Debrief

Please share some thoughts about what worked well and what could have worked better at Camp 2012:

Lots of session variety. We need a way to get information to the large group during Camp. Lunch is too chaotic. Maybe build in some time for large group sessions?

One suggestion heard was to make the morning session (at least for the first day, but could be each day) 10 minutes longer to accomodate for announcements.

Good idea about the announcements on the 1st day and maybe even talk about the credit option. For some reason teachers get very stressed out about the writing of the lesson plan.

I felt so removed from everything. It was harder to ask tech questions than it was in the past.

I didn't think lunch was that chaotic. When you are trying to feed that many people in a short period of time it will probably be somewhat chaotic.

Somebody had suggested we offer some classes in the evening. This person teaches Enrichment classes and they are always unable to attend the morning sessions.

**West Fargo Information:**

 * __Participant Feedback:__**
 * Summary: ** overwhelmingly positive feedback from WF attendees. All were impressed with the organization, the sessions and the general concept of the event. Our participants consistently reported “feeling good” about attending and their experience. In addition, the highlighted comment below speaks volumes on the climate of the event. Lastly, the tertiary goal of inter-district collaboration opportunities was also another theme that came out of these discussions.
 * Lot of session options
 * Timing of camp – the dates were perfect
 * Organization of camp was exceptional
 * Registration system was easy to use and comprehensive
 * Visiting with others / collaboration was a valuable piece
 * Collaboration with people in other districts that have the same job
 * Creating connections between districts
 * Some sessions required mixing of people from the different districts
 * Very competent presenters
 * Cost and onsite lunch –truly integrated experience– made camp easy and enjoyable
 * Technical assistance available and responsive to needs
 * Liked the ability to check out a computer
 * Whole workshop was non-threatening
 * Given time to use the information
 * I LOVED the QR codes on the name badges that linked directly to individual’s sessions. What a great idea!
 * Overall it was truly a success. Everything seemed to run very smoothly and the food and helpers were awesome.
 * I liked that there were different tracks available for administrators and special educators. I would love to see both of those again.


 * __General Suggestions/Thoughts for Future:__** //(Even though the following were gathered from the same participant group, I did not include them in the general feedback session as these suggestions/critical feedback pieces had to be specifically solicited from them. Again, the overwhelming response was extremely positive.)//
 * Summary ** : Providing more detail in course descriptions was a theme that emerged. Most of the suggestions below will be met/addressed now that we in WF have more experience in participating in the event and/or by continuing our presenter orientation that we started this year. Perhaps a presenter info sheet can be created and distributed next year with essential information and expectations. The sub track for orientating these professionals to all three districts is an intriguing suggestion.
 * Course descriptions should include target audience
 * If focused to high school – indicate that
 * Add description of resource source in description – free, web based, etc
 * Note if WF will not have it
 * Acknowledge what we have and how we can replicate
 * Teacher communication
 * Creating logins accounts, etc before hand
 * Using the communication tool to welcome, prep, and get info materials to people
 * Teacher should indicate their focus
 * Give a background of what it is and how it is used
 * Orientation at the first session of day 1
 * Give time for reflections at the end of each session
 * Potentially a sub track
 * Debrief sessions that are specific to discipline – have a facilitator and have the groups share out
 * Consider follow up opportunities throughout the year – even after school

__**WF Admin Participant Feedback**__
 * Summary: ** Overall, very impressed and appreciative of the admin track and topics. Thankful that their staff had the opportunity to attend and grow their skills to have a positive impact on their buildings.
 * "This was definitely time well spent. Thanks for making something so cool a reality!"
 * "It was a HUGE SUCCESS!!!! It was such a wonderful opportunity for our educators to learn new skills and share ideas for technology integration. I had a great time and learned a lot!"
 * **"**I heard nothing but great things from my teachers."

__**WF Presenter Feedback/Suggestions**__
 * Summary **: again, very positive and all were very thankful for the opportunity. The timing piece will always exist for those that choose to do summer school.
 * ** " ** The only thing I wish is that it was at a different time so that summer school did not conflict with it for me so I could attend some sessions. Otherwise, I enjoyed presenting. Thank you for letting me know about this."
 * "Thanks, I really enjoyed myself and I think others liked my sessions.... It was fun and I would do it again."
 * **"**Thanks for presenting us with this opportunity. And I think all of us from the 7th grade team would be very interested in participating again."
 * ** " **I thought the conference was very, very organized. I knew which room I was assigned to, how many participants would attend, etc. When I had tech questions, there were plenty of technology people to assist. The facility was up to date with wireless, speakers, and projectors available. I would not change a thing. Thanks!"
 * "Thanks to all the team members for planning a wonderful learning experience. I look forward to presenting and participating again next year! I already have session ideas"
 * Presenter Suggestions: **
 * Vary the session lengths, if possible. Two hours is too long for some sessions and too short for others. My twitter session is an example of one that did not need two hours, but my iPod session could have gone longer.
 * One of my sessions, Universal Design for Learning, had SPED in front of it. Although Universal Design for Learning came from special education, it is a concept that general educators should be learning about as well. Putting SPED in front of it deterred general educators from attending (I believe). It would be good to double check with all presenters on the name/description.
 * Get more people tweeting! Announce the hashtag and put it on programs and such, have t-shirts for tech camp staff that have the hashtag on the back (also a great way to identify who is a helper).