Last week, we did this really fun activity called EdCamp. EdCamp is a way for people to collaborate and discuss ideas that interest them. Here’s how it works: Attendees write down topics or questions they want to explore and post them on a wall. Afterward, everyone votes on the topics they are most interested in. The topics with the most votes become discussion groups that participants can join. The topics shared are usually centered around a specific theme. For example, our class explored topics related to teaching and learning.
For EdCamp, my group discussed ideas around field trips. We debated whether it’s better to do a field trip before or after learning a particular unit. We agreed that going after some learning had taken place was the best approach. This way, students can apply what they have learned, in class, on the field trip or build upon it by exploring new ideas that might have been difficult to grasp without some prior knowledge. We also discussed how field trips could serve as a reward system or a motivational tool during a unit. Additionally, we explored virtual field trips and discovered some cool websites teachers could use if going in person isn’t an option. For example, the Royal BC Museum offers a virtual tour where you can “walk” through the museum on your computer screen.
Here are some resources we found:
I thought this was a really neat activity, and I could definitely see myself using it with my own class someday. You could also modify it so that the teacher chooses the topics they want their students to explore, and then students can pick whichever topic interests them most. Alternatively, the teacher could post several different topics for students to vote on, then break them into groups based on the most popular choices. Afterward, students could share what they’ve learned with the class, ensuring that everyone gets a chance to learn about each topic. I think EdCamp could also be a valuable tool for review, whether before a test or just to reinforce learning. For example, if a science test is coming up, students could write down topics they still need help with or need to review, and post them on the board. Then, students could vote for the topics they also feel need reviewing (not every student needs to post a topic). The most-voted topics would then become breakout groups where students focus on reviewing that particular topic. Additionally, I think this could be a fun activity for when reading a book in class. Students could post questions or discussion topics related to the book being read, vote, and break into groups to discuss different aspects of the book. I love that EdCamp is very student-led, and I think it would be a fantastic way to engage students in class.
This reflection was edited with the help of ChatGTP.