Finally! After reading, watching, and hearing about EdCamps, I finally was able to attend one in my own backyard. To say I was "Over the Moon," was an understatement, "Over the Universe," was more like it.
I didn't know what would learn about or if I would be motivated to sign-up for leading my own session. The excitement was almost tangible as my eduawesome colleague, Kriscia Cabra, l carpooled to the event chattering about the experience.
We rolled up to the Escondido Unified offices and the day begun. We had previously signed-up to attend the free event, so after our names were checked in, we checked out the infamous "board." This isn't the best image, but it gives you an idea of how the organizers used sticky notes, index cards, and foam board to create it.
I didn't know what would learn about or if I would be motivated to sign-up for leading my own session. The excitement was almost tangible as my eduawesome colleague, Kriscia Cabra, l carpooled to the event chattering about the experience.
We rolled up to the Escondido Unified offices and the day begun. We had previously signed-up to attend the free event, so after our names were checked in, we checked out the infamous "board." This isn't the best image, but it gives you an idea of how the organizers used sticky notes, index cards, and foam board to create it.
Here's how I spent my day:
- 1. Dave Burgess- "Teach Like a Pirate." This session was a no-brainer, since I came across his book and was hooked by the title, voraciously read it, and attempted my first participation in a Twitter book club centered around it (#tlap). Seeing him in person was the inspiring and entertaining shot in the arm helping propel me to include the "wow" factor into my teaching.
- 2. Tim Bedley- I had come across Tim's work with "Building consensus" and was drawn to his website, a very innovative educator in an 1:1 environment. He spoke about "Making Movies." I learned about the "Rule of Thirds" and, in turn, taught it to all my school's 4th/5th graders during our enrichment STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Media) monthly rotation.
3. Holly Clark- "Subtext" I've been following Holly on Twitter for quite some time and have loved the new series, , EduSlam, she and Tanya Avrith have created. I LOVE Subtext and wanted to hear from her and others in the room wanting to use it. She has worked with some mutual Subtext folks and we both, along with other teachers, were able to share too.
- 4. Student EdCamps- by ME! I couldn't believe I was swept up in the fervor of the EdCamp and signed up to "present." I had held one Student EdCamps (see my previous post) in my classroom but wanted to hear more from other educators of other ways to do it, share ideas, or hear how middle and high school teachers could implement it. I wasn't disappointed! I heard amazing ideas like: students doing a tech EdCamp for the teachers, for different subjects, and as part of a showcasing their individual talents.
- The biggest take-away from the day was how amazing teachers are, giving up a Saturday to network, connect, and learn from each other. These are the teachers I want for my own kids and the level of inspiration and synergy kept me going in the upcoming months. I heart EdCamps!