soon….. 
Smackdown
The final event at edcamp Harrisburg (well, other than the after party at Ceolta’s is the smackdown! Here is a summary of the shared sites.
I’m at edcamp…now what?
Here we are, a mere few hours from edcamp Harrisburg, and all over twitter and this blog we are talking about what we are doing to look forward to edcamp, be it thinking about who we are going to interact with or what we want to talk about. For months the edcamp Harrisburg team has been planning and getting ready. But tomorrow will come and go so quickly. That leaves the big question: What comes next?
For any great professional development, the key is not necessarily in what you learn, but how you use it. Here are some great ideas for getting the most out of the experience and to continue growing after edcamp:
1. Figure out a way to take notes. Use a notepad. Download any number of productive apps for your mobile device. Blog about your experience. Take photos. Follow the @edcamphbg twitter account or search for the #edcamphbg hashtag (and include it in your posts)! There is no wrong way to gather and organize the things you will earn, unless you don’t do it at all!
2. Make connections. We all know who the go-to people are in our own districts. At edcamp Harrisburg, you will me meeting the go-to educators from all over PA (and some from neighboring states), and we are all willing to continue the conversation over the long haul. By building your Professional Learning Network (PLN), you will be able to find a group of educators to bounce ideas back and forth, as well as possibly even collaborate between classrooms. Just looking ver the list of people that are attending, I can assure you that you will be hard pressed to find a more willing, creative, innovtive, and dedicated group of professionals.
3. Try out the things you see. You will come away with so many great ideas for use in your classrooms and schools, but don’t let the thought that it just might not work hold you back. There has always been the possibility that a lesson would fail when implemented, but if something isn’t quite working out, that’s ok. Reflect on what works, what doesn’t, and come up its a way to adjust and make things better. Even if a lesson works, you can still reflect and improve. Talk with your colleagues. Survey your students. There are so many ways that we can improve, and, after all, isn’t that why you’re attending edcamp?
So while at edcamp, remember the basic rules: Share. Discuss. Learn. Use the Rule of Two Feet. And have a spectacular day!
Meet Joel Crowley!
How are you involved in education?
I am a 4th grade teacher at Milton Hershey School. I am passionate about engaging my students in learning and have found technology t be a powerful tool that fits this purpose quite well.
Have you attended an unconference before?
No.
If you were to lead a session at edcamp, what would you share? What do you want to learn more about?
I would share about some ways I’ve used (or using) technology in the classroom: DIY document camera & Wii Mote Smartboard or how to create, edit, & engage via video in the classroom.
Do you have a website or blog?
www.crowley-harbor.wikispaces.com
Meet Kristin Henry!
How are you involved in education?
I started as the director of Big Brothers Big Sisters School Mentoring program. Now, I am in the classroom and tutoring students of all ages.
Have you attended an unconference before?
Yes, I attended the #ntcamp in Philadelphia this past summer.
If you were to lead a session at edcamp, what would you share? What do you want to learn more about?
I am not sure that I am ready to lead a session, but I love sharing and learning with others. The first three topics that come to mind are classroom management (focusing on the positive), education in urban settings and special education. What I like about an unconference is people suggesting topics that I am unfamiliar with.
Do you have a website or blog?
http://kristinhenry1.blogspot.com/
Are you on twitter?
@kristinhenry1
Meet Judi Boswell!
How are you involved in education?
I am recently retired from Derry Township School District as a library media specialist. I am a life long educator and enjoy working with teachers.
Have you ever attended an unconference?
No
If you were to lead a session at edcamp, what would you share? What do you want to learn more about?
I am anxious to learn what I am missing since my retirement.
Are you on twitter?
Meet Kathy Marschka!
How are you involved in education?
I am an elementary school librarian. I teach library and computer classes to primary students. I have a Promethean Board and am working on creating flipcharts to teach librray skills.
Have you attended an unconference before?
no.
If you were to lead a session at edcamp, what would you share? What do you want to learn more about?
I don’t think I am ready to lead a session. I have successfully integrated video clips into my flipcharts. I want to learn more about interactive tools for flipcharts for primary students. What are the most successful interactive tools to use with the younger students? Containers, hidden boxes, etc.?
Are you on twitter?
@kmarschka
Meet Suzie Nestico!
How are you involved in education?
I teach kids and I love what I do! Mostly twelfth grade American Government students and a newly developed 21st Century Global Studies Elective. I also do Project Management for the Flat Classroom Project, a global, collaborative online project for high school students.
Have you attended an unconference before?
Yes, EdCampPhilly, EdCampNYC, EduBloggerCon 2011, NTCamp Philly 2011 and I am currently co-coordinating EdCamp Social Studies being held in Philadelphia in March, 2012. I’ve obviously developed a love for the EdCamp model of PD and I have the energetic Edcamp Philly crew to than for that.
If you were to lead a session at edcamp, what would you share? What do you want to learn more about?
Collaborative Learning (Not just connecting, but true collaboration), Common Core & the Cloud – extended writing and publishing online to meet the new standards, I’d love to hear what other schools are doing with COmmon Core, as well
Do you have a website or blog?
http://coalcrackerclassroom.wordpress.com/
Are you on twitter?
@nesticos
Meet Robin Cartwright!
How are you involved with education?
I am a student in the MAT@USC program. When I finish, I will be certified in 7-12 social studies and communications.
Have you attended an unconference before?
Nope, but I’m excited about it!
If you were to lead a session at edcamp, what would you share? What do you want to learn more about?
I would want to talk about the role of online teacher education and how it can be used to develop relationships outside the immediate geographical area to strengthen professional practice. I would love to learn more about networking and how to find a job in this economy.
Are you on twitter?
@pettirossa
Meet Diana Cole!
How are you involved in education?
I teach 8th grade science and I am my middle school’s science department coordinator.
Have you ever attended an unconference before?
No, I have not. But I am excited to do so!
If you were to lead a session at edcamp, what would you share? What do you want to learn more about?
I would share some tools that I have found particularly useful in my classroom, such as online manipulatives, Edmodo, and a variety of collaborative lab activities.
Do you have a blog or website?
http://hmssiriusscience.wikispaces.com
What: EdCamp Harrisburg is an unconference devoted to K-12 Education issues and ideas.
Where: Harrisburg University
When: November 12, 2011!
Cost: FREE!
