I learned today, the woman said at the end of a daylong technology camp for women, that I am teachable.

She didn’t need to say anymore. Every woman in the room knew what she was talking about. She had walked into the WABW Tech Camp that morning not knowing what exactly to expect of the camp or of herself. But she left with self-confidence along with her own blog and more.

Presenter Lisah Hamilton oversees the work of two participants during the blogging session at WABW Tech Camp. Photos by Sirron Carrector.

Her name is Beverly, and she had come to learn how to maintain an online black-cinema business that she had inherited from her husband. She joined a small but energetic group of women for this year’s hands-on camp, with each participant creating her own wordpress.com blog and Facebook account, and learning the wherewithal to shoot and upload photos and videos to the web.

Women are learning that they cannot dodge technology any more but have to embrace it. They’re also realizing that the learning can be fun and not formidable (one participant did describe the Facebook session as ”enlightening and frightening”). Tech Camp is designed to help guide them through the thicket, with someone holding their hands along the way.

The same enthusiasm and air of camaraderie that permeated last year’s camp was just as evident this year. Held at Temple University’s Annenberg Hall in Philadelphia, the camp was an all-day affair with the sessions based on topics chosen in survey conducted by We Are Black Women, which co-sponsored the camp with Digital Delta Media LLC. 

The camp was started after conversations with women who told of handing their cell phones to their children to make them work. Hidden beneath their uncertainty was a desire to master their phones, but they were a little skittish and afraid of doing so. Interestingly, one of the main recommendations for a subsequent session was on effective cell-phone use.

Bea Joyner prepares to create a blog at the WABW Tech Camp.

Although the camp’s main purpose was technology, networking was a byproduct. The kinds of things that happen when women get together: asking for help and getting it, making contacts, sharing ideas among each other.

Like Matrie from Take a Sistah to Lunch, who’s working with a local elementary school that hasn’t had a library in two years. Several women offered to donate books and other services. Or Bea of Busy As A Bea Productions who started providing training to parents and their teens after realizing that not everyone knew how to parent. Several women bought copies of her book and CD. Or Marilyn who makes beautiful jewelry as evidenced by the necklace that she wore. Most of the women would probably have bought pieces had she brought them.

Tech Camp gave the women a place to feel comfortable enough to ask their questions, take their time absorbing the lessons and walk among others like themselves.

Participants listen attentively during a session of WABW Tech Camp.

Here’s what some of them had to say about the experience:

On how to create and maintain a blog, and keep it compelling, conducted by Lisah Hamilton, founder of Coconut Web Studio who writes the Getting to Zen blog:

“I loved this workshop.”

“Lisah’s insight was so helpful toward helping me overcome my fear of the blogosphere.”

On how to shoot photos and videos, and upload them to the web, conducted by Akweli Parker, founder of Digital Delta Media LLC.

“Akweli de-mystified photos and web and videos.”

“Akweli, great!! great!! With his insight, I can now feel comfortable venturing into this new area of the technological universe.”

On how to use Facebook as an effective marketing tool, conducted by Nicole Newman, owner of Newman Network.

“Perfect for me the new Facebook user.”

“The info was extremely helpful. This area feels to be my most challenging, but I’m confident over time I’ll make progress.”

Other general comments:

“Please continue to repeat this event.”

“I actually liked the size of the camp. It allowed more individual attention.”

Presenter Akweli Parker sets up a tripod for his session at the WABW Tech Camp.

Related posts:

1. Why a Tech Camp for women