Attending the BERA 2024 Conference at the University of Manchester was an experience that transcended academic growth for me. When I stepped into the University of Manchester, I realized it was more than just a conference; it was therapy. The environment, the people, and the energy I found there helped me reconnect with a version of myself that I had started to lose. I didn’t expect to find solace in presentations about blended learning or panels discussing educational reforms. Every discussion about inclusion, diversity, and the challenges of education felt like a metaphor for my journey.
The opportunity to present my research on blended learning in Algeria was a significant milestone, but what made the conference truly impactful was the chance to engage with leading thinkers on technology and education, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI).
My presentation focused on the challenges of implementing blended learning in Algeria’s higher education system. In my research, I highlighted how factors such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to resources, and the lack of training for educators hinder the effective integration of Blended learning in teaching. The opportunity to share these insights with a diverse audience was invaluable, but it was Professor Tanya Ovenden-Hope’s presentation on ‘Educationally Isolated’ Schools in England that resonated deeply with my work. She discussed how rural schools face similar barriers, from geographical remoteness to socio-economic challenges, limiting their access to educational resources. Her presentation on the hub school model provided practical examples of how collaboration among schools could mitigate these challenges, which sparked ideas on how Algeria might adopt similar community-based approaches to improve blended learning.
What truly made BERA 2024 special was the dedicated well-being sessions offered throughout the conference. On the day of my presentation, I participated in one of these sessions, which focused on stress relief and mindfulness techniques. It helped me approach my presentation with a calm and focused mindset. This emphasis on wellbeing was a refreshing reminder that academia should prioritize mental health alongside professional development.
In addition to the well-being sessions, I also took part in academic publishing workshops and a writing retreat. The writing retreat provided a supportive environment where I could work on my research paper without the usual distractions. The publishing workshops offered practical strategies for getting research published, particularly in digital education journals, which is crucial for disseminating my findings on blended learning. These workshops equipped me with the tools I need to navigate the complexities of academic publishing.
My presentation itself was an opportunity to receive feedback from an international audience of educators and researchers, which was instrumental in shaping my next steps. The discussions that followed my session highlighted new angles I hadn’t considered; particularly around how blended learning can be better tailored to fit Algeria’s unique cultural and infrastructural context. The comments and questions I received were a testament to how critical this research is within broader international conversations about digital education. The conference has also given me the tools to better position my research within the wider academic community, ensuring that my findings will contribute to the global dialogue on digital education.
Of course, the networking opportunities were abundant. Whether it was over coffee, during poster viewing sessions, or at the BERA/WERA Gala Dinner, there were countless chances to connect with fellow researchers. The atmosphere of the conference was one of openness and collaboration.
One of the rewards of attending BERA 2024 was the validation that came from being part of a like-minded community. As I sat through keynote speeches and engaged in hallway conversations, I was reminded that the conference was a reward for my perseverance. Getting there wasn’t easy, and I’m proud that I pushed through the challenges to attend.
