What's an EdCamp or an Unconference?

One of the most powerful things about attending a conference like ISTE 2010, is the conversations you have between the sessions and the people you meet.  That's why I'm so intrigued by the idea of an edcamp or unconference.  This voicethread explains the concept well:

And Lisa Thumann not only explains it here, she is helping plan one coming up soon. 

I have never attended an unconference, but have learned much online from others attending or sharing at them.  I have been intrigued by the idea of how they get started and wonder why I have never seen one with the topic of ed tech where I live or anywhere down south!

So, in the avenue of being "the change you want to see" I'm thinking of planning one.  Anyone with me?  Would you be willing to lead discussions and come learn?  What do you think?

Personal Learning Networks in Second Life

Discovery Education teacher leaders in Second Life came to share with us about how to build your Personal Learning Network in Second Life.

If you've never heard of Second Life, it's described on their site as "a free online virtual world imagined and created by its Residents. From the moment you enter Second Life, you'll discover a fast-growing digital world filled with people, entertainment, experiences and opportunity."
So basically, most anything you can do in real life you can do in Second Life!

Educators everywhere are discovering that they are able to get just in time professional development by virtual participation in Second Life. The first step is creating an avatar and learning how to navigate your way around the virtual world. A great suggestion we were given was to find a friend that can help you. If you don't know anyone in Second Life now, simply friend one of these educators and explain you are new to Second Life. Their Second Life names are:

Beth Kohnke
Lor Fredriksson
Unklar Klaar
Vita Demina

Second Life allows you the ability to build your PLN by joining groups where opportunities are available. If you follow the Discovery Educator Blog and Wiki you will be able to see when activities are available.

Caledon Oxbridge University is a teacher friendly space. They have free dormitory space for teachers as well as a classroom available for teacher use. You just need to contact them to reserve it. They also have activities to help newbies enter into the world of Second Life.

Limitless learning is available to you. Jump in and get started!