Frequently Asked Questions
Q: For how many years has the Summercore Team been conducting Summercore workshops?
A: We began The Original Teaching Company in 1982 and conducted our first Summercore in 1985.
Q: Who should attend Summercore?
A: Summercore has introduced over 3,000 teachers and administrators from over 600 Independent schools to an agenda that will empower novices, enrich the expertise of Directors of Technology and build skills for all computer using teachers. Computer marathon aptly describes the five days of Summercore: the course is a nonstop immersion into computer usage, educational web sites, philosophical issues, Google Apps, and curriculum applications. JV Breakout Sessions help novices with computer literacy, Web 2.0, Google Docs and curriculum integration. Varsity Breakout Sessions help intermediate and skilled users gain proficiency in numerous areas: epub creation,web strategies, multimedia storytelling projects, Web and 2.0 galore. All will learn the same material, but the pace will be customized for your needs. We pride ourselves on accommodating all learners.
Q: How do I know if I am JV, Varsity or in-between?
A: Summercore is a flexible program, allowing you to learn at your own pace. Frequent pull-out groups on a variety of topics and skill levels will allow you to customize the program to fit your learning style and your pedagogical needs.
Q: What is the typical class size?
A: Each session is small, ranging from 15-30 participants per session. Participants come from Independent School from throughout the country and sometimes even from throughout the world. Small sessions allow for one-on-one attention and both hands-on and hands-off activities.
Q: What is the schedule?
A: Monday through Thursday generally runs from 9:00 to 4:00 with lunch included. Friday runs from 9:00-12:30, ending before lunch. Please be on time; we start promptly at 9:00. Bagels and coffee are available starting at 8:30. You can view what a Summercore week will look like, although this is sample agenda and may not reflect the actual schedule for the program.
Q: Will we be working nonstop?
A: Summercore is an intense marathon, but we always take into account your comfort levels and needs; periodic breaks are built into the program.
Q: What is the Summercore Primer on Hardware, Software and Humanware?
A: Every participant receives our 500+ page book designed to cover our curriculum and more in 17 chapters. Topics include computer literacy, step-by-step guides on using Web 2.0, software how-tos, tips and tricks for improving word processing and spreadsheet skills, recommended websites for every subject area and every grade level, strategies for web searching, discussion on plagiarism, computer ethics, incorporating technology into the curriculum, tried and true classroom tips, and much more. Many participants have nicknamed the primer "their computer Bible."
Q: Do I need to bring my own laptop?
A: While there are many desktops available, many people prefer to bring their own laptop. We encourage your use of your own laptop/tablet.
Q: How should I dress?
A: Dress is casual. The main computer classroom is air conditioned, so bring a sweater.
Q: Where can I stay and how do I get there?
A: You can browse through this list of hotels as well as find directions to the school. If you have any specific requests or questions, please contact us and we will be glad to help you.
Q: Will you supply food?
A: Summercore provides morning coffee and bagels, lunch, and snacks throughout the day. You will never go hungry at a Summercore session.
Please contact summercore@gmail.com with any additional questions that you may have.
A: We began The Original Teaching Company in 1982 and conducted our first Summercore in 1985.
Q: Who should attend Summercore?
A: Summercore has introduced over 3,000 teachers and administrators from over 600 Independent schools to an agenda that will empower novices, enrich the expertise of Directors of Technology and build skills for all computer using teachers. Computer marathon aptly describes the five days of Summercore: the course is a nonstop immersion into computer usage, educational web sites, philosophical issues, Google Apps, and curriculum applications. JV Breakout Sessions help novices with computer literacy, Web 2.0, Google Docs and curriculum integration. Varsity Breakout Sessions help intermediate and skilled users gain proficiency in numerous areas: epub creation,web strategies, multimedia storytelling projects, Web and 2.0 galore. All will learn the same material, but the pace will be customized for your needs. We pride ourselves on accommodating all learners.
Q: How do I know if I am JV, Varsity or in-between?
A: Summercore is a flexible program, allowing you to learn at your own pace. Frequent pull-out groups on a variety of topics and skill levels will allow you to customize the program to fit your learning style and your pedagogical needs.
Q: What is the typical class size?
A: Each session is small, ranging from 15-30 participants per session. Participants come from Independent School from throughout the country and sometimes even from throughout the world. Small sessions allow for one-on-one attention and both hands-on and hands-off activities.
Q: What is the schedule?
A: Monday through Thursday generally runs from 9:00 to 4:00 with lunch included. Friday runs from 9:00-12:30, ending before lunch. Please be on time; we start promptly at 9:00. Bagels and coffee are available starting at 8:30. You can view what a Summercore week will look like, although this is sample agenda and may not reflect the actual schedule for the program.
Q: Will we be working nonstop?
A: Summercore is an intense marathon, but we always take into account your comfort levels and needs; periodic breaks are built into the program.
Q: What is the Summercore Primer on Hardware, Software and Humanware?
A: Every participant receives our 500+ page book designed to cover our curriculum and more in 17 chapters. Topics include computer literacy, step-by-step guides on using Web 2.0, software how-tos, tips and tricks for improving word processing and spreadsheet skills, recommended websites for every subject area and every grade level, strategies for web searching, discussion on plagiarism, computer ethics, incorporating technology into the curriculum, tried and true classroom tips, and much more. Many participants have nicknamed the primer "their computer Bible."
Q: Do I need to bring my own laptop?
A: While there are many desktops available, many people prefer to bring their own laptop. We encourage your use of your own laptop/tablet.
Q: How should I dress?
A: Dress is casual. The main computer classroom is air conditioned, so bring a sweater.
Q: Where can I stay and how do I get there?
A: You can browse through this list of hotels as well as find directions to the school. If you have any specific requests or questions, please contact us and we will be glad to help you.
Q: Will you supply food?
A: Summercore provides morning coffee and bagels, lunch, and snacks throughout the day. You will never go hungry at a Summercore session.
Please contact summercore@gmail.com with any additional questions that you may have.
