On Saturday I attended edcampHOME, an amazing online conference coordinated by some truly innovative tech wizards. They managed to retain the core principles of an edcamp (free, non-commercial, self-directed professional development), but they took it to a whole new level. There were 47 different sessions, all chosen on the day of the event, but it was all conducted live over Google Hangouts. The logistics are mind-boggling! Google scripts, volunteers to monitor the discussions, broadcasting over Youtube, videos embedded for non-attendees to watch along… Edcamps are an incredible experience, but an edcamp where you can relive each session through videos? Very awesome! I’ve left every edcamp with a wealth of resources, but I’m excited by all the videos that are still available for me on the website.
The schedule for the day included two sessions and one Slam, where participants shared great online tools. Videos of all the sessions and the Slam are available on the edcamp home website:
On the Friday before edcamp HOME, participants shared out potential topics they would like to discuss, and vote on topics that they felt should become sessions. I offered the topic “Technology Integration in Non 1-to-1 schools,” a subject that has been very much on my mind after digging deep into longterm planning over the Winter break. It’s always nerve-wracking to submit a topic, but each time someone voted for my topic, I got excited! 24 people voted for the session. In the end, six of us ended up having a great conversation.
First session: Technology Integration in Non 1-to-1 Schools
For the second session, I attended the session: “Is Edtech Effective?” Even though there were only two of us, we shared a great discussion on ways that Technology Specialists and administrators can ensure that the technology they have is being effectively used. I learned about BrightBytes, and look forward to looking at their sit more.
From the slam I was particularly interested in looking more into Liveslide and Lucid Press.
After the edcamp ended, I spent much of the afternoon watching the threads about Standards Based Grading and Genius Hour. I still look forward to watching the post on Show Your Work (I’ve already preordered the book!) Repair Squad, the Blogging Journey, Literacy and Technology, Creating a Makerspace, and Helping Teachers Build a PLN.
It was an incredible day of learning, planned to precision by some incredible coordinators. And best of all, I didn’t have to leave my home!
