what is an edcamp?
The first Edcamp was organized in Philadelphia in 2010 by a small group of passionate educators inspired by the idea that everyone is both a learner and a leader. Since then, this powerfully democratic approach to professional learning has grown to include over 1500 Edcamps held in 35 countries around the world.
For more information about the Edcamp model, visit the Edcamp Foundation site.
Edcamp tenets
Participant-Driven
Edcamps are un-conferences. Topics for sessions are determined by participants at the event, where conversation and collaboration are paramount.
Free to Attend
Edcamps are free for participants! Educators who want to learn and collaborate are welcome, at no expense to them.
Experience, not Experts
Sessions are facilitated by anyone. Participants with experience are encouraged to speak up during sessions. Open dialogue and a willingness to share, not planned presentations, drive the learning at Edcamps.
Rule of Two Feet
The "rule of two feet" empowers participants to find sessions that best meet their needs. If a session isn't working for them, they are encouraged to find one that is!
What happens at an edcamp?
Initially, time is devoted (at least 30 minutes) to provide everyone who has come with an opportunity to introduce themselves to one another and to suggest a topic for the session board. Everyone who comes is encouraged to host a session, which simply means providing a topic or question for discussion. There is no expectation of expertise, only of professional curiosity.
Once the session board is filled, participants look at the finalized schedule and decide which sessions they want to attend.
Sessions are participant-driven, encouraging sharing and collaboration among everyone who comes to the session, whether it a few people or a large group. Teachers share their best practices, their challenges and their passions, each listening for key information to enhance their personalized professional development. There is no single expert in the room! Participants are empowered to have voice and choice and encouraged to subscribe to the "Rule of Two Feet," staying for sessions that meet their needs and politely leaving ones that do not.