My First EdCamp Experience

By -
Yesterday I was able to attend my first unconference at EdCamp Chicago. Here is what I took away from that experience.

I have to begin by telling you about my Twitter history. I have been using twitter on a consistent basis for about three months now. I had my twitter account made two years ago, but I didn't really understand how to use it effectively for my professional development. It wasn't until I took a PLN grad class (taught by @pughamy) and I learned about hashtags and twitter chats. These tools came at just the right time. I work in a pretty progressive school district, but I have been operating in my own little bubble this year (I gave up my prep and team time to take on a PBL facilitator role along with teaching my traditional social studies classes). I was starting to feel my passion dimming; stuck under pressure from standardized testing, starting this PBL environment, and parents trying to understand taking away grades. Participating in these chats and growing my PLN really helped me regain my passion. It gave me a platform to discuss issues that I felt were important, I got great ideas, and I passed advice from my experiences.

I had heard of the term "unconference" last summer and I thought it would be a cool idea. Then a month ago, I saw that their would be an unconference near Chicago called EdCamp Chicago. I must say I was nervous about attending this conference. I had no idea what this would be like, but it intrigued me and I saw that a lot of my PLN members on Twitter would be attending this or other EdCamps. How could I possibly pass up this free opportunity for me to get relevant professional development?

I found the experience wonderful. I was able to attend sessions that I was interested in. No one was telling me where to go or even to stay in one session the whole time. Amazing what choice means to people (my students love having a choice in their education and so do I). My favorite session was on grading. I have been interested in making my social studies class standards based. During this session I was able to hear how others view grades and homework. I heard of two books that I am going to check out: How to Grade for Learning by Ken O'Connor and Drive by Daniel Pink. This discussion reaffirmed my feelings about my current grading system and how I need to change it. I met people who have already made this change and were happy with it.

I learned so much from this type of conference and I am determined to improve professional development time in my own building. I am looking to use one of our half days to conduct an unconference with my own colleagues. I know we can learn so much from each other; we just need time and someone to take the lead.

Thanks for the inspiration EdCamp Chicago!

Comments

  1. IMC GuyMay 23, 2011

    I'm glad you attended and I'm very happy you found the day enjoyable and beneficial.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Will You Take The Challenge?

By -
For the last 30 days, I have been answering one reflection question each day and I have learned so much about myself as an educator. Whether you are a veteran blogger or brand new to blogging, I invite you to take this challenge. Video tape or write your answers to each of the reflection questions and share it with your PLN. Here are the questions that I came up with. Are you ready to take the challenge? 30-Day Blog Challenge Day 1:  How did you decide to become a teacher? Day 2:  What do you believe is your greatest strength as a teacher? Day 3:  In which area do you think you can improve the most? Day 4:  What were you most worried about as you approached your first day as a teacher? Day 5:  How do you keep your classroom organized? Day 6:  What have you observed of other teachers that might work in your own classroom? Day 7:  How can you best promote responsibility in your students? Day 8:  How do you connect with your...
Read more

A Letter to New Teachers

By -
In the last few weeks I have noticed that there have been many educators walking the halls of my school waiting for their interview. This scene makes me remember what I was like five years ago when I was in their shoes. It inspired me to write this letter. Dear Me Five Years Ago, I know you are feeling excited to finally be done with college and be out into the "real world". I also remember you feeling scared out of your mind about the "real world". I know you were ready to start your back-up plan, but I'm sure dental school would not have been that much fun anyway. Remember it is not about the paycheck. Be sure to use all of that passion you have for teaching everyday. Your passion is what gets you a job and what has been keeping you excited to go to work. Don't take your passion for granted. Don't be so worried about how you seem to your co-workers. Trust your gut and always do what you know is right for kids. Don't feel like you have t...
Read more

Standards Based Grading

By -
Okay along with my 30 day reflection videos I do want to use this blog for sharing my ideas and collaborating. I was just telling my students that we live in a "global community" and I started thinking that I could collaborate with great teachers from all over. I have been researching a lot about standards based grading and I think it is the right thing for my classes. I have been reading books on grading and my eyes have really opened. My grade book used to be filled with all homework assignments and assessments. This doesn't tell anyone what the students actually came away with. I know that I need to change how I have been doing things and I know that it is best for my students.
Read more