edCamp Seattle is Saturday May 17, from 9am – 3pm at University Prep. An edCamp is a free day of professional development in the unconference model. What is an unconference? The following video gives a great overview of the process:
From edCamp Seattle’s site:
What is an unconference?
Come enjoy a day with colleagues from around the Northwest. Arrive with an idea for a session that you would like to lead or with the anticipation of a full day of learning. A session might explore a technology tool, a discussion about best practices, or a collaborative presentation with multiple facilitators.
You will begin with time to meet other teachers over coffee. There will be an empty session board where you and all attendees can post session titles.
Over the course of the day, you will have the opportunity to attend up to three sessions. The rule of the unconference is to “vote with your feet”. If a session doesn’t meet your needs, simply get up and move on to another room.
You will learn something new, maybe make a new friend, and receive information that you can immediately apply in your classroom and professional life!
My first unconference was at ISTE 2012 and it was amazing. I really enjoyed the laid back atmosphere and the passion that everyone brought to the day. If you have not had an opportunity to experience the unconference model, I highly suggest to put this event on your calendar. If you have, I imagine you have already saved the date!