I attended edcamp Philly yesterday, and my initial reaction is I want to go back again…now. This was my first full “unconference.” My first experience with one was at AASL’s Blogger’s Café organized by Buffy Hamilton (@buffyjhamilton) and Alice Yucht (@ayucht). Although I was a bit confused initially, I soon got the picture from the wiki description:
“Have something to share, but for whatever reason you are not scheduled for a concurrent session? Consider signing up to present your stuff at our Bloggers’ Café, the unconference side of Conference.”
Even though I thoroughly enjoyed my concurrent sessions, I LOVED Blogger’s Café. The small group setting, the casual interplay of ideas, the large tables upon which I could have coffee or some lunch instead of the packed conference rooms…I was thrilled. I could have my concurrent sessions and eat at Blogger’s Café, too.
Therefore, when I heard of edcamp, I jumped on it! For those who could not attend but want to know more, I’d like to take you through my edcamping experience in a series of blog posts throughout the week. I’ll begin with breakfast…
Unfortunately, I missed it and networking that went along with it (late night at the Phillies game), but I could tell that many bonds had already been forged. I heard people talk about the awesome food and the great conversation. So, edcampers, I’m going to rely on you to fill in the gaps. Please comment on your breakfast experience or other unconference experiences you’ve had.
Next installment: Session 1- “The Future of Student Research” with Joyce Valenza and David Jakes. I hope you consider returning to share your session one experiences tomorrow.
I had never heard of Edcamp until yesterday, on Twitter, but it sounds really interesting. Is this something totally new? How much did it cost? I look forward to hearing more about it.
Hi! The “unconference” concept has been around for a while, but this was the first edcamp as far as I’m aware. It was terrific and totally free! Groups were small, participatory and self-selected, and with the added dimension of tweeting, I got so much to think about and met so many terrific people. I can’t recommend it enough.
Some of us on Twitter were kicking around the possibility of organizing EdCampNJ. Still a very nebulous idea at this point, and it may not even happen, but if either/both of you are interested…
Oh, you know it, my friend! Please let me know if/how I can help make it happen. I’m a very hard worker
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