What is an EdCamp? EdCamps follow the “unconference” model, meaning they are free events where participants create the schedule that day based on their interests. Presentations are not prepared in advance but are discussions led by the participants who ask questions, share ideas and resources, and learn from each other in an informal environment. If a session is not meeting your needs, you are encouraged to exercise “the rule of two feet,” meaning get up and go to another session. This focus on personal choice for learning is part of the power of EdCamps. There is also a sense of collaboration and connection with other educators that makes EdCamps popular.
Why would teachers give up part of their weekend to attend EdCampIowa? Here are some reasons why, in the words of Ames teacher leaders.
- As a first time attendee, I was unsure what to expect about Edcamp. After a few sessions, I realized how much information, insight, and ideas I was taking away from each discussion. For example, in one session, we discussed essential standards and the process required in determining them. This was very meaningful to me since this is going on in our PLC's and building right now. I can't wait to sign up for another event! - Alissa Beisner
- Many other like-minded teachers are frustrated with our current systems (School, PD, etc.) and are willing to spend time away from their families to try and work towards changing the systems. Exciting! - Mike Todd
- The topics were diverse as well as the discussion. I enjoyed listening to teachers and students from other districts problem solve about issues we encounter every day, and try to find ways to solve them and the courage to accept we are not alone. I felt empowered to address the issues and have some excellent references and ideas to begin the process. I also thought it met my needs in very positive ways. - Elise Wright
- EdCamp was a terrific way to connect with educators and students from across the state who are passionate about what’s currently happening in education. Hearing the student voice was powerful to me in order to remember that every decision we make should be made with them at the forefront of our minds. - Lisa Clayberg
- I learned a lot more about Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) and why they matter. I came away with resources to use and ideas to bring back at the district level. I have several others! It was an awesome day of learning! - Laura Clausen
- It was really great listening to the different groups of students talk about education. I was impressed by how much responsibility and ownership they take in their academic careers. Rather than just focus on excelling at the task at hand they have taken notice of the process of education and are seeking to move it forward. The opportunity to try Breakout EDU was fantastic! It was so fun and engaging. Gamification is such an effective way to boost engagement and inspire participation. I experienced it first hand and loved every minute of it. - John Crall
- Student voice is important and relevant. They want authentic learning opportunities with an aligned grading system where teachers meet them where they're at and are a vital part of their success. They did not appreciate vague outcomes and teachers giving grades and not pursuing them to learn what they need to learn to be proficient and/or successful. - Breanna VanDyke
- We, as teachers, continually push the importance of primary sources. Students were pointing out that Snap Chat events serve as an effective example of a primary source because they are happening at that moment from people who are actually there. My takeaway is as much about how students are amazing untapped resources as it is about Snap Chat itself. - James Webb
- I confirmed some of my understandings around standards based grading, I learned some about tying essential standards to project based learning, and gathered some information about how PLCs can work from other districts. - Michelle Fuqua
- You get out what you put in – This is true of any Edcamp or anything really for that matter, if you are not willing to be part of the conversations, you will not get much out of it. It takes a while for people to get the courage to put topics on the main board or to talk during the sessions, especially for people new to Edcamps, but once they did they were getting a lot out. You need to make sure that you get out of the day what you want and if that session you went to does not meet your needs, you find a new one. The rule of “Two feet” is very important at Edcamps and should be at any education conference. - Patrick Donovan
- EdCampIowa is about more than just talking about ideas. The challenge is to move to action, to leverage the excitement of the event into application. Thankfully, there was a group of Ames educators there that I can call on to hold me accountable for implementing ideas around student voice and collaboration between classroom and ESL teachers. - Shaeley Santiago
- Edcamp really supports our philosophy that we're stronger together, much like our PLC work. The sharing of ideas from around the region energized me, affirmed our work, and helped strengthen my thinking on some of our next steps. - Dr. Mandy Ross
