In the past year, worldwide, a different kind of
professional development movement has started and become very widespread. This
type of professional development is called an EdCamp (mostly found in the US)
or a TeachMeet, a UK term. In South Africa we have adopted the UK term and have
been pleased to see the growth of TeachMeets. These are generally a type of
collaborative conferences lasting but a few hours, better known as an
‘unconferences’ since the attendees are the presenters and the focus is on the
needs and wants of those attending. I like the way one TeachMeet
advertised itself – “connecting educators to their most valuable resource
– each other!”
Our TeachMeet season has started. SchoolNet started a
wiki in 2011 called Teachmeet-South Africa, to keep a record
of TeachMeets around South Africa. Please feel free to advertise any informal
conferences and unconferences on this wiki. The wiki also explains how
TeachMeets work. All you have to do to advertise your event is join the wiki,
press edit and then write up the date of your TeachMeet.
TeachMeet in Somerset West
This took place last week and was a most enjoyable event. To find out more about it read the post TeachMeet at Somerset House on Weds 13th Feb–an inspiring evening.
TeachMeet in East London
Two schools in East London are taking turns in holding the
TeachMeet. Last year Stirling Primary was the host and now it is Clarendon
Primary’s turn on Tuesday 13 March from 3-5pm. Read more about this event on the TeachMeet South Africa wiki and please do
consider participating if you live in the area.
Brescia House, Johannesburg ‘How do I do IT in my class’ day
Brescia House in Johannesburg is holding an ‘How do you do IT in your class?’ day 16 March 2013. This sounds as though it could be a great occasion where lots of ideas will be shared.
What’s your view? Do you think a TeachMeet is a viable form of Professional Development.
Further reading
Teach Meets – A new kind of professional development
Introduction to Edcamp: A New Conference Model Built on Collaboration