Follow me! Increasing participation in online conferences

There have been mixed reviews about the use of Twitter for increasing interaction during online conferences. Social media platforms such as Twitter have the potential to satisfy a perceived need for networking and communication opportunities that are commensurate with the face-to-face environment but generally lacking in the online world. However, a reluctance to adopt new and emerging technologies, or perhaps a lack of understanding about how to use Twitter for a more interactive conference experience, has inhibited its success. This paper reports on the use of Twitter in the Follow the Sun Online Learning Festival and provides an overview of the challenges involved in encouraging and sustaining participation in a virtual environment.