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Post date: Nov 12, 2010 5:27:22 PM
On Saturday November 6 2010, I participated in Kansas City's 1st tech education UNconference, edcampkc.
I believe it was actually the 4th one to ever be organized in the nation. Educators from all around the country (Michigan, Florida, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Illinois and more) showed up in Lee's Summit to attend this groundbreaking event.
The concept is simple: educators with common interests, gather to discuss and expand their professional development. Since it is an UNconference, sessions are not set in stone. Anyone with an idea, or a special interest can lead/facilitate a session.
Now, just because it is an UNconference, and nothing is set in stone, does not mean that it is UNorganized. Thanks to Kyle Pace, an Instructional Technology Specialist from the Lee's Summit School District, and a myriad of other people who helped him shape up and organize this event, there was more structure and relevance to this conference than many others I have attended.
Kyle secured the collaboration of Central Missouri State University, and many sponsors who were gracious enough to provide door prizes including the "grand Prize", a brand new Kindle, courtesy of @allofek12, which yours truly was fortunate enough to win. Yep, I got it. :)
I chose to lead a session, and with the help of Mrs. Forsythe (loyal friend, and great help), I did "present" some of the sites that we (my students and I) use in class to enhance "speaking skills" (since I am French Teacher.) It was a very rewarding experience, that allowed me to network with so many different valuable educators, and really fired up my motivation. It was so fantastic to see that so many thought we were on the right track with all these "new" projects, and so thought provoking to hear about what others are doing in their school.
Needless to say, I came out of this experience with a million ideas (who knows how many will really be born), and a newfound appreciation for the relationship I have with my students. Guys, I cannot tell you enough, how much I appreciate your flexibility and your patience as I strive to become a better teacher.
Check out this cool little video taken at the event. It is entitled "I am a teacher, and I have the best job in the world"
You can view some of the pictures of the event by clicking here,
Or
Click on the following links to read some of the reflections from other attendees:
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