Next weekend I am going to camp– EdCamp Omaha, that is!  I’m pretty much a homebody, and I’m not much of a traveler, but this is one of those times that the closer it gets, the more excited I am.  This will be my first EdCamp, and there are so many things that make this a great opportunity.

The Price is Right!

I am a classroom teacher.  I do not have a technology position, so I have no support or budget for conferences.  The price of EdCamp Omaha is just right, it’s free!  Because it is only 130 miles from here, I will not even have the expense of a hotel.  I plan to drive over in the morning, and drive home at night.

A Chance to Connect With Others Using Technology In Education

I’m going because this is a great opportunity to connect with others who regularly use technology in their classrooms.  I am the only person in my school who is doing webquests, using Edmodo, and blogging with students.  As I try new things, I waste a lot of time trying to understand and figure them out, and I often do things the hard way.  Sometimes I feel isolated.  Twitter has been a fantastic support.  My questions get answered, and I get new ideas.  Sometimes that 140 character limit is frustrating, however.  This is a great chance to listen, learn, ask questions, and have questions answered.

A Great Opportunity for Professional Development!

The whole concept of EdCamp is amazing!  They have been popping up across the country.  Someone takes the initiative to organize it.  No one makes money off of it.  No one gets college credit or staff development credit for it.  It is outside of work hours, so there is no financial compensation.  People go because they are dedicated passionate professionals who are hungry to learn and share.  What other profession has people who do that? I can hardly wait to spend time with these great people!  I have an idea of what to expect because of this great blog post by Russ Goerend (@RussGoerend) on his blog, Learning is Life

I’m going with a list of questions.  I’m starting a new project with my students soon.  We’re going to use Glogsteredu.  I’ve explored it, but I still have questions.  I’m looking forward to connecting with Barb Gilman (@BarbinNebraska) and Shannon Miller (@ShannonMiller) who I know have experience with Glogs.

It’s Social!

I’m looking forward to meeting people I have known via Twitter.  We have some regular Tweetups here in Iowa, so there will be some people that I know.  I’m excited to meet others face to face, that I have only known on Twitter.  It’s a great new adventure!

Omaha, My Hometown!

I was born here in Des Moines, but I grew up in Omaha, so I’m always excited for a chance to get back to my old hometown.  EdCamp is being held at the Thompson Alumni Center at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.  You can learn more about EdCamp Omaha by visiting the EdCamp Omaha Wiki.