tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293651735518246988.post928615502573492787..comments2023-11-05T02:10:50.039-07:00Comments on Drape's Takes: Here Comes Everybody? Yeah, Whatever.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293651735518246988.post-71349922374242534762008-05-27T21:49:00.000-06:002008-05-27T21:49:00.000-06:00Still a great discussion here, thank you for your ...Still a great discussion here, thank you for your contributions.<BR/><BR/>A few thoughts:<BR/><BR/>I think vejraska makes a great point in that we all have varying levels of connectivity. We should be sensitive to that, realizing also that it's easier said than done.<BR/><BR/>Clay: I love the Beatles. Come together, right now, over me (or over what I've said). Actually "over me" isn't a requirement - I'd settle for the coming together part, regardless of how it's accomplished.<BR/><BR/>Kate and MariaD: Have you considered contacting Jennifer Wagner about co-presenting virtually (I hear John Pederson might be tuning in from home as well)? While I would be a little wary of relying too heavily upon the hope that there will be sufficient bandwidth, a virtual presentation could be an exciting change! I've presented virtually for several conferences in the last year and, consequently, would also highly recommend having a person on site involved in the presentation.<BR/><BR/>MariaD: I think your questions about math 2.0 demand much further exploration! Excellent topics that I hope are addressed soon.<BR/><BR/>Jon: You might be right. As a result, I'll never assume again that you can figure out what it means to "step up".<BR/><BR/>Patty: I want to post your photo gallery that Kaitlyn took on this blog. Hilarious stuff! One of these days I hope to be the blogger that you are.<BR/><BR/>Mark: I knew what you meant the first time and look forward to chatting with you at NECC. I agree that we'll be able to engage each other at whatever level we feel most comfortable or excited about. That potential alone is exciting to me.<BR/><BR/>Carolyn: I never mentioned how much I would love to attend one of your sessions! Maybe I can also talk you into coming to Utah for next year's UELMA conference for librarians. Great stuff. :)Darren Draperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17578208859042859340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293651735518246988.post-5991970045672249142008-05-27T19:08:00.000-06:002008-05-27T19:08:00.000-06:00Darren, I was reading this post and all the commen...Darren, I was reading this post and all the comments with much interest, when I ran into my own name. Thank you for the kind words. I am not attending any conferences this year. I am working on a social math site (to replace the ancient one you visited), in partnership with my husband's software development company Phenix Solutions. Before the site goes live, I promised myself not to go to any conferences, because the inevitable for me ties with other people's projects pull into too many directions. <BR/><BR/>I would very much like to have discussions with people about math 2.0 For example:<BR/><BR/>- Where are tools for casual and "amateurized" (Shirky) participation in social math at the level of creation? ("Digital Bloom's" http://www.techlearning.com/showArticle.php?articleID=196605124)<BR/><BR/>- Specifically, where are such social tools for younger kids? How can we help young kids "Not just do math, but make math"?<BR/><BR/>And then I have some pressing general questions that apply to my math project, but also to some other projects - from the "Everybody should work on this" department:<BR/><BR/>- How do we combine "web as platform" architectures with kid protection? Most kids sites now in existence are very separated from the rest of the web.<BR/><BR/>- What to do about the "internet orphans" problem: adult guardians of children not being computer literate, or interested enough to parent kids online, to spend time together, to participate? <BR/><BR/>If I can volunteer in any way remotely, without traveling to conferences, I'd be happy to contribute. Your writings and the community of practice where they are situated have been of much help to me, and I would be glad to help in return, in any way I can. Maybe I missed something from descriptions that can be done remotely.MariaDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00769513929584082597noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293651735518246988.post-85249005410727069302008-05-27T17:51:00.000-06:002008-05-27T17:51:00.000-06:00A lot of people are linking back here, so I find m...A lot of people are linking back here, so I find myself compelled to correct a typo in my comment above - and to reply to Steve Hargadon's comment.<BR/><BR/>First of all, my final sentence was meant to read this way: "I just thought this might shed some light on why more people are NOT signing up for sessions (or to lead sessions)."<BR/><BR/>My point was that I was looking forward to the potential spontaneity of the event... to conversations more than presentations... and that others might be, too. That being said, I don't want to offend or disrespect the folks who ARE putting a lot of time into organizing this, Steve and Darren included. I'm stoked that the EBC and NECC Unplugged are happening and I really look forward to them. Naturally, different people are going to desire different levels of formality from the event. Happily, it seems we'll be able to engage each other at whatever level we feel most comfortable or excited about.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293651735518246988.post-61950881435304731532008-05-27T07:58:00.000-06:002008-05-27T07:58:00.000-06:00Well, this blog is no fun - where are all the pict...Well, this blog is no fun - where are all the pictures! :)Pattyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07056079270283826212noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293651735518246988.post-54621432513463673772008-05-26T21:36:00.000-06:002008-05-26T21:36:00.000-06:00Darren, I feel that your response (though not dire...Darren, I feel that your response (though not directly to me, but more than indirectly) is a little invalidating. It also assumes that we all work on a similar timeframe. The end of the academic year in higher ed. is not like K-12.<BR/><BR/>To respond to Will Richardson's words you cite, I DO have plenty of time (and "drive" which I can't believe you question). But I also have to prioritize to whom I dedicate that time. Believe it or not, I prioritized my students to get through the end of the semester. Now, I'm making up for lost time with my family. I'm certain that I've NOT hurt anyone by not proposing an Unplugged session a full month in advance of the event. <BR/><BR/>For me at least, invalidating and assuming are not helpful leadership attributes.<BR/><BR/>In David Jakes' language, I'll "step up" (assuming I can figure out what that means) at an appropriate time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293651735518246988.post-73829323947485356372008-05-26T21:19:00.000-06:002008-05-26T21:19:00.000-06:00Darren -As a new teacher, I've been watching the N...Darren -<BR/><BR/>As a new teacher, I've been watching the NECC talk swirl around me for the last few months, and if you ask anyone, I've been whining about not being able to attend due to money, family, etc. However, I understand where you're coming from with this post, I truly do! <BR/><BR/>Thank you so much for the kind words in your comment about my being so vocal, I'm honored that you think I'm seasoned enough to be able to share anything with the veterans here! I obviously have strong opinions on MANY things,leading to an outpouring on my blog (and others'!) and twitter. <BR/><BR/>Although I won't be able to attend NECC this year (and I tried, like John, to get a "Send Kate to NECC" fund going, but for some strange reason is just didn't take off) I will think about how I can share my experiences with the masses in other ways........<BR/><BR/>Thanks again for the compliment and thanks to Diane Cordell for pointing me here after my much-needed long weekend offline with my family :-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293651735518246988.post-69172705215315822272008-05-26T21:18:00.000-06:002008-05-26T21:18:00.000-06:00"Whisper words of wisdom: Let it be.""Whisper words of wisdom: Let it be."CBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11236657531187596253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293651735518246988.post-73397975542953631182008-05-25T09:15:00.000-06:002008-05-25T09:15:00.000-06:00I'm a little late to this conversation because of ...I'm a little late to this conversation because of the busy end of year rush that everyone has mentioned. I am one of those three who put my name on the wiki to help. I do want to point out, however, that had it been posted on another day, I may have missed it all together, and been lumped in with those who are said to be "not stepping up". Truthfully I don't think that it is always about whether or not we want to help or teach others, it's about how many days or hours we stay plugged in. I just happened to be plugged in that day. The day of the fantastic diigo frenzy on twitter, I was unplugged, and thus, have yet to explore that tool. I think we need to realize that we all have different levels of immersion here, and a varied amount of balance between real life and online time. I am sure more folks will jump in the ring in the next few weeks as the school year winds down.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293651735518246988.post-37462589559855711042008-05-24T12:18:00.000-06:002008-05-24T12:18:00.000-06:00I realize that it's the end of the school year for...I realize that it's the end of the school year for most teachers in the northern hemisphere - and that, at times, it can be a little hectic. However, in the ten years I've been teaching, the end of the year has been largely a time to prepare for what's ahead. Sure, you need to prepare a project or two for your students now (as testing is now likely past) but for the most part you should be able to make time for what is most important to you.<BR/><BR/>For many, bringing it back to the first comment on this post, the most important thing is to lead.<BR/><BR/>Not necessarily because they have more time, but rather because they have more <I>drive</I>.<BR/><BR/>I really like <A HREF="http://drapestakes.blogspot.com/2007/06/will-richardson-powerful-voice.html" REL="nofollow">Will Richardson said</A> at last year's NECC: You bought into education. If you don't have the time, suck it up.<BR/><BR/>Throwing your hat in the ring is simple. Go <A HREF="http://plannecc2008.iste.wikispaces.net/Bloggers+Cafe" REL="nofollow">here</A>, click "Edit This Page", and add your name to the table.Darren Draperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17578208859042859340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293651735518246988.post-55041546632751307432008-05-24T06:09:00.000-06:002008-05-24T06:09:00.000-06:00Darren,How can I throw my hat in the ring for one ...Darren,<BR/><BR/>How can I throw my hat in the ring for one of the seven-minutes discussions? I'm willing to be part of/lead a discussion on my experiences with blogging and Twitter. Can you give me more info?IMC Guyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16279699282698965195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293651735518246988.post-56816391867518445482008-05-23T19:15:00.000-06:002008-05-23T19:15:00.000-06:00Darren, I think I'm honored that you'd care to lea...Darren, I think I'm honored that you'd care to learn or even listen from me. That being said, I've got a bunch of really lame, but totally honest reasons for not putting my footprint into any of the wikis or less formal aspects of NECC. First, it's the end of the semester. For me , at least, that means I can't think past tomorrow let alone the end of June. Second, I too find the whole NECC, EBC, Unplugged, etc. mashup a bit confusing. Putting at least those two excuses together, I look forever to figuring out if I can add value to whole NECC endeavor in any way other than as an active participant. I just can't do that until much closer to the event. So, call me a game-time decision...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293651735518246988.post-24031998926902639182008-05-23T14:19:00.000-06:002008-05-23T14:19:00.000-06:00More really good discussion. More thoughts:1. NE...More really good discussion. More thoughts:<BR/><BR/>1. NECC had a wiki last year for the Bloggers Cafe, I think, but I don't think most people knew about it. <BR/><BR/>2. Maybe it helps to think of the Bloggers Cafe and the presentation area as two separate areas--not stopping the informal gathering, but adding the bonus of allowing scheduled sessions that you can actually count on seeing--and sessions which might not have made the NECC final cut, or weren't topical at the time of the request for proposals.<BR/><BR/>3. I'm hopeful that the NECC unplugged sessions will be much more like the EBC sessions, or the CR 2.0 LIVE workshops--more participative and less formal than regular concurrent sessions at NECC.<BR/><BR/>4. I think NECC is being very forward-thinking here and promoting this use of their lounges. Let's say that NECC Unplugged is successful in some way--it's likely going to be part of a new model of how to have both a selection process at a conference, and also something more free-form and current. It's a good way for them to keep NECC relevant. So, to answer Mark Wagner, even if it does become somewhat more "organized," isn't that better than not having at all? And if there is still the need for much more informal, it feels to me that we could and would figure out how to do that.<BR/><BR/>5. I, too, feel the overwhelmed thing. The question I don't have the answer to is: do we not innovate because we haven't figured out how to deal with the tidal wave of content available to us through collaborative endeavors, or do we just keep trying and not worry if we're not doing it all? One of the amazing chapters in Clay's book is "Failure for Free." If you've read the book, you might recognize that this is a great example of how innovation can come because there is no cost to trying (thanks, NECC) other than our time. If this is just too much, then don't come and don't worry about it. My guess is that some of us will find value in some of the things, and when we do, that's when we should be there.<BR/><BR/>So thanks, everyone, for the discussion and for trying to figure this out.Steve Hargadonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17776685502090744803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293651735518246988.post-70530509941312999632008-05-23T12:21:00.000-06:002008-05-23T12:21:00.000-06:00Spontaneity is definitely great. It's probably wha...Spontaneity is definitely great. It's probably what made the Blogger's Cafe such a hit last year. I don't see why things should be any different in that regard as last year, given that NECC designs the "Cafe" in the same way: informal and in plain sight of passer's-by.<BR/><BR/>That said, I don't think Unplugged will interfere at all with the kind of atmosphere you (and we all) hope for.<BR/><BR/>Still, a large part of me hopes that John Pederson was partially WRONG when he said that "sessions are for presenters. Real learning takes place in conversations". We all know how true that is <I>now</I> but I can't help thinking that all of that could change with an event like NECC Unplugged. <BR/><BR/>I like to think that it can be a conference by and for the back-channel.Darren Draperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17578208859042859340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293651735518246988.post-52656738440872219502008-05-23T11:58:00.000-06:002008-05-23T11:58:00.000-06:00Darren,I certainly see where you are coming from. ...Darren,<BR/><BR/>I certainly see where you are coming from. Count me as someone considering doign something but haven't decided what or when, and haven't had time to put two thoughts together that make sense.<BR/><BR/>I agree with Scott that the layering of events is somewhat confusing, (too many choices), and I'm looking forward with one week of school left to sitting down and opening up all my NECC screens and sorting out what the heck I'm doing!Carolyn Footehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07581454611313810543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293651735518246988.post-81190207523606586582008-05-23T11:38:00.000-06:002008-05-23T11:38:00.000-06:00Is the edublogosphere oversaturated? Probably. But...Is the edublogosphere oversaturated? Probably. But we’re all entitled to add our opinions and wisdom and expertise. <BR/><BR/>By putting in our 2 cents, the resources related to ed tech events – especially NECC – have become a bit cluttered. I just checked the http://www.edubloggercon.com/NECC+2008 today and didn’t even realize that a meeting location had been chosen for Monday night. I don’t even know if I can meet with anyone Monday night as I may have commitments for work – but the fact is that even though I follow several hundred people on Twitter, I missed the Tweet that announced the restaurant location.<BR/><BR/>It’s nearly impossible to keep up with everything. Whether it’s the end of the year, a busy day, your AC supply goes on your laptop (like mine did two days ago) or just life in general, most of us are doing the best we can. I’m doing some sessions on the floor at NECC. I want to go to the Bloggers Café and just chat with everyone on an informal basis. The day is scheduled enough.<BR/><BR/>I’m sorry that I’m not signing up to do more. But I am at http://www.edubloggercon.com/BLC2008 where my attention is not divided in so many different directions.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293651735518246988.post-83605152134041830092008-05-23T11:35:00.000-06:002008-05-23T11:35:00.000-06:00I suppose this comment probably belongs elsewhere,...I suppose this comment probably belongs elsewhere, too... but, um, I don't really want to see sessions scheduled for NECC unplugged. To run with the metaphor in the name, does anyone remember how quickly MTV's unplugged series became, well, plugged. And for LA folks, remember how quickly KROQ's "Acoustic Christmas" concert became the "Almost Acoustic Christmas"in name and the "Not At All Acoustic Christmas" in practice? <BR/><BR/>I know the wiki allows more flexibility and a shorter turn around than the official NECC session submission process (and this is good), but ultimately, I'm looking forward to a little spontaneity. I have every intention of learning and teaching as much as I can while we're there. ;)<BR/><BR/>That being said, I'll probably wind up wanting to go to some of the sessions (perhaps even yours), but suspect I might wind up still getting the most out of the before and after bits. Sessions are always good for shuffling people, though, and starting conversations. <BR/><BR/>We'll see. I'm excited about the NECC unplugged prospect regardless. I just thought this might shed some light on why more people are signing up for sessions (or to lead sessions).Mark Wagner, Ph.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05333726713166867429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293651735518246988.post-85831600270466328452008-05-23T11:05:00.000-06:002008-05-23T11:05:00.000-06:00Since my clarion call to bloggers and Twitterers e...Since my clarion call to bloggers and Twitterers everywhere, three people have added their names to the NECC Unplugged schedule: Bud Hunt, Chris Lehmann, and Kelly Dumont. In writing this post, it was never my intent to inflict Bud, Chris, or Kelly with enough pangs of guilt such that they would willingly add their names to the Unplugged agenda.<BR/><BR/>Neither was it my intent to insult Clay Shirky.<BR/><BR/>And while I can’t wait to learn more from Bud, Chris, and Kelly, my hopes in writing this post were, to a greater extent, to encourage those educators that seem to expect more. In simply scanning the Twitter dinner list, I see several that aren’t presenting at NECC but, in my opinion, definitely should (and please forgive me if I’m wrong – I’ve certainly been wrong before):<BR/><BR/>1. Chris Champion’s <A HREF="http://sparksofhope.org/" REL="nofollow">last blog post</A> is entitled “Where have all the leaders gone?” Chris, I’m asking you the very same question. You’re talented and knowledgeable. Why not teach us what you’ve learned in your adventures with your students?<BR/><BR/>2. Lee Kolbert is amazing. The tips she shares on Twitter and on <A HREF="http://macmomma.blogspot.com/" REL="nofollow">her blog</A> would appeal to any “Geeky Momma” out there – and many of them will be at NECC.<BR/><BR/>3. Scott Floyd has taught me several things through comments on my blog, posts to Twitter, and ruminations on <A HREF="http://scottsfloyd.edublogs.org/" REL="nofollow">his own blog</A>. I know if Scott signed up to present, I’d definitely want to be there.<BR/><BR/>4. Jon Becker found a way to bring the “cocktail party” conversation to the surface – something that’s been needed for months. Wouldn’t we all like to hear more from Jon – perhaps tips and tricks he learned about teaching <A HREF="http://edinsanity.com/?p=104" REL="nofollow">as a one-man band</A>?<BR/><BR/>And that's just from a quick scan of the top half of the Twitter dinner list! In perusing the list of people that contributed to <A HREF="http://strengthofweakties.org/?p=277" REL="nofollow">Jakes' original discussion</A>, I see several others that I truly wish would "step up" but I'm not sure if they're even attending NECC. Three quickies:<BR/><BR/>1. How about a 7 minute tour of educational stops in Second Life by Lisa Linn / Clare Lane?<BR/><BR/>2. Kate Olson has been extremely vocal on both Twitter and her blog. A facilitated discussion, led by her, on networked learning would be well worth everyone's time.<BR/><BR/>3. MariaDroujkova had a number of strong things to say in Jakes' post. In following her link, I see that she has a PhD in math education. Wouldn't you like to learn from her about ways that she thinks technology can help to teach math?<BR/><BR/>Now I can certainly understand how some of this process has possibly been confusing. It’s new to all of us and we’re all learning together.<BR/><BR/>I also understand that it's still early, and that different people have different reasons for not wanting to present.<BR/><BR/>But when I see such tremendous potential being wasted, I worry (and not only about NECC Unplugged but about the hideously lack of response from members of my own district to the <A HREF="http://tinyurl.com/663ahe" REL="nofollow">Live Workshop planned for Salt Lake City</A> - how many email addressed do you count from the Jordan domain?). <BR/><BR/>I think NECC Unplugged is a fantastic idea. I really do. And if it means that I must let folks lurk - easing their way into the scene – in order for all of this to succeed, then I will.<BR/><BR/>I just wish they’d lose the fear already and lend a helping hand.Darren Draperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17578208859042859340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293651735518246988.post-91164649152644317912008-05-23T09:26:00.000-06:002008-05-23T09:26:00.000-06:00Great comments so far. I'll try to respond as bes...Great comments so far. I'll try to respond as best I can.<BR/><BR/>1. I think the reality of planning where you're going to be when at NECC is hard, and I haven't worried about the lack of response so far because of that, and because I've wanted to allow for spontaneity. I actually have thought that many of the speed demos, etc. might actually get scheduled the day before or the day of... <BR/><BR/>2. I have worried a little about the balance between "scheduling" and "freeform" in the Bloggers Cafe, but after several discussions about this during Classroom 2.0 LIVE Conversations, it became apparent that many educators felt intimidated by the Bloggers Cafe, and were hesitant to even come in. The idea of having some "scheduled" sessions there was enormously attracrive to these folks because it would give a reason to be there.<BR/><BR/>3. I *think* that NECC is going to provide a side area with seating so that there can still be spontaneous stuff going on as well as the presentations / speed demos / etc.<BR/><BR/>4. The column for "mentoring" is an experiment to see if people might like to just let others know they will be in the BC at a certain time and are willing to help. Not sure it's a great idea. (Hey, there's a lot of spaghetti being thrown against the wall here!)<BR/><BR/>5. I really wish we could have one page that had columns for each of the lounges at NECC, so there was a greater sense of being LOTS of time and slots available--more than I think will actually get filled (?). But NECC was hesitant to have the schedule exist off of their own wiki site, and felt that all of the lounges on one page was too crowded (their white-label Wikispace is narrower than a regular one). This is part of what I want to figure out in the scheduled Elluminate schedule coming up.<BR/><BR/>6. Of Scott M's many valid responses, he's right about waiting until after EBC to see what didn't get said. Again, seeing only the BC area makes it seem like space/time is limited.<BR/><BR/>7. Again to Scott's points: I put in potential kinds of sessions, just to populate the sheet, but I think it can be changed. What's going to be interesting here is how much the "law of two feet" will apply. Unlike EBC where there is something of a voting process that will take place (the week before? the morning of?), what will happen if someone signs up to take an hour, and nobody is interested? (A nod toward David Jakes and concerns about the "tragedy of the commons" as well.) Also, the listing of "concurrent session" times is just to give folks an idea of what else is going on at those time in the formal conference.<BR/><BR/>8. Honestly, I have no idea how this will go. In the best case scenario, folks who didn't get accepted to present formally will have that opportunity, the Bloggers Cafe will be more inviting, and we'll have a LOT of fun but without feeling constrained by the schedule. In the worst case, it's a zoo. But even in the worst case, I think it's a win. We'll learn a lot about a very new idea: holding an unconference in the middle of a conference, supported by the conference organizers. I wish I had more time to really work on this in advance, but I've been busy and I've allowed myself to accept some looseness now so that it really can be more group-organized than stevehargadon-organized. <BR/><BR/>9. For the record, Clay Shirky's book is a profound masterpiece. I've written notes on literally every page of the book. I'm still studying the implications of it.<BR/><BR/>10. I think we have to be very sensitive to the need for people to lurk. Classroom 2.0 "works," I think, because of this. When we demand participation, we're not recognizing how hard a journey this can be for most folks. <BR/><BR/>Thanks for all the good feedback. If "NECC Unplugged" is a good idea (I think it is!), then let's build it together into something that really adds to the formal conference and is fun for us all.Steve Hargadonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17776685502090744803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293651735518246988.post-76585030003302119062008-05-23T08:55:00.000-06:002008-05-23T08:55:00.000-06:00DarrenJust when I thought it was safe to go back i...Darren<BR/><BR/>Just when I thought it was safe to go back into the water.....here comes the widely read and discussed reference to David Jakes's post.<BR/><BR/>And you nailed it. <BR/><BR/>While I know it is the end of the year and things get hectic, the EduBloggerCon and NECC UnPlugged sites have been up for a couple of months and people have had the change to "step up" as David puts it.<BR/><BR/>I am guilty as well - even though I just got my paperwork approved, I should have gone forward with stepping up. You are to be commended for doing so and for bring us back to the Jakes post and its message, which, unfortunately got lost in the ensuing exchange of thoughts, ideas and personal positions that ensured.<BR/><BR/>See you at NECC! Your push made my fingers go wild and I signed up to lead a session!<BR/><BR/>StuartStuart Ciske, Ph.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/08226913080314872402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293651735518246988.post-56267315752649621412008-05-22T21:08:00.000-06:002008-05-22T21:08:00.000-06:00SmilesFirst, yes, I was trying to say "Thank you" ...Smiles<BR/><BR/>First, yes, I was trying to say "Thank you" Darren, but perhaps I didn't say it right!! <BR/><BR/>Also -- Though I hope that more people do sign up -- I hope there is time for spontaneous learning and conversations!! And not all "planned" speeches!!<BR/><BR/>One of the best memories I have at NECC 2007, was when (at the bloggers cafe) someone took over the Plasma screen and just started talking to people coming by. It was not planned -- yet it was MEMORABLE.<BR/><BR/>I hope we don't overplan so much that we miss the special One Of A Kind Moments.<BR/><BR/>JenJLWagnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12978220738136752497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293651735518246988.post-85727002443027523762008-05-22T20:56:00.000-06:002008-05-22T20:56:00.000-06:00I first heard about the spontaneous blogger meetin...I first heard about the spontaneous blogger meeting that was the highlight of NECC last year and got really excited. See, I went to NECC 2 years ago and was a little disappointed. So after hearing about what was the startup to Edubloggercon, I signed up on the EBC wiki and have since followed. When the NECC Unplugged wiki got going I signed up but honestly, havent been able to get it all together yet. I have thought about presenting but there are several reasons I haven't signed up to instruct a session, some of which have been mentioned already by your readers but here goes anyway:<BR/><BR/>1. It is a little intimidating to think about presenting to a lot of people who you really respect, and that you follow, but that you know don't really learn from you. Part of Twittering links out to my new blog posts hasn't been because I want to pat myself on the back for getting more readers. Its not because Im trying to promote my name. Its because I want to see if I have ideas that leaders in our network can learn from. <BR/><BR/>2. Along with McCleod, I haven't quite 'got' the whole schedule of events yet. <BR/><BR/>3. I haven't even had time to set up my conference planner because of it being the end of the school-year. So not sure where NECC fits into my edubloggerconference yet.<BR/><BR/>You make some great points in your post, but I dont think its so cut and dry. There is more to presenting at this thing than just being a teacher and sharing ideas f2f.<BR/><BR/>One of my main goals as a growing educator is too push myself, all the time. Thanks for the kick in the pants on this one. I will sign up for a session as soon as I can get my freakin school to finalize the okay!Cory Ploughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10961407128890788676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293651735518246988.post-33288321150392608232008-05-22T20:00:00.000-06:002008-05-22T20:00:00.000-06:00I know in my case as a classroom teacher I'm think...I know in my case as a classroom teacher I'm thinking "What's the rush?" NECC is still over a month away ... I'm so busy finishing up the school year I really don't need anything else to have to make a decision about right now. On the other hand, school is out in a few weeks and then I have plenty of time to come up with an idea for Edbloggercon, add my name to the wiki, (I did sign up for the Ning), and all the other things to do and decisions to make about NECC.<BR/><BR/>Also ... I think its pretty intimidating to teach a class opposite some of the people that will be there. I know last year I had an Idea, but then I wondered what I would miss in some other discussion while I was doing mine (and who would come to mine if (fill in the blank) is doing one at the same time? This is the only conference I get to go to this year ... I don't get to see many of these people multiple times a year like others do ... I think that is going through many heads also.<BR/><BR/>Give people a chance. I think it's good you raised the issue ... hopefully now more will come.<BR/>Brianbcrosbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15298877903903135485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293651735518246988.post-91609918190918578842008-05-22T18:27:00.000-06:002008-05-22T18:27:00.000-06:00As someone who has been to NECC several times, I k...As someone who has been to NECC several times, I know how crazy it gets. I've already got sessions triple-booked that I want to see. It's hard to commit to anything new when there is just so much going on! <BR/><BR/>Dinner is easy, but days tend to shape themselves off the tension of good intentions and sore feet. Let's not blame this on Twitter or some new social theory.<BR/><BR/>I think what people liked so much about the Bloggers Cafe last year was the drop-in, spontaneous nature - so over-scheduling this seems counter-productive as well.<BR/><BR/>I think those of us who regularly volunteer to stand up and blab in front of an audience should be more considerate of people who haven't. It's overwhelming, and seems a lot to ask of someone to put your name down on a wiki, which, as Scott points out, is confusing and intimidating.<BR/><BR/>Of course people should sign up. But I really think that the lack of volunteers at this point is not "pathetic" as much as just a reflection of reality.<BR/><BR/>Plus, you want to leave a lot of space so that people who get inspired on-site to speak up can still do so on Monday or Tuesday.<BR/><BR/>I really think that the magical moments of NECC will not be found in the program -- or the unplugged wiki. We should resist the impulse to try to pre-plan all of them.<BR/><BR/>Monday 10:30 AM - Have epiphany<BR/>Tuesday 2:32 PM - Magical moment<BR/>Wed 1AM - Find meaning of lifeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293651735518246988.post-84474170590266508252008-05-22T18:18:00.000-06:002008-05-22T18:18:00.000-06:00Still working on re-acquiring my ride to NECC. Th...Still working on re-acquiring my ride to NECC. The battle is not going well. Take up a fund to send @ijohnpederson to NECC.<BR/><BR/>lolcats for everybody.John Pedersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05720047066123851541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293651735518246988.post-70185165193403135462008-05-22T17:23:00.000-06:002008-05-22T17:23:00.000-06:00Mr. Shirkey:I agree with your comment for the most...Mr. Shirkey:<BR/><BR/>I agree with your comment for the most part...<BR/><BR/>But I do find it somewhat ironic that your response was posted in a comment on this blog.<BR/><BR/>Respectfully, DavidDavidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07323501470071470799noreply@blogger.com