Edcamp is an outstanding way to build your professional network and find new supports outside the walls of your school building. As a by product of this planning I had a chance to "virtually" meet Sarah. Sarah asked to write a guest post for my blog on her take of the Edcamp concept and how the movement is changing the way we think about Professional Learning. Here she goes:
Sarah Fudin (MAT@USC)currently works in community relations for the
University of Southern California's online teaching program, which provides
aspiring teachers the opportunity to earn an MAT
degree online and will be offering an online Masters in Education program this Fall.
Outside of work Sarah enjoys running, reading and Pinkberry frozen
yogurt.
Edcamps are shaking up the traditional model of professional
development for educators. Most professional conferences and seminars involve
one-way communication with teachers trying to soak up information that they can
later integrate into the classroom. Educators may come away with unanswered
questions or with a feeling that their professional reality is at odds with
theories presented by the expert speakers. Many teachers who have wondered if
there isn't a more meaningful way to expand their professional knowledge are
finding answers at Edcamp, the "unconference" concept that's based on
two-way communication and a spirit of collaboration.
By its very nature, an Edcamp puts professional development
(PD) into the hands of individual teachers and administrators. An Edcamp is a
free one-day event that requires less planning than a multi-day conference with
preplanned speakers. Because everyone is viewed as an expert in his or her own
area of experience, anyone can organize an Edcamp or lead a session. Since
Edcamp is free, there's less pressure on participants to forcefully absorb as
much information as possible. An Edcamp is not a trade show and there are no
vendors, so there are no sales pitches and no pressure to spend money.
The only real limitation on the topics covered in Edcamp
sessions is the interest of participants. Lesson plans, academic testing,
technology tools, educational activities and administrative issues are all fair
game for sessions. Edcampers can choose the sessions they want to attend and if
a session is not delivering as expected, attendees are encouraged to use the
"rule of two feet" by leaving and finding a more meaningful session.
Unlike traditional conferences where networking takes place
between sessions, networking is continuous during Edcamp. The benefits of
Edcamp can extend far beyond the event. The collaborative setting provides more
opportunities for personal interaction than a traditional seminar or online PD
program. Face-to-face meetings can turn into mutually supportive professional
relationships. Conversations often continue on blogs, Twitter and Facebook.
Teachers who are facing similar issues or who share philosophies can connect
and share their expertise. Edcamp can also help teachers who are passionate
about their profession realize that they are not alone and that there are other
equally passionate educators who are making a difference in their communities.
Although the emphasis at Edcamp is on personal interaction,
digital technology and social media are key tools for setting up and
publicizing an event. School districts and teams of teachers can use district
websites and email networks to get the word out about Edcamp events. An Edcamp
can be publicized on the Edcamp Wiki, which is also a
good source for information and advice about Edcamp organization. In the past
two years, there has been an amazing growth of interest in education
unconferences and many education professionals are eager to share their
experiences.
Since the schedule for an Edcamp is determined the day of
the event, it's important to recruit participants who are willing to lead
sessions. Rather than attracting a large number of attendees, an Edcamp should
bring together passionate educators who are willing to share their knowledge in
a discussion-based format. An Edcamp thrives on the energy of its participants
and generates its own takeaway energy.
Traditional professional development
programs can still play a role in continuing professional education. According
to Dr. Kristen Swanson, an Edcamp founder, an unconference is one more offering
on the PD menu: “There will always be a place for traditional professional
development to ensure that faculties are using the latest research and
effectively employing the most fundamental strategies purported by the
educational organization. However, using the Edcamp format to honor teachers’
expertise and provide interactive learning opportunities is a worthy process...
Edcamps strive to provide space for teachers to learn from each other. They
give everyone a voice and a forum to explore new ideas and strategies."
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Special thanks to Sarah Fundin for the post!
