The Day Before EdCamp

I had a really spectacular opportunity today.  When I read about EdCampWR, I knew that I’d like to come and join some friends from around the province.  So, I let my friend @Gill_Ville know that I was interested.  Her response was – of course you’re going to come down a day early and say hi to the Gill_Villeans – I had met them previously.  And why wouldn’t I?  It is a well connected classroom.

Then a little later, another friend from Essex County asked if I’d heard about EdCampWR.  We had a chat about me going and she wondered if she could do a little self-directed PD herself.  When she heard that I was going to Cambridge a day early, she wondered about the logistics of going herself and bringing home some ideas and inspiration.  Then she asked another friend and before you know it, @margsang and @debbdh and I were headed east on the 401.

We got a tour of the beautiful Ryerson Public School but things were better than that.  We had a chance to interact with the Gill_Villeans who would be part of the show tomorrow, showing off their work and efforts.  This was a planned event / dry run so that there would be no nerves when the place is filled with Ontario Educators.  In addition to us, various classes had a chance to come to the computers and see what would be on display on Saturday.  We saw some of the projects that had been so much of their educational lives.

THE ADVENTURES OF GILL THE GOLDFISH – RECORDED ON A WIKI

THE GILL_VILLEANS ON TWITTER

QUADBLOGGING

THE GILL_VILLEANS ON EDMODO

THE SPEAKING NOTES ON LINOIT

Prominently posted to go along with all of this work is a reminder of digital citizenship.  We were told that there is no one specific lesson on digital citizenship.  Instead concepts are introduced and reinforced with every online activity.  I really like that approach.

And, finally…lest you think the whole day is going to be about technology, even the best technology user needs a snack.  As part of their program, the group has done some baking and there are all kinds of good looking snacks waiting to be consumed tomorrow.

It’s going to be a great day tomorrow.