In the age of the Social Web (Web 2.0/3.0), virtual learning environments empower teachers and learners to open their classrooms and be part of emerging folksonomies - the social construction of learning. Teachers and learners alike are now using ICT very differently from one another and ever more creatively.

The Porto Open Classroom Conference will explore replies to the following questions:

• How do schools cope with the potential of collaborative knowledge building?
• What is the essence of learner control (empowerment of the learner) for different age groups, disciplines, and learning environments?
• How are new learning solutions (open content, open source software, social networking) introducing innovative experiences and facilitating learning as a creative process?
• What key competences are needed to be an active lifelong learner in the 21st century multicultural society?
• What is the emerging role of the schoolteacher in the European School 2.0?

Openness and flexibility will characterise both the content and format of the Porto Open Classroom Conference. Inspiring keynote presentations will be followed by moderated discussions and an exhibition. Furthermore, a presentation of innovative tools and methods will be intertwined with hands-on exploration of their potentials by participants.

The call for submissions closed on 04 September, but individuals unable to meet the deadline can request an extension by sending an email to the EDEN Secretariat. Registration takes place online, and special fees for primary, secondary, and vocational school teachers are offered, as well as combined EDEN memberships.

The Conference will be hosted at the Alfândega do Porto Congress Center in downtown Porto, near the Douro River. This historical building was the former customs house, which, after restoration by contemporary Portuguese architects, is now an outstanding facility that includes a modern conference center and a transport and communications museum.