Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a question for the Edcamp Baltimore? Contact us , and we'll post the answers here.
What’s the agenda?
The agenda can be found on the Schedule page. The day will begin at 8:30 am with a light breakfast (first come, first served), thanks to a generous sponsorship by Graul's Market, and time for networking. From 9:00 to 9:45, participants will have the opportunity to suggest or propose a session. We'll then move through the sessions of the day with a break for lunch either on your own or with a pre-paid box lunch from Santoni's Marketplace. We'll have a few extras on hand to sell the day of the event! But, before that join us at 11:40am for sharing of Web 2.o tools, books, websites, resources and general teaching tips, aka, a Smackdown. This will be followed by more sessions and a wrap up at the end. The wrap up will include opportunities to win some pretty neat prizes from our sponsors. Be sure to join us after at our Networking Happy Hour.
Smackdown? What's a smackdown?
It's a fast-paced opportunity for sharing. People volunteer to share a tech tool, teaching tip, book recommendation, or anything else they'd like to share with the group about dynamic teaching and learning. You come to the front of the room, give a quick 1-2 minute pitch, share any pertinent information (URL's, titles, etc), and then it is added to a shared document. You'll leave with a ton of information and great tips! Make sure to join us at 11:40 am for that.
Who can attend?
Anyone interested in education is welcome to attend. Edcamps are professional development opportunities that are created by teachers for teachers, but all people who are stakeholders in education are welcome. If you're a teacher, administrator, education student, or simply someone with a genuine interest in teaching and learning, please join us.
Do I have to be a techie?
You learned on our About page that edcamps derived from barcamps, which are unconferences focused around technology. It is also true that edcamps grew in popularity thanks to Twitter. This doesn't mean that edcamps are solely for those interested in educational technology. Edcamps are for anyone who would like to spend the day thinking about their practice and profession. While many sessions could revolve around technology, that is solely because the participants at the unconference are interested in technology! Remember this is a participant-driven event; propose a session on any topic you wish. And, if a session isn't meeting your needs, use the law of two feet and excuse yourself to explore another session. Our Meet the Edcampers interviews have some great suggestions and ideas regarding possible session topics.
What do I bring?
A friend!
Also, if you're someone who likes to take notes on a laptop or tablet, we'll have Wifi access available. If you prefer a notebook, feel free to use that as well. Definitely bring something to take notes with though-- you'll need a place to write down all those great ideas and new contacts. We also suggest that you bring a water bottle, as we'll have plenty of places for you to remain hydrated throughout the day!
How can I be a part of the action?
Once you've registered, you can sign up to volunteer the day of the event. It's a great way to meet new people. You can also tweet using our hashtag #edcampbmore for those following us near and far. Additionally, feel free to take pictures and tag as #edcampbmore as well. Finally, after the fact, keep the conversations going through blogging, meet ups or bringing this type of professional development to your school. The organizing committee is more than happy to help you with that!
Do I have to present?
No! We, of course, urge anyone with a good idea to offer to lead a session. This doesn't mean a prepared PowerPoint. This might mean,
I'm hanging out in Baltimore beyond the event, what can I do in the Charm City?
First, please join us after Edcamp Baltimore as we always like to celebrate with a happy hour! We'll have great food, conversation and continue to make new connections.
Next, check out this great interactive map of Baltimore.
What’s the agenda?
The agenda can be found on the Schedule page. The day will begin at 8:30 am with a light breakfast (first come, first served), thanks to a generous sponsorship by Graul's Market, and time for networking. From 9:00 to 9:45, participants will have the opportunity to suggest or propose a session. We'll then move through the sessions of the day with a break for lunch either on your own or with a pre-paid box lunch from Santoni's Marketplace. We'll have a few extras on hand to sell the day of the event! But, before that join us at 11:40am for sharing of Web 2.o tools, books, websites, resources and general teaching tips, aka, a Smackdown. This will be followed by more sessions and a wrap up at the end. The wrap up will include opportunities to win some pretty neat prizes from our sponsors. Be sure to join us after at our Networking Happy Hour.
Smackdown? What's a smackdown?
It's a fast-paced opportunity for sharing. People volunteer to share a tech tool, teaching tip, book recommendation, or anything else they'd like to share with the group about dynamic teaching and learning. You come to the front of the room, give a quick 1-2 minute pitch, share any pertinent information (URL's, titles, etc), and then it is added to a shared document. You'll leave with a ton of information and great tips! Make sure to join us at 11:40 am for that.
Who can attend?
Anyone interested in education is welcome to attend. Edcamps are professional development opportunities that are created by teachers for teachers, but all people who are stakeholders in education are welcome. If you're a teacher, administrator, education student, or simply someone with a genuine interest in teaching and learning, please join us.
Do I have to be a techie?
You learned on our About page that edcamps derived from barcamps, which are unconferences focused around technology. It is also true that edcamps grew in popularity thanks to Twitter. This doesn't mean that edcamps are solely for those interested in educational technology. Edcamps are for anyone who would like to spend the day thinking about their practice and profession. While many sessions could revolve around technology, that is solely because the participants at the unconference are interested in technology! Remember this is a participant-driven event; propose a session on any topic you wish. And, if a session isn't meeting your needs, use the law of two feet and excuse yourself to explore another session. Our Meet the Edcampers interviews have some great suggestions and ideas regarding possible session topics.
What do I bring?
A friend!
Also, if you're someone who likes to take notes on a laptop or tablet, we'll have Wifi access available. If you prefer a notebook, feel free to use that as well. Definitely bring something to take notes with though-- you'll need a place to write down all those great ideas and new contacts. We also suggest that you bring a water bottle, as we'll have plenty of places for you to remain hydrated throughout the day!
How can I be a part of the action?
Once you've registered, you can sign up to volunteer the day of the event. It's a great way to meet new people. You can also tweet using our hashtag #edcampbmore for those following us near and far. Additionally, feel free to take pictures and tag as #edcampbmore as well. Finally, after the fact, keep the conversations going through blogging, meet ups or bringing this type of professional development to your school. The organizing committee is more than happy to help you with that!
Do I have to present?
No! We, of course, urge anyone with a good idea to offer to lead a session. This doesn't mean a prepared PowerPoint. This might mean,
- you have something to discuss: either something you have done and want to share or something you want to learn more about
- you have something to present: you feel like you're an expert on a topic and are comfortable presenting on this topic for no more than 20 minutes, then help facilitate a discussion around your presented topic
I'm hanging out in Baltimore beyond the event, what can I do in the Charm City?
First, please join us after Edcamp Baltimore as we always like to celebrate with a happy hour! We'll have great food, conversation and continue to make new connections.
Next, check out this great interactive map of Baltimore.
