I have been graciously asked by Andrew Marcinek to participate in a panel at ntcamp 2010 on Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) with my friends and colleagues Tom Whitby, Kyle Pace and Steven Anderson. One of the most important resources that a new teacher can have is other teachers.  Without a strong base of support, many new teachers leave the profession or find themselves overwhelmed.  Building a PLN, whether it be within their own building or through online tools like Twitter, blogs and Nings is vital not only for new teachers but for all teachers.

As a panel we want to make sure we address what the attendees want to hear. Andrew has put together a Wallwisher to crowdsource some questions and topics for us to address as a panel.

Please add to the Wallwisher with some guiding questions or discussion questions for us!



For more on PLNs: 

Why everyone needs a great PLN
What Makes a PLN Valuable to You?
5 Things You Can Do to Begin Developing Your PLN

In a little under 2 weeks I will be attending ntcamp 2010 in Philadelphia. What is 'ntcamp' you ask?



 Here's the run down:

• an unconference modeled after edcamp and barcamp 
• a day of conversation based around topics relevant for new teachers (ntcamp!)
• a day of participant-run sessions

I was an organizer of the inaugural edcamp unconference here in Philly and I have been ecstatic watching them spread all over the country. I am even more excited to have the first edcamp for new teachers to be held here in Philadelphia!

Why should I attend ntcamp?

As a true unconference, ntcamp is FREE. It is free from vendors. It is free from death by PowerPoint. Best of all, it is free of charge.  Sessions are scheduled the morning of the conference by the attendees themselves. If a session doesn't live up to your expectations or you are free to 'vote with your feet' and choose a different session. Sessions are informal and are a great way to meet other educators with a passion for what they do.  Often, conversations extend past the session's time limit into the hallways or lunch.

Who should attend ntcamp?

As the name suggests, ntcamp is geared toward new teachers.  However, there really is no limit to who can and can't attend. Anyone who is invested in education is welcome.  Ideally, a veteran teacher would be able to bring a new teacher with him or her to experience the varied discussions and resources shared.

How can I register?

You can register at TicketLeap.

For more on unconferences
Another unconference by Lisa Thumann
Wikipedia definition of unconference