What are these people doing?
a) Waiting for a flight at an airport
b) Relaxing at a shopping mall
c) Learning about innovative classroom practices and meeting other like-minded educators at a free “unconference” – an innovative form of self-directed, “do-it-yourself” professional development that is literally sweeping the nation.
Correct answer: c
PadCamp is an “unconference.” The idea is simple: get educators together for a day to share classroom best practices, explore state-of-the-art educational technologies and network with other educators. There are no keynotes; the schedule of discussions (not presentations) is determined on the day of the event. It is non-commercial. It is also completely FREE.
Why PadCamp?
PadCamp is an “unconference” (or “edcamp”) focused exclusively on tablets, e-readers and other handheld devices in the K-12 classroom. A dedicated team of volunteer organizers decided months ago to hold this event due to the explosive growth of these educational appliances, and, more importantly – the innovative programs popping up everywhere as K-12 schools begin to embrace tablet technologies. We want to give these educational leaders a place to share their success stories – and to help the rest of us learn.
But what if I’m not an expert? What if I have ‘nothing to share’?
First of all, almost everyone has something to share, whether it’s an enlightened question or an article they may have read. Second, everyone doesn’t have to share; attending is enough! We predict PadCamp will be the best, most relaxed, stress-free, hands-on way for you to learn about these new technologies and what they mean for your students, school or district. The casual style of the event – featuring informal discussions, not dry, mind-numbing “presentations” – means that you’ll learn like you never have at any other conference before.
My school has a tablet initiative. What’s in it for me?
“To teach is to learn twice.” – Joseph Joubert
You and your colleagues have invested countless hours, perhaps hundreds, making your program a success (or getting it ready to succeed). This is your time to shine! Get your district recognized as the leader it is by coming to PadCamp and providing details about your initiative. Even if it’s still in the planning phases, you are still ahead of other districts just now considering such a program. You might even learn something from them! Bottom line, WE NEED YOU AT PADCAMP! The more people that attend PadCamp with information about programs at their district, the more powerful the experience will be for everyone.
Come on … how can it be “FREE”?
The unconference model is community based. There are no expensive keynote speakers. A local school (in this case, Galloway Township Middle School) – is DONATING the use of their facility for the day, INCLUDING FREE WIRELESS ACCESS for all participants. We’ll get sponsors to chip in for breakfast (possibly lunch too.) All of these things are either donated or paid for by sponsors. That’s how we can do this and not charge admission.
That’s all for now. Watch this space for more news and information about this event on August 8th at Galloway Township Middle School.
And while you’re at it, go ahead and REGISTER NOW!
