Frequently Asked Questions
(Most of these were "borrowed" from other EdCamps around the world.)
What does it cost?
Nothing! Nada! Zip! Zilch! You will never find a better deal in regards to professional learning than this. With pricing like this you can’t say no!
Is it really free?
Yes.
So what exactly is an Edcamp?
The great thing about an EdCamp is attendees drive the conversation and discussions. It is very informal and you should be warned there is no telling how much you can learn. It is also FREE to attend.
What is the format?
EdCamps are “unconference” events with a focus on education and learning. Most professional learning is done where participants listen to one person who shares their presentation with the audience. EdCamps on the other hand are meant to encourage conversation and participation among the attendees. Participants determine the topics for the day and take an active role in setting the direction of the conference.
In the first hour of EdCamp NEPA, attendees will meet and interact over coffee and a light breakfast. An empty session board will be available for everyone to post session titles. From that, a session board will be constructed that will provide the schedule for the day.
Do I have to present?
You do not need to present to attend an EdCamp. We certainly urge anyone with a good idea to offer to lead a session. As educators we sometimes feel that we do not have anything important to say. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Presenting does not mean you have to prepare for hours. You could simply lead a conversation on dealing with curriculum changes. You could lead a dialogue that focuses on teachers sharing their best formative assessment practices. There could be a session on the implementation of our new teacher evaluation system. You do not need to have a prepared PowerPoint. Maybe you have presented at a conference and would like to lead a session. Maybe you just want to get a couple of people who are interested in the same things as you in a room to have a conversation. What we are asking is if,
What does a session look like?
They vary according to attendees. Think of several round table discussions where you are actively involved in the session not sitting and listening to someone else.
Do I have to be a techie?
EdCamps have been made extremely popular through Twitter and blogs. This doesn’t mean that you have to be a techie to attend an EdCamp. EdCamps are for anyone that wants to spend their day thinking about, talking about, and learning about how to improve their educational practice. Some of the sessions offered during the day may revolve around technology, but that is because the participants are interested in technology. It is important to remember that this is a participant-driven conference that is intended to meet the needs of those that attend. Sessions can be proposed on any topic. We encourage anyone that attends to propose a session idea or propose a session they would like to lead.
What do I bring?
A friend and an excitement for learning. Like any conference you should come prepared to take notes in any fashion you like. We will have WiFi access, so you can bring mobile devices or laptops. Paper and a pencil will work just fine as well. Bottom line is bring anything you would like to make your day meaningful. If you plan on signing up to lead a session bring whatever you would need for that. We will have access to presentation systems if needed.
How do I get there?
Have a look at our "directions" page.
(Most of these were "borrowed" from other EdCamps around the world.)
What does it cost?
Nothing! Nada! Zip! Zilch! You will never find a better deal in regards to professional learning than this. With pricing like this you can’t say no!
Is it really free?
Yes.
So what exactly is an Edcamp?
The great thing about an EdCamp is attendees drive the conversation and discussions. It is very informal and you should be warned there is no telling how much you can learn. It is also FREE to attend.
- Check-in, collect any Edcamp swag, have a coffee and breakfast (actual heart of the EdCamp), and then begin.
- During the first part of the day attendees build sessions around ideas they want to discuss or learn more about. These are posted on the “Wall of Ideas”
- Once the program is set and a schedule created we kickoff the conference and turn you loose to learn.
- Attendees are encouraged to Vote with your Feet. If a meeting doesn’t meet your needs change to a different one. Talk to people, feel free to start side conversations and learn from anyone.
What is the format?
EdCamps are “unconference” events with a focus on education and learning. Most professional learning is done where participants listen to one person who shares their presentation with the audience. EdCamps on the other hand are meant to encourage conversation and participation among the attendees. Participants determine the topics for the day and take an active role in setting the direction of the conference.
In the first hour of EdCamp NEPA, attendees will meet and interact over coffee and a light breakfast. An empty session board will be available for everyone to post session titles. From that, a session board will be constructed that will provide the schedule for the day.
Do I have to present?
You do not need to present to attend an EdCamp. We certainly urge anyone with a good idea to offer to lead a session. As educators we sometimes feel that we do not have anything important to say. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Presenting does not mean you have to prepare for hours. You could simply lead a conversation on dealing with curriculum changes. You could lead a dialogue that focuses on teachers sharing their best formative assessment practices. There could be a session on the implementation of our new teacher evaluation system. You do not need to have a prepared PowerPoint. Maybe you have presented at a conference and would like to lead a session. Maybe you just want to get a couple of people who are interested in the same things as you in a room to have a conversation. What we are asking is if,
- you consider yourself well-versed on a topic that you’d like to share with others
- you’ve had some burning question(s), read a great book or article, or are curious about a topic, and you’d like to lead a discussion
- you’d like to share a technology tool, unit or lesson that you love
- you’d like to have a thoughtful discussion on a educational topic
What does a session look like?
They vary according to attendees. Think of several round table discussions where you are actively involved in the session not sitting and listening to someone else.
Do I have to be a techie?
EdCamps have been made extremely popular through Twitter and blogs. This doesn’t mean that you have to be a techie to attend an EdCamp. EdCamps are for anyone that wants to spend their day thinking about, talking about, and learning about how to improve their educational practice. Some of the sessions offered during the day may revolve around technology, but that is because the participants are interested in technology. It is important to remember that this is a participant-driven conference that is intended to meet the needs of those that attend. Sessions can be proposed on any topic. We encourage anyone that attends to propose a session idea or propose a session they would like to lead.
What do I bring?
A friend and an excitement for learning. Like any conference you should come prepared to take notes in any fashion you like. We will have WiFi access, so you can bring mobile devices or laptops. Paper and a pencil will work just fine as well. Bottom line is bring anything you would like to make your day meaningful. If you plan on signing up to lead a session bring whatever you would need for that. We will have access to presentation systems if needed.
How do I get there?
Have a look at our "directions" page.