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 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 2023 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.”
- 00Days
- 00Hours
- 00Minutes
- 00Seconds
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.
Mahalo to those who participated in the 2023 UH Online Unconference: Aʻo Aku, Aʻo Mai! The positive feedback confirmed that the event should continue. Therefore, we will be hosting an unconference in 2024. The upcoming unconference will be split into two days to accommodate more interested faculty with increased flexibility on the time commitment.
Register for the 2024 UH Online Unconference taking place on March 13-14, 2024 from 10 a.m. to noon!
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.
2024 Unconference Sketchnotes
Sketchnotes are visual summaries of notes that include images, drawings, and shapes. Unconference sessions had sketchnotes created by the UHOIC team and sketchnote volunteers (shout out to Brent Hirata, Christy Jerin Woods, and Jamie Sickel) and we are excited to share them with you below. You can also view all the sketchnotes compiled in a PDF.
2024 Unconference Schedule
Take a look at the preview (accessible PDF) below of the unconference schedule with the session topics (Last updated 2/27/2024).
Visit the 2024 Unconference Miro Journey Map (Miro) directly to access the board.
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!
Volunteer Moderators & Notetakers
Mahalo to the Unconference volunteers for their kōkua (help)!
Güneş Aytaç
Faculty
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Anatomy, Biochemistry & Physiology Department
Christine Beaule
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
General Education Office
Laura Chuang
Faculty Development Specialist
University of Hawaiʻi System
Information Technology Services (ITS)
UH Online Innovation Center (UHOIC)
Jennifer Corpion
Instructor
Kapiʻolani Community College
Education Department
Marisa Dionne
Instructional Designer
University of Hawaiʻi System
Information Technology Services (ITS)
UH Online Innovation Center (UHOIC)
Coty Gonzales
Instructor
Honolulu Community College
Psychology Department
Brent Hirata
Instructional Designer
Leeward Community College
Educational Media Center
Dorothy So Hirata
Instructional Design Manager
University of Hawaiʻi System
Information Technology Services (ITS)
UH Online Innovation Center (UHOIC)
Christy Jersin Woods
Instructional Design Manager
Colorado State University
Office of Engagement and Extension
Learning Production and Training
Tamera Loveday
Instructor of Biology
Hawaiʻi Community College
Manono Campus
Department of Math & Natural Science
Mark Nartatez
Dental Assisting Program Director
Kapiʻolani Community College
Health Sciences Department
Matt Parcon
Instructional Designer
University of Hawaiʻi System
Information Technology Services (ITS)
UH Online Innovation Center (UHOIC)
Jamie Sickel
Instructional Designer
Kapiʻolani Community College
Center for Excellence in Learning, Teaching & Technology (CELTT)
Alice Swift
Multimedia Instructional Designer
University of Hawaiʻi System
Information Technology Services (ITS)
UH Online Innovation Center (UHOIC)
Patricia Yu
Faculty
University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu
Social Sciences/Economics
Johnny Zhou
Instructional Designer
University of Hawaiʻi System
Information Technology Services (ITS)
UH Online Innovation Center (UHOIC)
Unconference Resources
Opening-Closing Slides (Google Slides)
Hoʻolauna (Introductions) Miro
Stay connected with your colleagues!
Unconference Session Notes
Zoom Background Set (Makana or Gift)
Use any of these themed Zoom backgrounds for your next Zoom meeting!
Past Unconference Events
Select the tabs to toggle between viewing a summary of and accessing archived pages from 2023 and 2022.
