Big Idea: Digital Curation and Participating in an EDCamp
Image from RDNE Stock Project on Pexels.
This week, our class participated in an EdCamp activity in which we formed small groups to discuss important topics in education. We were given the opportunity to brainstorm these topics ourselves and to self-select our groups based on interest. I really enjoyed this model of discussion, especially since it grouped together people who were passionate about the same topic, which resulted in really rich and interesting conversation.
My group chose to discuss the importance of incorporating nature into education. It was great to hear from people from various subject areas who were all passionate about the same issue, especially since often in this program we are grouped based on our teachables. Many of the PHE teacher candidates brought their perspectives and experience to the discussion since their program is especially geared towards outdoor education. I was surprised to learn how much overlap there is in the curriculum of many different subject areas—both ELA and PHE curricula emphasize the importance of fostering a connection to place, for example.
Our group discussed the importance of providing students with access to the outdoors as much as possible, even in subjects where that has not traditionally been the case. In English classes, for example, students could be given the opportunity to read outside, or could be taken on nature walks to provide inspiration for a creative writing unit.
Going forward, I will definitely take advantage of opportunities to participate in similar EdCamp activities as I know they will allow me to access a range of perspectives I may not otherwise hear.