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The Edcamp Model
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The Edcamp Model
Powering Up Professional Learning

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August 2014 | 72 pages | Corwin

Exciting professional development that works!

Discover Edcamp, a model of professional development that’s never one- size-fits-all—and always productive. In Edcamp, “unconference” participants create the agenda and lead the sessions, drawing on their individual expertise, and engage in active collaboration for real results. Afterward, technology keeps the conversation going, building a connected learning environment that lasts. Here you’ll find the tools to run an Edcamp in your school, district, or region and start connecting, including:

  • An overview of the Edcamp model
  • Evidence showing its effectiveness
  • Practical strategies to use right away
  • A dedicated series website

The Corwin Connected Educators series is your key to unlocking the greatest resource available to all educators: other educators. Being a Connected Educator is more than a set of actions: it’s a belief in the potential of technology to fuel lifelong learning. To explore the other books in this series, visit the Corwin Connected Educators website.

Check out the Connected Educator Series matrix to find out which book is right for you.   


"Anyone looking to take control of their learning should read this book. Swanson provides step-by-step ways to make Edcamp-style PD a success."
Robert Dillon, Director of Technology and Innovation
Affton School District


"Swanson outlines a new kind of professional development that will revolutionize how educators improve their craft. This blueprint for success demonstrates PD that is remarkably simple and brilliant.”

Mark Barnes, Education Consultant and Corwin Author, Teaching the iStudent


 
Preface by Peter DeWitt
 
Introduction: Learning is Changing. Is Your PD Keeping Pace?
 
1. Powering Up Professional Learning With the Edcamp Model
The Need for Edcamps

 
What Is an Edcamp?

 
What Makes an Edcamp Unique?

 
Tenets of the Edcamp Model

 
Edcamp Philly: A Vignette

 
So... How Do I Attend an Edcamp?

 
 
2. Does Edcamp Really Work?
What Educators Are Saying About Edcamp and Its Exponential Growth

 
The Impact on Student Learning

 
Edcamper in Action: Craig Yen

 
Edcamper in Action: Sean Wheeler

 
Edcamper in Action: Heidi Swiak

 
Edcamper in Action: Laksmi Puspitowardhani

 
The "Yes, Buts..."

 
We're Still Learning

 
 
3. Organizing an Edcamp-Style Event at Your School or District
Bring the Benefits of an Edcamp-Style Professional Development to Your School or District

 
Before You Start: Connecting to the Edcamp Community

 
Getting Started

 
Considering Culture

 
Convinving School Leaders Who Are Skeptical of Open Learning

 
Setting the Stage for Success

 
The Day of Your Event: A Step-by-Step Guide

 
Inset: A Helpful Checklist for the Day of Your Event

 
 
4. Tips for Running a Regional Edcamp Event
Recruiting a Diverse Team

 
Securing a Venue Large Enough to Accommodate Regional Attendance

 
Promoting Your Event

 
Fundraising

 
Help Via the Edcamp Foundation

 
 
5. Final Thoughts
 
References

"In this era of accountability, educators feel as though professional development is something being done to them, and then Kristen Swanson and the Edcamp Foundation came along. Edcamps are exciting, engaging unconferences that put the learning back into the hands of educators, and in this book Kristen Swanson provides step-by-step directions so educators can create their own in their building, district, county or state. It’s a must read for anyone who wants to put the professional in professional development."

Peter DeWitt, Corwin Author, Flipped Leadership Doesn’t Mean Reinventing the Wheel
Albany, NY

"This book, written by members of The Edcamp Foundation, is a first-hand account of the Edcamp model for professional development from the people who were with it from the very beginning. Dr. Swanson’s insights into how the Edcamp Model meets the needs of educators in their pursuit of personalized learning for professional development is founded in the experience of designing and supporting Edcamps since the very first one in Philadelphia. She provides the information necessary for any educator to plan, execute, and reap the benefits of this most relevant form of personal, professional development for educators in a profession that relies heavily on relevance in order to be effective in a fast paced, rapidly changing culture. This book provides simple and intelligent answers to: why Edcamps work, how they are effective, and how to deliver one to a district or school.  This is a book for teachers and administrators alike."

Tom Whitby, Consultant, Corwin Author, The Relevant Educator
Sayville, NY

"The leadership of Kristen Swanson and her collaborate professional network has nurtured a growing community of learners through the power of the Edcamp model. This book provides the energy, urgency, and resources to continue to spread Edcamp-style learning into classrooms, schools, districts, and collaborative networks around the country. Anyone looking to take control of their learning, lead next generation adult learning, or build new energy surrounding the ways that kids learn each day should make this book a part of their learning today. Kristen writes in a way that all can access and provides step-by-step ways to make Edcamp-style professional development in all learning spaces a success."

Robert Dillon, Director of Technology and Innovation
Affton School District, St. Louis, Missouri

"Swanson outlines a new kind of professional development that is sure to revolutionize how educators improve their craft. This step-by-step blueprint for success demonstrates PD that is remarkably simple and brilliant. I don't know an educator who won't love The EdCamp Model."

Mark Barnes, Education Consultant and Corwin Author, Teaching the iStudent

"This book is the ultimate "how-to" guide to plan and design your own Edcamp, whether it be within your district or in your region. It gives you "how to's", guidance on getting organizer's feedback, and data on the successes of the Edcamp models. It is a "must" for all leaders who are in the process or idea stage of organizing and running a successful Edcamp. This needs to be on your shelf!"

Vicki Day, Principal
East Side Elementary School, Gouverneur, NY

"Professional development today is in intensive care. Trainings and workshops are boring and lifeless. What professional development needs is a jolt. Edcamps are the defibrillators that are going to bring professional development back to life. Kristen Swanson and the Edcamp Foundation have authored an amazing resource to put a charge into your professional learning. Use this amazing resource to put learning into the hands of those most affected--the teachers. No more life support, no more boring meetings. Edcamps are shockingly awesome. CLEAR!"

Dr. Chris McGee, EdcampSTL Organizer & CEO ConnectED Learning
St. Louis MO

"As of now there are about 20 books in the Corwin Connected Educator Series, a seemingly ever-growing set of titles masterminded by Peter DeWitt and Corwin Press. Each book is short enough to be read in one sitting, which makes the collection ideal for book studies and professional development, both during the summer and throughout the school year. Also, each paperback is authored by one or two educators who speak (and blog, tweet, etc.) with a credible voice in the world of connected education. Some of the topics include:
  • Flipped leadership
  • Tools for connecting educators, parents, and communities
  • Blogging for educators
  • Best practices for establishing a makerspace
  • Tools to connect and empower teachers

Finally, all of the authors are active on social media, and they regularly present at local conferences, which helps in bringing to life the contents of these books."

Ross Cooper, Supervisor of Instructional Practice K-12
Salisbury Township School District, Edutopia
Key features

This book will provide you with one easy-to-implement, practical method for modeling a connected learning environment in your school, district, or region. Called Edcamp, the model leverages internal expertise, digital networks, and conversation to generate change. Edcamp is a proven method of professional development that enhances student achievement and teacher knowledge.

This book will give teachers and leaders:

  • A look at what an Edcamp is and how it works
  • Evidence to show Edcamp’s proven effectiveness in professional learning and student achievement
  • Tools to organize your own Edcamp
  • Stories and examples from educators who have participated in Edcamps

 There is also the Connected Educators Series website where readers can connect with all of the authors of the series, find more resources, and find real support for putting Edcamps into practice.

For instructors

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