KidsCamp, Building The Next Generation of Web Developers Through STEAM Projects

KidsCamp, Building The Next Generation of Web Developers
Through STEAM Projects
by William Jackson, M.Ed.
KidsCamp Organizers for WordCamp Orlando and Jacksonville
Co-Organizer Aida Correa

The 2018 WordCamp Orlando conference has drawn hundreds
each year to learn about what is new in technology. Attendees
from across the country and even from foreign nations attend
to learn business tips, SEO – Search Engine Optimization
strategies, applying eCommerce tools, business law, web
development, new coding integration, Gutenburg and building
PLNs Professional Learning Networks.

The year’s #WCORL and #KidsCamp has seen presentations
by teens expressing their understanding of where the web is
going and suggestions on the direction the web should take.
Sharing their concerns, visions, innovative ideas for business
development, marketing, building Brands and creating Niches.

Youth, teens and young adults are building businesses and
willing to share their ideas about how the web can help
in Branding and Marketing. These are skills youth, teens
and young adults are learning.

KidsCamp Orlando 2018 theme “SPACE,” directed by
Organizer William Jackson and Co-Organizer Aida Correa
the youth attending from 7yrs old to 14 yrs old were involved in
STEAM related projects that prepared and created their first web
site on the WordPress.com platform. Using the free hosting service
option, the youth attending created a dynamic web presence that
will grow as they grow in their skills and abilities.

The focus on elements of STEAM – Science Technology Engineering
Arts Math/Music to engage youth in learning that is fun, creative and
begs for innovation. Project based learning is a powerful tool for youth
that are autistic and creative thinkers.

STEAM has helped hundreds of youth, teens and young adults see
the value and benefits of using tech to grow in business as an
entrepreneur, sole-preneur and in thought leadership.
KidsCamp are a growing part of every WordCamp conference
because youth, teens and young adults are demanding equal
access to knowledge and developing their skills just as adults are
in an nurturing and networking environment.

As youth grow so does the need for them to be taught how to be
producers of content not just consumers and to start new businesses
for the 21^st and 22^nd century. Parents can register for both and have
a wonderful experience building, designing, engaging and creating
great memories together while learning from STEAM and STEM
activities.

Welcome to Kids Camp Miami 2019
https://2019.miami.wordcamp.org/kids/
William Jackson – Twitter http://twitter.com/wmjackson
Aida Correa – Twitter http://twitter.com/lovebuiltlife

https://2019.miami.wordcamp.org/
WordCamp Miami will be Saturday and Sunday, March 16 and 17,
2019 at Florida International University. The kids camp from 6 to 12
will be run again by William Jackson and Aida Correa and the
youth portion, 13 to 17 managed by Sandy Edwards.
WordCamp Jacksonville will be Friday and Saturday, June 29 – 30,
2019 https://2018.jacksonville.wordcamp.org/

Resources and Organizers:
WordCamp Central
https://central.wordcamp.org/

WordCamp Orlando 2018

 

“Ink of Inspiration” in Content Development at WordCamp Conferences

 

“Ink of Inspiration” in Content Development at WordCamp Conferences
William Jackson #MyQuestToTeach #WordCamp

The digital environment of Social Media, Wed Development, the
multiple web based platforms of engagement has changed the
methodology of communication and collaboration globally.
From the United States to Central America, to Canada,
to Europe and Africa, the growth and development of technology
is influencing global connections.

The process of sharing content is forever changed, everyone has
a story to tell; their opinions, their ideas, emotional connections
or disconnection and casual conversation with family and friends.
The methodology of sharing content has digitally adapted and
continues to adapt to platforms, tools and Apps.
The “Ink of Inspiration” is directed by the creation of content,
content that is authentic, inspiring, diverse, intellectual and
emotional. The use of technology, the application of social skills
on digital platforms cannot be denied, nor can it be ignored.
Looking at the current (2019) President and arguably the effective
use and efficient application of Twitter to make things happen and
influence minds.

WordCamp conferences are national and international in presence
and their purpose to “democratize the web.” Democratize refers
to the way people access and contribute to the Internet. How their
content is not static, but dynamic and engaging. Designed to
welcome feedback in some way.
There is an interactive element built into the process of content
development and content engagement. Social Media is a central
discussion point for those attending WordCamp conferences that
seek to grow their Brands and Business.

There is an “Ink of Inspiration” in content creation that demands
active and authentic content development from traditional Blogging
(writing) to Video and Podcasting.
The formats of posting content can be as Podcasting, VBlogging,
MicroBlogging and VRBlogging. Youth, teens and young adults must
understand that their content can either be their best friend or
worst enemy depending on what they post. I share this when speaking
at WordCamp and KidsCamp conferences that their content can either
maximize their Brand(s) or minimize its impact locally, nationally
and even on an international level.

Content has the flexibility of text, graphics, video, audio or a
diversity of mixed development creating the path to integrate
innovate, create, and collaborate.
“Digital Inkers” have the responsibility to create quality content
that builds community and opens doors to collaboration. They grow
into influencers and share the power of thought leadership and
digital intellectualism and innovation. All this happens at WordCamp
and even KidsCamp conferences.

The power of written and spoken words are generating perceptions
that can be socially productive, engaging and change social perceptions.
Words create power, purpose and productivity.
A single picture, a short video clip can either elevate a person
(going viral) or lower their importance and influence in the world
by using racial, sexual and de-humanizing terms. Content has power !!!
The “Ink” that you use to create content should be lasting and influential,
content creators should question how their content is interpreted and
perceived.

Is your “Ink”carrying power, passion and a purpose?
The “Ink of Inspiration” can be a uniting force of good and unity or a
force of destruction and upheaval.
Use your ink wisely…. #MyQuestToTeach

Each of these wonderful talks provided by William Jackson are
locally, nationally and internationally recognized.
Recorded by PodCasters that are experts in their careers and
influencers with their content and community engagement.
Teaching over 31 years in public education,  WordCamp blogger,
advocate, speaker, volunteer and sponsor since 2016 shares knowledge,
wisdom, experiences as a professional educator and technology
innovator.

Listen to “Completely Booked”
Jacksonville Public Library
Interview of William Jackson, NASA Educator, Agent of STEAM,
Reading Advocate, Educational Professional,
Social Media Consultant, WordCamp and KidsCamp everything.
https://www.jaxpubliclibrary.org/podcast/lets-get-steamy-william-jackson

Listen to “HallWay Chats”
Online discussion about WordCamp, Technology, Education
STEAM and philosophy about education.
https://hallwaychats.com/episodes/episode-83-william-jackson/

WordPress TV
William Jackson’s presentations
How To Be Dope On Social Media and Social Media and the Value
of Diversity and Cultural Connections.
https://wordpress.tv/speakers/william-jackson/

Internationally speaking at WordCamp Costa Rica Central America
and WordCampYYC Calgary Canada in 2018.

 

 

Building The Next Generation of Web Developers In Africa

Building The Next Generation of Web Developers In Africa
William Jackson, M.Ed.

KidsCamp Organizer for WordCamp Orlando and
Jacksonville Co-Organizer Aida Correa

The 2018 WordCamp Orlando conference in the
United States has drawn hundreds each year to
learn about what is new in technology.
Attendees from across the country and even from
foreign nations attend to learn business tips,
SEO – Search Engine Optimization strategies,
applying eCommerce tools, business law, web
development, new coding integration, and more.
The growing WordCamp conferences in Africa are
creating networking and collaboration changes for
Bloggers, Video-Bloggers, Podcasters, YouTubers
and Journalists.

The dynamic environment of a WordCamp is a building
of community that is democratizing the web. Allowing
people to create innovative and dynamic content to
connect globally.
As a WordCamp speaker, volunteer, advocate and
organizer I regularly sponsor students and teachers to
attend to gain a unique experience.
There are a growing number of youth and teens attending
WordCamp  with Youth Camp. African youth, teen and
young adults have something to say about what is going
with web development and emerging technologies in Africa.
This year’s #WCORL in America has seen presentations
by teens expressing their understanding of where the web
is going and suggesting on the direction the web should take.
Sharing their concerns, visions, innovative ideas for business
development, marketing, building Brands and creating Niches.

Youth, teens and young adults are building businesses and
willing to share their ideas about how the web can help
in Branding and Marketing. This is growing in size in Africa
on the continent and is not a trend, but a moment.

Young African people want to be heard and should be heard,
they are the future of web development and online businesses
in Africa, they will help to stabilize African economies and create
digital changes in the African educational systems in place.
Because of the inclusiveness of the web and the ease of
digital tools youth, teens and young adult are creating businesses,
building diverse content and involved in community activism.
KidsCamp Orlando 2018 theme is “SPACE,” directed by
Lead Organizer William Jackson and Co-Organizer Aida Correa
the youth attending from 7 yrs to 14 yrs were involved in STEAM
related projects that helped prepare their first web site on the
Wordpress.com platform.

Using the free hosting service option, the youth attending created
a dynamic web presence that will grow as they grow in their skills
and abilities.
The same curriculum that is applied by William Jackson and
Aida Correa shows that STEAM is a global equalizer in building
critical thinkers, thought leadership and innovative creatives.
The focus on elements of STEAM – Science Technology Engineering
Arts Math/Music to engage youth in learning that is fun, creative and
begs for innovation.

Project based learning is a powerful tool for youth that are autistic
and creative thinkers too. All children are encouraged to be creative
and innovative, not constrained by the limitations of the traditional
classroom model. KidsCamp is a great opportunity for kids to network
in their communities and on the African continent.

KidsCamp should be a part of every WordCamp conference globally
because youth, teens and young adults are demanding equal access
to knowledge and developing their skills just as adults.
African nations that are progressive like Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya
are implementing diverse learning skill-sets.
As youth grow so does the need for them to be taught how to be producers
of content not just consumers and to start new businesses for the 22^st and
23^nd century.

KidsCamp Miami Panel Discussion
https://wordpress.tv/2016/05/02/kids-wordpress-panel-discussion/

WordCamps in Africa in 2018 are;
WordCamp Harare
https://2018.harare.wordcamp.org/

WordCamp Nairobi
https://2018.nairobi.wordcamp.org/

WordCamps in Africa in 2019
WordCamp Lagos
https://2019.lagos.wordcamp.org/

WordCamp Bulawayo
https://2018.bulawayo.wordcamp.org/

Resources:
William Jackson, M.Ed.
My Quest To Teach – myquesttoteach@gmail.com
http://myquesttoteach.com/
Aida Correa – heisintheart@gmail.com
http://lovebuiltlife.com/
WordCamp Orlando
https://2018.orlando.wordcamp.org/
WordCamp Central
https://central.wordcamp.org/

Making WordCamp Conferences Fun and Inviting for Kids with KidsCamp

Making WordCamp Conferences Fun and Inviting for Kids with KidsCamp
William Jackson, KidsCamp Lead Organizer Aida Correa Co-Organizer

Lead Organizer William Jackson
Co-Organizer Aida Correa

William Jackson and Aida Correa, KidsCamp Organizers for KidsCamp
Orlando 2018 incorporated an initiative of STEAM  (Science Technology
Engineering Arts Music) into the movement of KidsCamp.

The attending kids at KidsCamp Orlando, Florida (16) ages 7 to 12
participated in projects that required completing individual and group
projects based on the theme of “Space.” Incorporating design thinking,
creative thought process and critical thinking. A personal spaceship as
an individual project and group project designing a space
station with mission requirements that would have impressed NASA.

The criteria ranged in creating a name for the spaceship, a mission,
a diverse crew that represented the community and how they could
work together to solve problems that are issues on earth.
The kids were provided the honor of being called “Captains” and their
parents the “First Officers” or “Number Ones,” terms used in Star Trek
and other space movies to work within the theme of “Space.”

The parents, in positions of support and guidance while the kids were
designated having the ultimate responsibility of leadership roles. The
“Captains” were engaged in working together as teams to encourage
collaboration, team work and using critical and higher order thinking.
Once the projects were completed they were presented by
the kids and questions were encouraged from the audience.

Additional projects were a Scavenger Hunt and the final project was
designing a web site on the WordPress.com platform and posted online
for the world to see with their parents supervision.

WordCamp conferences are changing the way web development is seen
by children, it is not just for adults, encouraging youth, teens and young adults
to participate and embrace the excitement and learning of digital web design,
HTML Coding and gaining tech skills that will lead to potential employment and
business opportunities.

The next WordCamp is WordCamp Jacksonville 2019 where there will be a
WordCamp for adults and a KidsCamp for youth, teens and young adults lead
by William Jackson and Aida Correa as Organizers. The theme embraces the
“Beach.”

Having businesses connected to STEAM; Ms. Correa (LoveBuilt Life LLC) a
designer, artist and writer has spoken at national venues focusing on child
development and welfare and spoken at WordCamp conferences in 2018.
Mr. Jackson is a national and international blogger over 15 years and educator
with Duval County Public Schools over 30 years of service. He has spoken
at WordCamp conferences since 2017 nationally and internationally. They are
changing the way tech conferences are managed to promote participation by
youth to be involved in areas they enjoy with tech embracing creativity and
innovation.

More information to register kids and youth for WordCamp Jacksonville 2019
can be found at https://2019.jacksonville.wordcamp.org/ for
Saturday, June 30^th 2019. Register early.
Parents must accompany their children during the KidsCamp but can switch with
another adult if both parents or guardians are attending WordCamp.

STEAM will again be integrated into the creative and learning process that engages
and excites youth to learn and be active and contributing to the learning environment.
Learning is important, but having fun is key also, KidsCamp is a great opportunity for
parents and their children to collaborate, cooperate and share.
Global WordCamp Conferences
https://central.wordcamp.org/

WordCamp Jacksonville, Florida 2019
https://2018.jacksonville.wordcamp.org/

KidsCamp Orlando 2018