Home » Interactive Event – The G3 of Writing and Publishing

The G3 of Writing and Publishing: Gentle Guidelines, Great Stories, and Gigantic Gains

Abstract:

The rapidly expanding landscape of journal outlets in online and distance learning presents both opportunities and challenges for early career researchers, graduate students, and scholars. This interactive event, led by Professors Curtis J. Bonk, Meina Zhu, and Feng-Ru Sheu, aims to equip participants with the tools and strategies necessary for successful academic writing and publishing. The session will cover essential topics such as setting writing goals, choosing appropriate journals, avoiding predatory journals, and creating effective writing routines. Additionally, participants will learn from the experiences and insights of both early career and senior faculty members, as well as explore the importance of designated writing spaces and habits for maintaining productivity and motivation. By sharing practical advice, tips, and real-life stories, the event will empower attendees to navigate the challenges of academic writing, and ultimately, achieve a series of writing successes in the field of educational and instructional technology. This session is designed for graduate students, supervisors, researchers, early career researchers, and anyone interested in advancing their academic writing and publishing skills.

Proposer/Demonstrator Information:

Prof. Curtis J. Bonk

  • Affiliation: Indiana University
  • Email: cjbonk@indiana.edu
  • URL: http://curtbonk.com/
  • Short Biography: Curtis J. Bonk is an educational technologist and the author of over 400 publications, with extensive experience in giving presentations worldwide. A former software entrepreneur, CPA, corporate controller, and educational psychologist, he is an award-winning writer, highly published researcher, awardee in innovative teaching with technology, and an internationally acclaimed presenter. Curtis is a professor in the School of Education and adjunct in the School of Informatics at Indiana University (IU), teaching psychology and technology courses. He has received numerous awards, including the IU President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Technology, the David H. Jonassen Excellence in Research Award, and was named a 2022 AERA Fellow for his exceptional contributions to education research. In 2023, AERA awarded Curt with the Outstanding International Research Collaboration Award and he also received an Excellence in Distance Learning Research Award in Higher Education from the United States Distance Learning Association. Finally, Curt Bonk co-hosts the weekly award-winning podcast show, Silver Lining for Learning (https://silverliningforlearning.org/).

Prof. Meina Zhu

  • Affiliation: Wayne State University
  • Email: meinazhuiu@gmail.com
  • URL: https://education.wayne.edu/profile/hb8648
  • Short Biography: Meina Zhu is an assistant professor in the Learning Design and Technology program at Wayne State University’s College of Education. Her research interests include online education, MOOCs, self-directed learning, STEM education, and learning analytics. She has published her work in renowned journals such as IRRODL, BJET, the Internet and Higher Education, the Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology, Online Learning, and Distance Education. Meina earned her PhD in Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University Bloomington and has taught courses in interactive course design, user experience design for learning, mobile learning, and serious games.

Prof. Feng-Ru Sheu

  • Affiliation: Kent State University
  • Email: fsheu@kent.edu
  • URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/feng-ru-sheu-558207a/
  • Short Biography: Feng-Ru Sheu is an associate professor and instructional design librarian in university libraries at Kent State University. With degrees in Instructional Systems Technology, Library & Information Science, and Education, she applies the concepts of OER and UDL to her librarianship. Her research focuses on advancing understanding of effective instructional design, educational technology, and librarianship. In addition to her research, she has been actively involved in service to the profession, serving in leadership positions in professional organizations. She received a numerous award, including the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation OER Research Fellowships, ALISE Bohdan S. Wynar Research Paper Competition Award, AECT Outstanding Service Awards, and CALA President’s Award.

Format and Event Flow

  1. Introduction (10 minutes): The interactive event will begin with a brief introduction by the lead presenter, Curtis J. Bonk, and co-presenters, Meina Zhu and Feng-Ru Sheu, outlining the session’s objectives and the importance of academic writing and publishing in educational and instructional technology.
  2. Group Discussion (15 minutes): Participants will be encouraged to share their writing goals and current challenges in academic writing. Organizers will facilitate the discussion to identify common issues and provide insights based on their experiences.
  3. Mini-lectures (30 minutes): Curt, Meina, and Feng-Ru will each deliver a 15-minute mini-lecture. Curtis will focus on writing goals and strategies, selecting appropriate journals, and avoiding predatory journals. Meina will cover finding a writing routine, habits of highly productive writers, and overcoming early career challenges. Feng-Ru will focus on becoming aware of high quality as well as low quality, predator journals.
  4. Breakout Sessions (30 minutes): Participants will be divided into small groups for focused discussions on specific topics such as journal selection, writing routines, and creating a conducive writing space. Organizers will circulate between groups, providing guidance and answering questions.
  5. Personal Writing Space Stories (20 minutes): Curt, Meina, and Feng-Ru will share stories about their personal writing spaces, highlighting key elements that contribute to inspiration, motivation, and organization for academic writing. Participants will be encouraged to ponder how they can redesign their own writing spaces.
  6. Interactive Q&A Session (20 minutes): The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A segment, allowing participants to seek advice and insights on getting published from both early career and senior faculty members’ perspectives.
  7. Closing Remarks and Takeaways (5 minutes): Organizers will summarize the key learning points and provide participants with a list of resources to further support their academic writing and publishing journey.
Throughout the event, organizers will facilitate active learning by encouraging participants to engage in discussions, ask questions, and share their experiences. This collaborative environment will foster the exchange of ideas and help participants develop practical skills and strategies for achieving writing and publishing success. Examples of materials, hardware, software, and other technologies used in this interactive event:
  • Projector or large screen for presenting slides and visual materials
  • Video conferencing platform (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet) for remote attendees
Number of participants you can accommodate: 100