This exponential growth in numbers should be expected to continue for the fourth conference in December, 2000. However, perhaps at the next conference we can look for some students of open learning presenting their views as well. Also, a conference of this size should now be able to attract many more exhibitors. It has been a truly 'international' conference with over 20 countries represented and there were several papers presented by our overseas colleagues. The set of flags from these countries at the speakers' table was also a nice touch.
Overseas perspectives are very important in many ways.
For example, we 'locals' often take such things as our way of life and climate for granted, and a comment by Dr Chen Li from Beijing Normal University brought this home to me. Therefore, although my experience of the conference was limited in this way, these themes seem to reflect much of what is in the contemporary literature as well what came through in the other papers published in the proceedings. I could not resist giving my own opinions as well in a couple of instances. However, there is considerable scepticism in this regard and there is a lack of evidence that this shift is actually occurring. Statements by these speakers emphasise this.