EdCamp Palm Springs happened last week. There were some great things that happened, and there were some things that I would want to do differently for next year. One aspect I wouldn't change? Having students be a part of the experience.
Since EdCamp Palm Springs was being held at James Workman Middle School, Jessica Pack had her ASB students show up to help out with the day. Setting up the signage, registering attendees, and greeting people. Oh, and this:
Since EdCamp Palm Springs was being held at James Workman Middle School, Jessica Pack had her ASB students show up to help out with the day. Setting up the signage, registering attendees, and greeting people. Oh, and this:
Bringing a herd of MS Students into #ThingsThatSuck definitely shows how polarized some issues can be. #EdCampPS http://t.co/aPXtjIdlHF
— Matt Vaudrey (@MrVaudrey) February 7, 2015
C'mon, you didn't watch that?! Seriously, it's great stuff. Mrs. Pack's students gave a play-by-play introduction of what EdCamp is, how to EdCamp, and even a few tips on having a successful day. We played this on a timed loop to begin the morning.
Not only did the students help set up, but they also helped make the sessions run. They were in the iMovie session, pretty much leading it. They filled a session where a teacher wanted to know hot to use tech without abusing it. They were intense contributors of "Things That Suck".
Not only did the students help set up, but they also helped make the sessions run. They were in the iMovie session, pretty much leading it. They filled a session where a teacher wanted to know hot to use tech without abusing it. They were intense contributors of "Things That Suck".
Many tweets were sent about the learning that happened, and that was great. My favorite, though? The kids.
At the beginning of the morning, we made a decision to give each student a raffle ticket and dropped it into the bag for a few iTunes gift cards. EdCamps are not hubs for winning "stuff", but it's really cool to be surprised when you give up your Saturday. Plus, it's an added "woohoo!!!" for a group of lively middle schoolers. Surprised, we all were.
After giving out over a dozen prizes throughout the day, none of the students had won anything. They worked hard, hustled around the campus, and engaged in genuine conversation. One student finally won a gift card and her face was priceless.
Our big prize at the end of the day was a 64GB iPad mini with a case from Maxcases. Once the smaller prizes were given, everyone's ticket got dumped into one, and one more ticket was drawn. Last 4 digits? 8121. EIGHTY ONE, TWENTY ONE? ANYONE?"
Fortunately, there was a name. "David. David? Is David still here?" Getting ready to pull another name out of the box, a timid young man comes from behind me and apologetically says that the ticket was his. He had accidentally dropped both of his tickets into the bag and felt terrible. "I'm sorry, but it was an accident. I didn't win. Please draw another name."
Now here's the conundrum: I told the students that they were only eligible for the iTunes Gift Cards. However, it would have been impossible for me to discern between their tickets and the rest of the teacher tickets. Now, everyone's looking at me and what I do.
"Whadda ya think, everyone? David here put an extra ticket into the bag by accident."
(audience full of teachers is all positive)
I look over to a couple of the EdCamp Palm Springs organizers and all I needed was the head nod. They granted it.
"Look, folks. These kids have worked their tails off. They've added to the conversation and made our day that much better. David, get up here and take your new iPad!"
Without a doubt, this was the best moment of my week.
Chalk one up to good karma for EdCamp.
At the beginning of the morning, we made a decision to give each student a raffle ticket and dropped it into the bag for a few iTunes gift cards. EdCamps are not hubs for winning "stuff", but it's really cool to be surprised when you give up your Saturday. Plus, it's an added "woohoo!!!" for a group of lively middle schoolers. Surprised, we all were.
After giving out over a dozen prizes throughout the day, none of the students had won anything. They worked hard, hustled around the campus, and engaged in genuine conversation. One student finally won a gift card and her face was priceless.
Our big prize at the end of the day was a 64GB iPad mini with a case from Maxcases. Once the smaller prizes were given, everyone's ticket got dumped into one, and one more ticket was drawn. Last 4 digits? 8121. EIGHTY ONE, TWENTY ONE? ANYONE?"
Fortunately, there was a name. "David. David? Is David still here?" Getting ready to pull another name out of the box, a timid young man comes from behind me and apologetically says that the ticket was his. He had accidentally dropped both of his tickets into the bag and felt terrible. "I'm sorry, but it was an accident. I didn't win. Please draw another name."
Now here's the conundrum: I told the students that they were only eligible for the iTunes Gift Cards. However, it would have been impossible for me to discern between their tickets and the rest of the teacher tickets. Now, everyone's looking at me and what I do.
"Whadda ya think, everyone? David here put an extra ticket into the bag by accident."
(audience full of teachers is all positive)
I look over to a couple of the EdCamp Palm Springs organizers and all I needed was the head nod. They granted it.
"Look, folks. These kids have worked their tails off. They've added to the conversation and made our day that much better. David, get up here and take your new iPad!"
Without a doubt, this was the best moment of my week.
Chalk one up to good karma for EdCamp.
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