BarCamps are participatory workshops where a pre-set topic or theme is discussed through an informal process.
Problems and Purpose
BarCamps are participatory workshops and follow a similar methodology to Open Space Technology (OST): a topic or theme of discussion is agreed upon in advance while the discussion itself unfolds organically, unconstrained by a pre-set agenda or formal process. The process is driven by participants themselves and seeks to avoids the restrictions of standard conferences/meetings imposed by organizers.
Origins and Development
Participant Recruitment and Selection
Participation is open but there are a limited number of places in any one workshop. All participants must be active participants willing to contribute, no observers [1].
How it Works: Process, Interaction, and Decision-Making
BarCamps make specific use of information and communications technology (ICT) to relate information to participants and those that cannot attend in-person. As well, BarCamps require that each participant give a presentation although these are meant to be conversational in tone. BarCamps are unique in that they heavily encourage participants to speak or post (online) publicly about the experience and information presented or discussed. While the BarCamp may only be attended by a fixed number of participants, the knowledge exchanged therein is made public to encourage ongoing dialogue.
Influence, Outcomes, and Effects
Analysis and Lessons Learned
See Also
References
[1] BarCamp (2009) The Rules of BarCamp, available at: http://barcamp.org/w/page/405173/TheRulesOfBarCamp