One of the things that’s been most exciting to us while planning THATCamp Southeast has been our BootCamp. Early on we decided that we wanted to hold BootCamp on a different day than the rest of the Camp so that people got both hands-on training in digital skills and got the opportunity to experience the unconference excitement of THATCamp. (In this, we’re following the lead of our good friends at THATCamp Virginia.)

Working out the schedule has taken a while, but we’re pleased to announce it here. We will have three tracks at BootCamp SE: a Digital Humanities Project track, in which participants will learn digital skills by beginning a real DH project; an Introduction to Programming track, in which Campers will learn some of the basics of programming using the Python programming language and the Django framework; and a Pedagogy track, in which participants will consider the use of digital technologies in conjunction with their teaching. The Digital Humanities track will last all day. The Programming and Pedagogy tracks will follow different schedules in the morning but convene in the afternoon. (Yes, we’re aware that this means that these two tracks are in some ways only half tracks. So it goes.)

Unfortunately, the number of BootCampers that we can accommodate in each track is limited. We plan to accept Campers on a first-come, first-served basis via a webform that we’ll post at noon EST on Friday, February 18. This of course means that we won’t be able to guarantee that you’ll get your first choice of tracks–or even (unfortunately) that you’ll get in. We will make exceptions for those who have been awarded BootCamp fellowships and for those traveling long distances.

We know that we may have more people interested in attending BootCamp than we will be able to accommodate. However, we will be opening the afternoon sessions of the Programming and Pedagogy tracks to everyone. In other words, even if there isn’t room for you in the regular tracks at BootCamp, you should feel free to attend the “Intro to CMSes” and “Creating a Web Presence” sessions.

In case you haven’t already been planning to do so, you’ll certainly want to bring a laptop with you. Laptops are required for the Digital Humanities Project and Programming tracks, and you will have to install some free software ahead of time.

Digital Humanities Project Track (30 people, laptops required)

Session Descriptions

Visualizing Time and Space with Simile Widgets and Google: In this session, you’ll learn to build dynamic, interactive geospatial timelines using some simple tools: basic HTML, Google Docs, and the Simile Widgets. No previous coding experience is necessary!

The Civil War Papers Project: Learn about digital scholarship by encoding, geolocating, and then presenting a page from a Civil War-era letter or diary on a site you create together. Participants will be credited on the website.

1. Intro to Encoding Texts: Encoding texts allows you to do amazing things by making them accessible and searchable. You will learn how to mark up text using the TEI encoding scheme.
2. Intro to GIS: Maps can reveal spatial and temporal relationships that transform your scholarship. In this workshop you’ll learn how to use Google Earth to tie artifacts to their associated locations.
3. Presenting Research on the Web: You’ll learn how to put all your work together by presenting text, maps, and images on one interactive website.

Programming Track (15 people, laptops required)

Session Descriptions

Introduction to Programming I, using Python: In this session, you’ll learn the basics of programming using Python. Using the interactive shell or a simple text editor you will move from the very simple “hello world” script up through simple parsing and manipulation of XML files.

Introduction to the Django Framework using Python:In this session, you will learn the basics of using the Django Framework to rapidly develop simple web applications. The session will cover the basic design of Models, rapid access to the application through the Administration Module and creation of various views for a simple Poetry Portal.

Introduction to Content Management Systems: What are the advantages and disadvantages to different content management systems? Is there something that one can do and the others can’t? What tasks are particular CMSes designed for? You’ll learn about the ins and outs of WordPress, Drupal, and Omeka.

Creating a Web Presence for Yourself or Your Projects: You know you’re supposed to take control of your online presence, but how? This workshop will cover basics like professionalizing your Facebook profile, using RSS feeds, and why anyone would bother with Twitter. We’ll also touch on creating your own professional-looking website.

Pedagogy Track (16 people)

Session Descriptions

Teaching with the Cloud: In this session, you’ll learn about collaboration and presentation work tools that live online “in the cloud” and their use in teaching. We’ll cover include PBWorks, Blogger, and GoogleDocs.

Visualizing Course Content: There are many tools you can use to build a visual component to course content. This session includes hands-on learning with Google Gadgets, Prezi, and Simile-powered timelines.

Engaging Students through Digital Storytelling: Discover how Digital Storytelling can be used to engage students differently. We’ll discuss key elements of a successful digital story and explore using Camtasia and iMovie to create digital stories.

Introduction to Content Management Systems: What are the advantages and disadvantages to different content management systems? Is there something that one can do and the others can’t? What tasks are particular CMSes designed for? You’ll learn about the ins and outs of WordPress, Drupal, and Omeka.

Creating a Web Presence for Yourself or Your Projects: You know you’re supposed to take control of your online presence, but how? This workshop will cover basics like professionalizing your Facebook profile, using RSS feeds, and why anyone would bother with Twitter. We’ll also touch on creating your own professional-looking website.