Today, I had my first experience in facilitating the EdCamp/Unconference idea on a much smaller scale. This EdCamp-style PD was an internal training with educational consultants. I think there was only one other participant besides myself who had ever attended an EdCamp, so they basically thought I was crazy. I wasn’t sure it would work. I wasn’t sure they would buy-in, but they did! I had to carry a few on my back, but they crossed the finish line.
We had about seventy participants--we actually had more attend, then were registered. That NEVER happens! And we only had three hours, but we made it work. Here’s what I did.
- Flip the Learning: With only three hours, I knew I couldn’t spend much time explaining the concept, so I front loaded some basic information about the EdCamp/Unconference idea. I included information on what to expect, and some links to more information: EdCamp 101 Video, Why EdCamp (blog post on Edutopia by Kristen Swanson), and a link to What is EdCamp from EdCamp.org.
- Start with the Stickys: Just like at EdCamp, I had them working on their topics and submitting the sticky notes as soon as they arrived. I encouraged everyone to facilitate a topic, and emphasized that they didn’t have to be the expert, just be willing to facilitate a conversation.
- How to Be Awesome at EdCamp: I think this poster originated with #EdCampOKC. (Please let me know whom to credit.) We wanted to use the idea for #EdCampAwesome, so I had my graphic designer friend, Tom Nielson, work his magic and create this digital version. It is a great way to explain the basic concepts of EdCamp.
- Kristen Swanson’s TEDx Talk PhiladephiaED: Kristen Swanson, an EdCamp founder and a personal hero of mine, has an awesome, or should I say #eduawesome TEDx talk! This video is an excellent way to set the stage for newbies while you put the schedule together.
- The Epic EdCamp Lip Dub: For some added fun, educational value, and a little more time to finalize the schedule, I showed this video. The original song was created by Flocabulary, and several EdCampers collaborated to make this a great and entertaining lip dub.
- Reinforce Skills with Rewards: I knew this audience didn’t have a lot of avid Tweeters, so I created a hashtag and brought a goodie bag as a reward for the day’s best tweet.
- Share the Schedule and Let Them Go: I shared the schedule (a Google spreadsheet) with a QR code and shortened URL. It was time start the sessions, and (crossing my fingers) I let them go.
While I love EdCamp, and I’m a big believer in how this innovation is changing the landscape of professional learning, it is not a silver bullet. There is a time and place for all types of learning experiences. This is one way to #HackPD, but I want to research and develop new ways to approach professional development. We must find a way to make learning more personal, meaningful, and engaging for educators. We must also find a way to mirror the classroom strategies we want to see teachers facilitating with their students.
I really do try to model differentiated learning experiences and facilitation, but I am always looking for new ideas. Please share your #HackPD ideas in the comments below! I’d love to collaborate!