The conference is the largest global gathering of experts on technology-supported learning and training.

Following a successful career as the producer of films such as -œThe Mission- and -œChariots of Fire-, Lord Puttnam turned his attention to the field of education. Today, he is Chancellor of The Open University, Britain's largest distance learning institute and Chairman of the organisation Futurelab, amongst other things.

The Labour politician is passionate about innovative learning and campaigns in the UK Parliament for the recognition of the educational value of video games. He firmly believes that there is enormous potential in the interaction between entertainment and learning.

"It seems to me that at present we are only scratching the surface", he says. He is currently looking at how computers, mobile phones, and video games can be fully integrated into the learning process in order to increase children's willingness to learn.

"Lord Puttnam's speech will definitely provide the impetus for interesting discussion", says Astrid Jaeger, project leader of the Conference organised by Berlin-based ICWE GmbH. She expects the same from co-speaker Zenna Atkins. The Head of Ofsted, Britain's schools inspectorate, and a renowned entrepreneur who founded her first unemployment agency at the age of sixteen - having just failed at school - Atkins is a leading figure in many social initiatives.

Around 2200 participants from over 90 countries are expected at the Conference. Subjects including next-generation learning strategies, contemporary virtual learning, mobile learning, new eLearning business models, and open source developments will be presented and debated. Additionally, trends such as Docu Games, Web 3.0, affective computing, as well as storytelling will be discussed.