Two years ago I was lucky enough to notice some Twitter chatter about a free "un-conference" called EdCamp Philly. It took about 15 seconds on the EdCamp Philly website to decide that this was an event that I just had to attend. So I got my free ticket, lined up a babysitter, and headed into Philly not knowing what to expect.
For those of you who have never been to an EdCamp, or even heard of EdCamp all I can say is that you must attend one. It is hands down the best professional development opportunity you will ever have. EdCamps follow the un-conference model, meaning that it is a participant driven conference. Anyone who gets their name on the session board can present and you can attend any of the sessions that are offered. Don't like a session, just get up and walk out and find another that interests you. Have something to say, sign up on the session board.
I have found that unlike the talk-at-me model used by most traditional conference presenters, EdCamp sessions are more like dialogues guided by the presenters. Past EdCamp session that I have attended included a dialogue about a modern one room schoolhouse concept, a session on the need for grading, a discussion about the proper role of technology in the classroom, presentations on how to create student motivation, hints and tips on how to use mobile devices as learning tools in the classroom, and so many more.
As educators we have often felt alone, isolated in our classrooms, trying to figure out the best way to help our students succeed. EdCamps remind us that we are part of a larger community, all dedicated to the same goal. I have met so many great teachers and administrators at the four EdCamps that I have attended. They are all part of my personal learning network now. In fact, I was so inspired after my first EdCamp experience in Philadelphia three years ago that I joined with a group of new friends and worked to bring EdCamp to NYC later that same year. I am hoping this year to start EdCampLV (Lehigh Valley) to bring the experience a little closer to home for those of us in the greater Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton area.
So as I look forward to attending this years EdCamp Philly on May 19th I hope that many of you who are reading this will chose to join me. You will not regret giving up a Saturday afternoon to immerse yourself in great conversations with creative, passionate teachers. For a list of upcoming EdCamps around the world, you can check out the EdCamp Foundation Wiki. There are over 30 EdCamps scheduled at this time in over 6 countries, including EdCampNYC on May 5th. Make sure that you attend at least one, as the EdCamp slogan says.... Learn. Unlearn. Relearn.
I have found that unlike the talk-at-me model used by most traditional conference presenters, EdCamp sessions are more like dialogues guided by the presenters. Past EdCamp session that I have attended included a dialogue about a modern one room schoolhouse concept, a session on the need for grading, a discussion about the proper role of technology in the classroom, presentations on how to create student motivation, hints and tips on how to use mobile devices as learning tools in the classroom, and so many more.
As educators we have often felt alone, isolated in our classrooms, trying to figure out the best way to help our students succeed. EdCamps remind us that we are part of a larger community, all dedicated to the same goal. I have met so many great teachers and administrators at the four EdCamps that I have attended. They are all part of my personal learning network now. In fact, I was so inspired after my first EdCamp experience in Philadelphia three years ago that I joined with a group of new friends and worked to bring EdCamp to NYC later that same year. I am hoping this year to start EdCampLV (Lehigh Valley) to bring the experience a little closer to home for those of us in the greater Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton area.
So as I look forward to attending this years EdCamp Philly on May 19th I hope that many of you who are reading this will chose to join me. You will not regret giving up a Saturday afternoon to immerse yourself in great conversations with creative, passionate teachers. For a list of upcoming EdCamps around the world, you can check out the EdCamp Foundation Wiki. There are over 30 EdCamps scheduled at this time in over 6 countries, including EdCampNYC on May 5th. Make sure that you attend at least one, as the EdCamp slogan says.... Learn. Unlearn. Relearn.
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