Many of us have heard the term plenary to describe a conference session. But what does that really mean? Plenary can be defined two ways: Complete in every aspect and fully attended by all entitled to be present. Thus, in regards to a conference, a plenary session is one that every registrant is entitled to attend and there should not be competing sessions at the same time. In its more general definition, plenary refers to totality: For example, plenary power, which is power complete and boundless.
From an educational standpoint, plenary learning should be something we strive for: complete and boundless education for all. While I do not purport to provide ultimate answers to centuries old, deeply philosophic ruminations about the nature of knowledge, I will provide a model for how technologies can afford understanding in complex learning environments.
To that end, the session will focus on the conference theme and provide a model for and examples of technologies that support both independence and interdependence and ultimately “encourage individual growth while also underlining the importance of belonging and of the reciprocal responsibilities and privileges of education.
