Remaining just over a month for TICAL the question is: what can we expect from the 2016’s edition? To answer it, no one is better than a member of the Conference Program Committee, and one that was in all the five editions of TICAL until now. We're talking about the colombian Diana Rocío Plata Arango. In this interview, Diana, who is also ICT director of the Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia, tells us a little about her expectations and on the preparations for the event, to be held between September 13 and 15, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Hello, Diana! You participated in all editions of TICAL, right? So, what can we expect from different and special this year?
In particular, we have a more complete program than we had the previous years. We made a selection of the best papers, covering with excellence the different thematic axis. In addition, participants will find many areas of workshops, special meetings, exhibitions and, of course, the plenaries, which will bring together major exhibitors and speakers.
The call for papers received 163 proposals. What can we expect from the level of the chosen papers?
Our program was designed to generate value for the IT directors and for the people who are in the areas of ICT in the universities. Therefore, the selection of papers was based not only on the quality of the works, but also in their application and relevance to the daily activities of the participants. Our desire is that everyone has the opportunity to learn something new about a new theme from successful experiences in other universities. These were part of the criteria used by the Program Committee to set an agenda and a successful program for TICAL2016
Do you already know Buenos Aires? What did you think of the city's choice to be the venue of the event?
Yes, I know Buenos Aires! I had the opportunity to be there at the first meeting of the Committee and it is a charming city. All those who are thinking on coming to the Conference will enjoy a very good program in terms of knowledge and learning, but will also have the opportunity to enjoy a city that is full of culture, remarkable architecture, good music, sports and a gastronomic proposal that captivates all.
Since the last edition of TICAL in Chile, how do you assess the development of the ICT community in Latin America, and how the 2016 edition may enhance this process?
I think that the 2015 edition of TICAL defined a very important value for the ICT community in our region from the launch of the "The ICT potentiating the University of the XXI century" book, through which were established nice reflections both for ICT directors and rectors.
This allowed, for example, that the issues of Governance and ICT Management now have more importance in our midst. I believe that TICAL2016 will enhance the dialogue between the directors and the different reflections on technology in Latin America.
Leave a message for those who wish to participate in TICAL2016. Why should they do it?
Definitely, all the people who are in the universities of Latin America, especially in the areas of technology, must participate in TICAL. The Conference is an experience in which we do not only learn about technology, but it is also a great scenario to meet professionals from other countries, to share ideas, problems and a bit of our culture.
