FAQs

I want to submit a paper - are there format guidelines?

We are looking for approx half a page of A4 – no more than one side. You need a title and content that will attract delegates to your talk so make sure you explain what you are going to cover and who would find it interesting. Submissions that include evidence rather than just anecdotes are more highly rated. All submissions are peer reviewed anonymously by members of the community and we offer feedback with an opportunity to enhance any submission.

Can I help peer review submissions?

Every year we look for people from the eLearning community who are attending the conference to peer review paper submissions. As well as our thanks, we will put your into a prize draw for a £50 Amazon voucher. If you are interested please send your name to malcolm.murray@durham.ac.uk.

What happens on the pre-conference afternoon?

As part of the conference we offer all registered delegates the option to attend a pre-conference afternoon in the Teaching & Learning centre. We offer a choice of workshops although it is also an opportunity for networking and just catching up with friends before the main event. These sessions are generally very informal and finish with a drinks reception. The workshops begin at 2 pm and end at 5 pm. The Drinks Reception runs between 5 and 6 pm. Both alcoholic and soft drinks will be available. It is restricted to attendees of the Pre-Conference afternoon.

Is there a discount for presenters?

No. There is no cheaper registration than the early bird rate - which we do our best to keep as low as we can (with help from the sponsors).

We put all the names of the first presenter into a prize draw - and on the Wednesday morning we ask one of our keynotes to draw out a winner. The prizes is a £50 Amazon voucher.

How is my paper reviewed?

Members of the conference team initially review all papers to check that they contain the required information and then they are peer reviewed by volunteers from the UK user community. Each paper is reviewed by at least two different people.

Once we receive feedback from all the reviewers, the draft programme is constructed and we inform applicants whether or not their paper was accepted. Sometimes based on the reviewers' feedback or timetabling constraints, we may ask that the submission is altered slightly. We hope you understand!

Registering for the Conference

During the registration process we ask some questions. If someone else is booking for you please pass on your responses to these questions.
- Are you attending the pre-conference afternoon - Yes / No
- If Yes please indicate which of the workshops you want to attend
- Are you attending the conference dinner - Yes / No
- Food Options: Meat Option / Vegetarian Option / Vegan Option
- Drink Options: Red Wine / White Wine / Non Alcoholic
- Do you have any food allergies or mobility issues?
- Would you like transport on the bus to the train station (leaves at 4.15 pm on the last day?

We suggest you print off the Registration Guide document (next to the Registration button on the site) and complete it before handing it over to your finance team if they are registering you. This will ensure that we can provide you with what you need.

Car parking

There is no parking at the venue – and it may be easier to park a car at your hotels. We advise caution if you plan to use the Howlands Park & Ride on South Road. As the name suggests, this car park operates a "park & ride" payment scheme meaning you need to buy a buy ticket and get on the bus to have your ticket validated. Failure to have your ticket validated on the bus (e.g. by just walking to the venue from the car park) means you will be fined.

If you are staying in Durham - we suggest parking at the Prince Bishops Car Park which is centrally located. It opens at 6am and closes at midnight with the option to leave your car there overnight.

Conference dinner choices?

We are Serving the following:

Main Menu: Leek & Potato Soup with truffle dumplings followed by Seared Chicken Breast

Vegetarian/Vegan: Leek & Potato Soup with truffle dumplings followed by Pumpkin Ravioli

Dessert is a Passion Fruit & Mango Cheescake

We are unable to mix and match the above options but please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions and we can discuss adapting your choices.

Please make sure that we have the correct details and dietary requirements. If you are unsure please check your registration documentation as the options will be shown on the ticket. They will also be printed on the back of your conference badge.

Payment Options and Questions

To keep things simple we only accept payment by credit card. Previously we spent far too much time chasing up purchase orders before and after the conference (you know who you are) so because of this naughtiness we are no longer supporting them.

The conference fee is zero VAT rated so the price shown is the price you need to pay.

Are there any maps/apps available?

The University website contains travel directions and an online map

How can I book a taxi?

Please book your taxis yourselves - a quick Google should return a list of local companies. You may also be able to book a cab with the usual mobile apps.

If you have any difficulty, please speak to the Teaching & Learning Centre reception staff.

How do we connect to wifi?

Durham University has signed up to eduroam which you can use at the conference if you are coming from a member institution. Otherwise the University offers TheCloud@Durham wifi (provided through Sky) which is our new guest wireless service. It provides free internet access for business guests, conference delegates and open day attendees for the duration of their visit.

Is there a Social Media hashtag?

Yes. Please use the simple #durbbu hashtag on the social media platform of your choice. We tend to post on LinkedIn and BlueSky, not Shitter.

Is there somewhere I can leave luggage?

Whilst most people will leave their bags in their hotel accommodation during the conference, if you arrive late, or if you have to check out early, there is a dedicated room for luggage and coats in the Teaching & Learning Centre. Just ask at the reception desk on the ground floor.

How should I set up my presentation?

All classrooms are equipped with internet-enabled PCs running Windows 11 and PowerPoint. They are connected to projectors that support widescreen slides. We're not a big fan of conference templates so please let your creativity run free.

The AV systems also have HDMI connectors if you want to use your own laptop.

If you need holes punched in the University firewall you'll need to let us know this well in advance - please state this you submit your proposal.

What time does it start and end?

The optional pre-conference workshops are on Wednesday the 22nd of April. These will run from 2pm until 5pm, followed by a drinks reception from 5 to 6 pm.

The full two-day conference starts on Thursday the 23rd April. Registration opens at 9.30am and proceedings begin at 10.30am.

The conference will close at approx 4:00 pm on the Friday afternoon to allow you time to travel home. For those who requested a place during the registration process, there will be a free bus back to the Railway Station leaving from outside the Teaching & Learning Centre. The bus leaves about 4.15pm and travels to the train station.

How are presentations shared?

We encourage all presenters to share their presentations via social media via links on their slides during the conference. This allows presenters to retain control and the credit for their work and saves us chasing people for weeks after the event for a copyright-cleared version of their slides.

Where is the Conference Dinner?

The Conference Dinner will take place on Thursday, 23rd April in the DiningHall at Hatfield College.
Dress code: casual (eighties dress if you are brave enough!)