Tuesday, January 6, 2015

How do you explain Ed Camp?

Last year the first Ed Camp in Renfrew County occurred.

clip art of a question markOne of the great things about something new is that it is often brand new for everyone. Some of us had had the opportunity to attend Ottawa's Ed Camp (you can check out their Twitter here) but for most of us, the concept of "Ed Camp" was a completely new.

After Ed Camp Renfrew County we asked campers to complete a feedback form for us. We asked the question, "If you could tell someone about your Ed Camp experience, what would you tell them?"

We asked this question in hopes that there would be a second Ed Camp (and hopefully many more) and we could use these ideas to help explain Ed Camp to others. These are some of the responses we received from last year's campers:
  • The EdCamp format is unique, democratic, and promotes genuine dialog. I particularly enjoy the way colleagues, from a variety of different roles, discussed matters that are important to the participants.
  • Go with your questions, problems and ideas of how you would like to use technology in your job. One, some or all of your questions will be addressed during the day as the sessions and schedule emerge from the collective queries of those who attend.
  • Great opportunity to mix with other educators and discuss strategies to better our own teaching practices. I learned a lot!
  • I would tell them that it was a neat way to become involved in rich discussions about modern education practices with educators of all ages.
  • It was a great source of professional development, sharing ideas, and learning some perspectives and strategies from other professionals. I would definitely recommend it.
  • A wonderful way for informal learning - where one has the opportunity to ask questions, suggest ideas, lead a discussion, make comments, or just listen.......

Curious about what your Ed Camp experience will be? Click here to register for #EdCampRC.

Ed Camp Renfrew County 2015


Ed Camp Renfrew County - Saturday, January 17, 2015
Champlain Discovery PS (390 Bell Street, Pembroke, ON)
9 am - 3pm

What is an "Ed Camp?"  “Ed Camps are built on the principles of connected and participatory learning. Ed Camps strive to bring educators together to talk about the things that matter most to them: their interests, passions and questions. They give everyone a voice and a forum to explore new ideas and strategies,” says Kristen Swanson (Ed Camp Founder).

Ed Camps are free, participant driven, professional development. It is an opportunity to think, talk and share with others. At an Ed Camp, there are no formal keynote speakers. An agenda is built on the day of Ed Camp based on the needs of those who are attending. Anyone attending Ed Camp is welcome to facilitate or present a session. What types of sessions might I find? Depending on participants, sessions might include topics such as: Social Media, iOS (iPad) Apps, Growth Mindset, using Google, Assessment, or Inquiry Based Learning. Participants follow the "law of two feet." If a session is not meeting an individual's needs, participants are encouraged to move between rooms. Ed Camps are open to anyone - teachers, EAs, ECEs, administrators, trustees, parents, everyone.

To register for Ed Camp click here

Follow us on Twitter: @EdCampRC



Monday, January 5, 2015

New Year, New Opportunities

The start of a new calendar year is an opportunity where many people reflect on their past year - their growth, accomplishments and challenges faced. Last year, we held the first Ed Camp in Renfrew County. It was a chance to bring together individuals who wanted to share, learn and discuss issues regarding education.

We were fortunate to have a variety of voices attend the inaugural #EdCampRC - there were teachers, administrators, Faculty of Education students, high school students, parents, trustees, Speech and Language Pathologist and a Director of Education who came together to learn and grow.

As we look forward to 2015 we are excited to announce Renfrew County's second Ed Camp. Please mark Saturday, January 17th on your calendar. We will be posting  a link to registration and additional details but we wanted to let you know the date.