This week, I chose to discuss EdCamps. Prior to class on Monday I had no idea what an EdCamp was, but after watching videos and participating in one myself I now know it is a non standardized version of a professional development day. Teachers gather in a communal space and create session boards which typically include different subjects or ways to better students’ learning. All of the educators then break off into groups to participate in a shared discussion about the distinctive topics. Every EdCamp is slightly different; therefore, the time allotted to each session and what is being discussed in the sessions will vary. In the video we watched in class the educators attended four or five sessions that were fifty minutes each, with a ten minute break in between. A slight twist about EdCamps is that they are democratized; therefore, if a teacher is not enjoying the session that they are currently attending they can get up and leave to find another conference that might be better suited to their learning. The overall goal of an EdCamp is to give teachers the opportunity to personalize their own learning and connect with other teachers in the area.
In Monday’s EDCI 336 technology class we had the opportunity to participate in our own EdCamp. I participated in three sessions that were twenty minutes each. In the first conference my group discussed mental health, the second session was classroom management and the third discussion was about outdoor education. This was a great smooth introduction into an EdCamp. It was very interesting to see other students and the teachers’ common struggles and suggestions to problems. Overall, I believe EdCamps are very beneficial and are a great method for bettering students learning.