Understandably, people may have questions about SLF. We’re hoping to capture answers to the most common themes here. This page will develop over time but if you need to know something that isn’t here yet then please drop us a message.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is SLF hybrid this year?
When we asked the 2021 attendees about how SLF should be organised in the future, most respondents to the survey (58%) felt there should be some combination of online and face to face events. We recognise that whilst some people prefer the ‘buzz’ and networking provided by a face-to-face event, for others the flexibility and accessibility of online delivery are essential. Therefore, this year, we have opted to try and achieve a balance between the two!
In addition, there has previously been some feedback about the event being too focussed on the ‘central belt’ and not geographically inclusive. The new hybrid approach will overcome some of those barriers.
Will the sessions be recorded?
Yes - wherever possible the seminars and keynotes will be recorded and then uploaded onto the SLF website after the festival for viewing when it is most convenient. This means that even the physical, satellite sessions will also be recorded.
What will the satellite sessions look like?
We are still early on in the planning of the satellite sessions but we are aiming to have approximately 10 over the course of the two days, 3 seminars and two keynotes per day. In 2021, 65% of survey respondents said that they preferred ‘twilight’ SLF timeslots so the majority of the satellite events will take place between 17:45-18:45 after most people’s working day. We are also aiming to have the satellite sessions taking place in different educational and community settings around Scotland. This does mean that attendance at the physical events will be limited to how many the venue can safely hold but you will be able to watch the event online too. More information on these will be released as soon as possible alongside information on how to book a satellite event ticket.
Why is SLF held in September during the working day?
In our 2021 SLF evaluation respondents were asked when in the year the event should be held and 63% felt that the SLF should continue to be held in September. Similarly, 53% of people stated that SLF should only be held on weekdays. However, we do recognise the conundrum of the timing of SLF as it is difficult to suit everyone’s preferences. This is why we are aiming to record as many sessions as we can so that you can go back anytime, anywhere. There was positive feedback around splitting SLF over a weekday and at the weekend so this is something the team will explore for a future festival.
Why is SLF only two days this year instead of three?
Traditionally, SLF is usually two days long. Last year we tried out a three day, online festival however the online viewing numbers dipped on day three; this could point towards online fatigue. Therefore we have made the decision to return to a two day festival this year.
Where has the exhibition gone this year?
Although some attendees of SLF do enjoy the exhibition when it is face-to-face, feedback from the 2021 festival expressed some concerns about the accessibility of the exhibition on an online platform. As high quality attendee experience is our top priority for SLF and as the Scottish Learning Festival has evolved again this year to be hybrid, we’ve made the decision to remove the exhibition element of SLF and instead we will focus our efforts on developing an event that puts professional learning at the centre. Scottish Education Expo a new live exhibition will be held at the SEC from 21-22 September. Further info from
scottisheducationexpo.com
