an unconference in 2026. Stay tuned!
Save the date for the 2026 UH Online Unconference taking place on April 15 & 16, 2026 from 10 a.m. to noon!
In the meantime, select the buttons below to view the 2024 Unconference sketchnotes and resources.
Mahalo to those who participated in the 2024 UH Online Unconference: Aʻo Aku, Aʻo Mai! Despite the pause in 2025 due to the Laulima to Lamakū transition, the positive feedback in 2024 confirmed that the event should continue. Therefore, we will be hosting an unconference in 2026.
Register for the 2026 UH Online Unconference taking place on April 15 & 16, 2026 from 10 a.m. to noon!
Mahalo to those who participated in the 2024 UH Online Unconference: Aʻo Aku, Aʻo Mai! Due to a busy year for faculty and staff with the transition from Laulima to Lamakū, the unconference will be on pause for 2025.
The positive feedback we received in 2024 confirms that the event should continue and we are looking forward to reimagining the unconference experience when it returns in 2026. Stay tuned!
In the meantime, select the buttons below to view the 2024 Unconference sketchnotes and resources.
Also check out the valuable takeaways from the archived 2024 Unconference page. In addition to helpful links and resources shared, visual summaries for every session were created using a creative note-taking strategy called “sketchnoting.”
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Mahalo to those who participated in the inaugural 2022 UH Online Unconference: Aʻo Aku, Aʻo Mai! Despite the atypical event format, the positive feedback confirmed that the event should continue. Therefore, we will be hosting an unconference in 2023.
Mahalo to those who participated in the 2023 UH Online Unconference: Aʻo Aku, Aʻo Mai! Participants actively shared and collaborated about online teaching and learning with colleagues across the UH system!
Check back to this event page for 2023 resources and additional updates for potential future events.
What's an Unconference?
You may be wondering, “What's an unconference?” In short, an unconference can be described as a participant-driven learning experience where the attendees decide on the agenda, session, and discussion topics.
While an unconference is meant to be more unstructured and free-flowing, we’re taking a “hybrid” approach where each high-level session topic has been pre-determined and each session will begin with a short “sharing” portion by the moderators before jumping into the participant-driven conversations.
Theme and Intentions
Visit the Unconference Intentions graphic (Canva) directly to access the graphic.
The Unconference is always a highlight and unique way to connect with and learn from amazing teachers that I wouldn't have access to otherwise. Very thought-provoking discussions and practical information to improve my teaching skills and help my students.
The structure of the unconference is just so conducive to maintaining a focus on what participants care about and engaging everyone who wishes to participate in the event. Love it!
It was a great way to meet folks from Mānoa, West Oahu and Hilo, which we do not get too many opportunities to do. Hearing that they have similar challenges and opportunities was refreshing.
I wasn't sure what to expect but I LOVE the format of talk story. It's a wonderful change from conferences where we sit and listen unless we are presenting. It's a powerful way to exchange ideas and learn from one another, plus support one another by relating our experiences.
Please continue hosting this unconference. The relaxed and casual conversations are SO beneficial!
This was well organized and I love all the dynamic discussions we had in our breakout sessions. I also very much appreciate the additional resources you all provided.
All the collaborative brainstorming with colleagues! Sharing experience, strength and hope! With some laughs sprinkled in.
I just wanted to say that this "unconference" was very informative and useful. I learned a lot! (I'm already incorporating some of the tips I learned in my online class.) Mahalo nui! And I hope there's another unconference in our future!
Past Unconference Events
Select the tabs to toggle between viewing a summary of and accessing archived pages from 2023 and 2022.
