Poster #10 - Edcamp and Repeat: Continuity and Change in Participants' Perceptions of Three Iterations of an Un-Conference

• In Event: 28.093 - MTCC Poster Session Five
  In Poster Session: 28.093-1 - Section 8 Poster Session 1

Abstract

Edcamp unconferences are a non-traditional, participant-driven approach to educator professional learning that has grown in popularity in recent years. This study investigated the case of a school district that has hosted annual required Edcamps for its middle school staff for the past three years. Survey responses (N=300) revealed that initial enthusiasm for Edcamps did not diminish over time. Ratings of each event were positive and a large majority of respondents continued to express a willingness to participate in future events. Participant understanding of the unique affordances of the Edcamp model appeared to increase with experience and improve with more direct scaffolding by organizers. We discuss these results and their implications for the Edcamp model and educator professional learning.

Authors

• Miles R MacFarlane, 7 Oaks School Division

• Jeffrey Paul Carpenter, Elon University