20 Things Youth and Teens Need to Bring with Them to a WordCamp Kids Workshop

20 Things Youth and Teens Need to Bring with Them to a WordCamp Kids Workshop
William Jackson, M.Ed.
Teacher Kids Workshop, WordCamp Europe 2023
William Jackson and Aida Correa Jackson are teachers at the upcoming WordCamp Europe 2023 Workshop for Kids.  They have been members
of the WordPress / WordCamp community since 2010 and 2018 respectively.

They have taught in Kids / Youth / Teen WordCamp conferences in Miami, Florida, Orlando, Florida, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, San Jose, Costa Rica, Central America, Jacksonville, Florida and virtually in Nicaragua, Central America, WordCamp Central America Kids Camp and virtually with several African WordCamp conferences.

There are 20 essential things that are needed to help the experience of attending a WordCamp and Kids / Youth / Teens camp more enjoyable, fun, engaging, exciting and worthwhile. The experiences have helped to make
the journey and experience positively memorable and beneficial even after
the experience.

User experiences are important even for the youth, teens and young adults that will potentially be attending. Their participation is just as important as the adults, because the younger audiences are the future of WordPress and WordCamp. As technology changes, as the value and importance of technological evolution influences WordPress there is a need to be
prepared with hardware, software, resources, and items to help the
experience exceed expectations.

20 potential items that maybe needed for WordCamp Europe
2023 Workshop

1. A functional laptop or tablet that can access the wireless network
at WordCamp Europe 2023.
2. Software that is web enabled with updated browser(s) to access
the software that will be used for WordPress.com and Internet searching.
3. Power Cables to keep the devices charged.
4. If using a laptop have available a mouse that works and will connect and configured to the device. Make sure your devices are clean.
5. Pencil, pens, notebook to take notes.
6. Clothe and sanitizing wipes to keep devices clean.
7. Personal water bottle to drink from or to refill to stay hydrated.
8. Comfortable walking shoes that give support, comfort, and allow feet
to breath and stretch.
9. Comfortable clothing that is not tight, constraining, allow the body to move fluidly with comfort and ease. Sitting comfortably for several hours.
10. If bringing a Smartphone make sure it is fully charged and have the charger available. Check to see if Smartphone software is current and updated.
11. Documentation with username and passwords written down for emails to gain access to for registering verification for WordPress.com
If already have a WordPress.com account have a current
Username & Password.
12. Small snack to help feel refreshed and comfortable.
13. Personal medications that maybe needed during workshop.
14. Parents or guardians contact information for emergencies.
15. Glasses, eye wear, jackets, or other clothing for the conditions
of the room.
16. Headphones for personal use during project development.
17. Enthusiasm and respect for what is being offered.
This is a Workshop not babysitting.
18. Respect all adults, they are volunteering their time to teach,
support and share experiences and knowledge. Parents will be
contacted if their children are rude and disrespectful.
19. Respect others when asking question, respect the learning
process and have patience for those new to WordPress.
20.  Expect to see youth and teens of different backgrounds.
There will be no bullying, name calling, cultural disrespect.
Keep hands and other body parts to yourself. Any potential
altercations parents will be requested to come retrieve their
children from a designated place.

All questions will be answered to be best of the ability of the teachers.
There will be volunteers to help with language issues, cultural issues
and circumstances that need to be addressed.

This is a unique opportunity to learn about WordPress and one day
build to being a WordCamp Volunteer, Speaker, Organizer or other
position.

TLAM Students Interview Women & Men of Success & Influence with Technology In 2023

TLAM Students Interview Women & Men of Success & Influence with Technology In 2023

Photo: William Jackson, Pamela Canepa sponsors of the Newspaper,
Podcast and Metaverse Club at Twin Lakes Academy Middle School.
Student writers Jenna and Abigail pictured.

William Jackson and Pamela Canepa in 2021 started new clubs at TLAM
to promote the growth of reading, writing, comprehension, blogging,
news reporting, content creation with audio, video and integrating
the Metaverse. The creation of the TLAM Newspaper, Podcast and
Metaverse Clubs were born with the support of
Principal Aurelia Williams.

The students (6th, 7th, 8th) applied the skills they learned interviewed professionals from WordPress (Web Development), WJCT (Radio),
WJXT (Television), Metaverse (Spatial) and Anchor (Podcasting).

February 2023 interviewed Rance Adams of WJXT (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rancea),
Topher DeRosia of HeroPress (https://www.linkedin.com/in/topher1kenobe/) and William Jackson, retired teacher from DCPS and CEO of
My Quest To Teach (https://myquesttoteach.com) to show the diversity
of men in technology.

Rance Adams (co-producer of River City Live) a well-known Jacksonville community reporter, and producer, directly participate with the
TLAM students with in-person visits.
The interview can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KwkMRiKcyg

Speaking with Topher DeRosia who travels globally speaking
about web development through his company (WEBDEV), the
WordPress global community is a respected and experienced web
developer with his wife (Kate) and daughter (Sophia). They manage
the Global HeroPress, interviewing people known across WordPress (https://heropress.com/ ).

Speaking with William Jackson, CEO of My Quest To Teach, Mr. Jackson
and his wife (Aida) are members of the World Metaverse Council,
GatherVerse Metaverse Community and WordCamp/WordPress
Community as speakers, organizers, and teachers. They have volunteered
to mentor students with the clubs for 2 years.

March 2023 (Women’s History Month) was celebrated as
“Woman of Success and Influence In Technology,” where women
interviewed sharing their experiences to inspire girls at TLAM to enter
into technology careers.

The speakers Melissa Ross of WJCT of “First Coast Connect,”
(https://news.wjct.org/show/first-coast-connect-with-melissa-ross),
Rose Ashford of “GatherVerse”, (https://gatherverse.org/she/speakers/rose-ashford/)
Rachel (Win) Winchester (https://VisualWebmaster.com),
Nyasha Green, ((https://nyashagreen.com/)  “Software  Developer at Howard Development & Consulting,”
and Aida Correa Jackson, “LoveBuilt Life, LLC” (https://lovebuiltlife.com/).

The students of the clubs have gained valuable knowledge, a better understanding of how technology will influence their lives. Stated by
Rachel Winchester, “girls and women have unlimited career opportunities
and can be business owners and entrepreneurs.”

All the programs that the students are using are free and available with tutorials to use and apply if students are interested. Schools are highly encouraged to have their students create these platforms to share
content that is local to the school and teaches students new digital
skills for future careers.

The knowledge of Ms. Canepa and Mr. Jackson play key roles in
helping the students to be successful using digital platforms. Technology opens a number of doors for students in the future, they have to be exposed, mentored, provided a chance to use the technology and teachers be allowed to be digital leaders like Ms. Canepa and Mr. Jackson. Duval County
Public Schools and other school systems in Florida are at key crossroads in preparing students for their futures. The influence of ChatGPT, Bard, and other AI bots will determine soon who is eligible, qualified, and skilled for a career, and who is not.

Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Web 3, the Metaverse and even
IOT (Internet of Things) will change career options, education options,
and life options. We are truly in a digital world with real world consequences. Where will our students be in just 5 years because of their tech skills or lack
to tech skills?

TLAM Newspaper Club – https://tlamnpc.wordpress.com/ (4773 hits)

TLAM Podcast Club – https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tlampodcast

TLAM Metaverse Club – https://tinyurl.com/4un5wt3m

“TLAM Students Interview Women & Men of Success & Influence with Technology”

“TLAM Students Interview Women & Men of Success &
Influence with Technology”


Photo: William Jackson, Pamela Canepa sponsors of the Newspaper,
Podcast and Metaverse Club at Twin Lakes Academy Middle School.
Student writers Jenna and Abigail

William Jackson and Pamela Canepa in 2021 started new clubs at
TLAM to promote the growth of reading, writing, comprehension,
blogging, news reporting, content creation with audio, video and
integrating the Metaverse. The creation of the TLAM Newspaper,
Podcast and Metaverse Clubs were born with the support
of Principal Aurelia Williams.

These were the first clubs that involved all three areas of digital
technology for any middle school in Jacksonville, Florida and
possibly the State of Florida.
The students (6th, 7th, 8th grade) of the Newspaper, Podcast
and Metaverse Club of Twin Lakes Academy Middle School had
the chance to apply skills they learned since 2021. Using the
months of February with Black History Month and March with
Women’s History Month.

In a new age of AI, VR, the Metaverse, Digital Arts with
NFTs, the students of TLAM interviewed technology
professionals from WordPress (Web Development)
WJCT (Radio), WJXT (Television) and Metaverse (Spatial)
along with global digital companies.

In February interviewed were Rance Adams of WJXT (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rancea),
Topher DeRosia of HeroPress (https://www.linkedin.com/in/topher1kenobe/) and William Jackson, retired teacher from DCPS and CEO of
My Quest To Teach (https://myquesttoteach.com) to show
the diversity of men in technology.
Rance Adams (co-producer of River City Live) a well-known
Jacksonville community reporter, producer and influencer
was able to directly participate with the TLAM students
with an in-person visit. The interview can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KwkMRiKcyg

Speaking with Topher DeRosia who travels globally speaking
about web development through his company (WEBDEV),
the WordPress global community as a respected and
experienced web developer with his wife (Kate) and
daughter (Sophia).

They manage the Global HeroPress, interviewing people known
across WordPress (https://heropress.com/).

Speaking with William Jackson, CEO of My Quest To Teach, located
here in Jacksonville and recently retired after 33 years in public and
higher education. Mr. Jackson and his wife (Aida) are members of the
World Metaverse Council, GatherVerse Metaverse Community
and WordCamp/WordPress Community as speakers, organizers,
and teachers. March (Women History Month) was celebrated as
“Woman of Success and Influence In Technology,” where women
were interviewed sharing their experiences to inspire girls
at TLAM to enter into technology careers.

The speakers Melissa Ross of WJCT of “First Coast Connect,”
Rose Ashford of “GatherVerse”, Rachel (Win) Winchester “VisualWebmaster.com,” Nyasha Greenn, “Software Developer
at Howard Development & Consulting,” and Aida Correa Jackson,
“LoveBuilt Life, LLC.”

The students of the Clubs have gained valuable knowledge, a
better understanding of how technology will influence their lives.
Stated by Rachel Winchester, “girls and women have unlimited
career opportunities and can be business owners and entrepreneurs.”

All the programs that the students are using are free and available
with tutorials to use and apply if students are interested as future
business owners and entrepreneurs.

The knowledge of Ms. Canepa and Mr. Jackson play
key roles in helping the students to be successful using
digital platforms.    Technology opens a number of doors
for students in the future, they have to be exposed,
mentored, provided a chance to use the technology and
teachers allowed to be digital leaders like Ms. Canepa
and Mr. Jackson. Duval County Public Schools and other
school systems in Florida are at key crossroads in
preparing students for their futures.

The influence of ChatGPT, Bard, and other AI bots will
determine soon who is eligible, qualified, and skilled for a
career, who is not and who will only be able to land low
paying, and service jobs. This sounds funny, scary, and
even impossible, but remember computers and AI are
already taking man back to the Moon and soon to Mars.

The future is now and schools cannot wait to change,
they will have to pivot, adapt, evolve and change to prepare
their students for the coming advancements. Soon the
last things on schools collective minds will be test scores,
food fights and low teacher numbers.

AI will be teaching students and not worried about
building relationships only building data points in preparation
for future jobs that may mean “just over broke” as my
grandmother use to call it for people lacking reading,
writing, arithmetic and now computer skills.

Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Web 3,
the Metaverse and even IOT (Internet of Things) will
change career options, education options, and life
options. We are truly in a digital world
with real world consequences.

The use of digital tools must be  used to educate first,
empower and inspire second and then allowed to build
creativity, exploration, discovery and to enhance mankind.

TLAM Newspaper Club – https://tlamnpc.wordpress.com/ (4773 hits)

TLAM Podcast Club – https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tlampodcast
(Most listened in the USA)

TLAM Metaverse Club – https://tinyurl.com/4un5wt3m
(Most views from the United States)

“What Does the Metaverse Mean for the Future of WordPress?”

“What Does the Metaverse Mean for the Future of WordPress?”
William Jackson, M.Ed.
World Metaverse Council Member
Blacks In Technology Jacksonville, Fl
GatherVerse Metaverse Community
One Africa Forum

Blog on My Quest To Teach
https://tinyurl.com/bu9xzn54
I have blogged various versions of this in the past and it
seems to continue to grow and expand with a mind of its
own.

Recently returning from WordCamp Buffalo and preparing for
WordCamp Europe and WordCamp US there is a growing shift
in the thinking, evolution, adaptations to diverse digital tools,
platforms, apps and programs that people are using to build,
create and access digital content.

The Metaverse, AI, VR are just a few of the influencers that are
taking the lead in inviting, allowing and forcing the WP world to
take notice and take note to the now of the future and what the
future maybe bringing. Prosperity or Hell

Web development will never be the same with people using AI to
build content, AI is creating digital art, exploring the digital
collaborations with human thinking and rationalities.
Since building the first Spatial Metaverse for WordCamp Jinja
of Uganda in Africa the drive is on to facilitate learning,
development, growth and business advances to a new era
and artificial intelligences that are expanding and influencing
human thinking, creativity and digital innovations.

What does the Metaverse mean for the future of WordPress?
let see where our minds are leading us to.

“What Does the Metaverse Mean for the Future of WordPress?”

“What Does the Metaverse Mean for the Future of WordPress?”
William Jackson, M.Ed.
My Quest To Teach
WordPress Community Member since 2010
World Metaverse Council Member
GatherVerse Community
BIT Blacks In Technology Jacksonville, Fl.
One Africa Forum
VictoryXR & Engage

Since 2021 my wife and I have been involved in the Metaverse
Global Community and earned our Certifications as VR (Virtual
Reality) educators from VictoryXR and Engage. This has opened
multiple opportunities to be consultants, speakers, sponsors
and influencers across multiple platforms.

This adds an additional element to our being STEAM+M Educators
as the changes of technology influence not just education, but
business, commerce, and politics. Having engagement in virtual
environments allows another version of human existence to be
seen and expanded. We cannot escape the influence of the
Metaverse, not just for the current thinking of gaming and
gamification, but the use of immersive technologies to broaden
the reach of engagements and collaborations globally.

The changes in technology and the demands for continued education
and applied learning of the Metaverse, Infiniverse and Immersive
Technologies will grow in its influence in how WordPress will move
forward in Metaverse engagements. Creating immersive platforms
and environments now is a priority across education, business,
commerce and diverse industries.

Web development is changing, it is influenced and increasingly
infused with AI (Artificial Intelligences), WordPress must be
able to pivot and adapt to the growing changes and adaptations
in creating content across digital platforms.

The problem of integrating technologies is to make it seamless
and how it can be beneficial to the developers, programmers,
coders, graphic designers, artists and more. The solutions are
adapting to immersive environments and being involved in the
Metaverse connecting to those with the passion of creativity
and innovation. You have to be passionate, you have to be
engaged and you have to be in love with the humanistic elements
that make WordPress / WordCamps wonderful.

The first WordCamp conference My Quest To Teach has
worked with has been WordCamp Jinja, Uganda, Africa
where the first Spatial Metaverse Gallery was created
to highlight the Organizers and Speakers
attending and the local commerce and visitors events.

Seen here Jinja  https://tinyurl.com/2k3jj3yz
WordPress is being influenced because of it’s digital presence
and connections to evolving technologies of content creation,
web development, digital commerce and the effects that spread
across 45% to 55% of web development globally.

Matt Mullenweg, stated about this from a question that I asked
in 2022….
https://youtu.be/7x74kWqWMDY?t=1928
The time has arrived sooner than later because of the growth of
AI that was not foreseen, the ability of coders, developers and
innovators in these areas to leap and bound faster and further
than could be imagined.

As an educator of 33 years in public education, professor in
higher education and a past NASA instructor. My wife and I
have viewed and participated in multiple events where the
web as the world knows it has changed and continues to change.
Creating several immersive sites  since 2022
WordCamp Jinja in Uganda, Africa https://tinyurl.com/cfn9j29c
and WordCamp Entebbe,
Uganda Africa and others.
WordCamp Entebbe – https://tinyurl.com/2p9yv2v7

Being a part of the WordPress community since 2010 and seeing
the shifts, transitions, adaptations and pivots of technology,
it is important that the WP community see the changes to come
and adapts to how it will influence the careers of developers,
coders, graphic artists, designers and others.

To this point 8 Spatial Galleries have been created for
WordCamp conferences and active on the Metaverse,
this will gradually increase because of the youthful and
younger audiences that are being attracted to immersive
gaming sites, immersive entertainment and the growth
of devices that can access environments that use avatars.

Letting people know to build their avatars now before the
digital rush…. LOL  using Ready Player Me to build “their”
person for the future, now and be prepared for immersive
meetings, conferences, interviews and even dates.
https://readyplayer.me/

If technology companies, organizations are not
current or offer the appropriate training to employees
they will fall to the side as past memories because
technology will not wait on anyone.
Companies should not just layoff employees because
technology seems to improve productivity, there is more
to running and managing a company.

Looking at global companies that are laying off
employees with diverse multiple digital skills, in order to
stay active.  Letting these employees go can delay and
stop their business influence, because those same
employees that are being let go can move a company
further to the future.
These employees that are being fired, let go and surplused
will be the explorers, agents of digital change and new
digital creators and innovators that will make continued
changes. What business wants to fight against an employee
they let go or fired who has built their own digital and metaverse
business. The signs, symptoms, and elements are here that the
Metaverse is not going away. It is here to stay and is influencial
and powerful. What are you going to do about it??

WPYall Birmingham Alabama

Our latest project is WordCamp Buffalo, New York with links,
photos, videos and engagements https://tinyurl.com/3rhxzz88
the future project includes
WordCamp Masaka
https://tinyurl.com/6enwxja7
This is one way WordCamp Conferences will expand and engage.