Delta Secondary will play host to Edcamp Delta this Saturday, marking the third time a small group of educators from the Delta school district will be involved in spearheading this event.
Edcamp is a form of "unconference" where students, parents and educators gather as learners to share perspectives. Unlike traditional conferences that have presenters and schedules established months in advance, Edcamp has an agenda based on the input of participants at the start of the event.
Participants suggest the topics, vote for the topics that most interest them and volunteer to facilitate learning conversations. Sessions are often focused around questions, ideas and hot topics in education.
At Edcamp, there are no "speakers" and attendees are not passive listeners. Edcamp is built on the principles of connected and participatory learning and strives to bring together people who are passionate about education.
Participants attend Edcamp looking forward to exchanging ideas, contributing knowledge to a network of learners and leaving with a sense of inspiration.
"I enjoy Edcamp because there isn't just one expert in the room. The room is full of experts who are driving the discussion," said Delta teacher Jonathan Kung, an organizer of all three Edcamp Delta events.
The popularity of the Edcamp movement is evident in the growth in the number of people who have registered for Edcamp Delta each year. Over 250 people have signed up for Saturday's event, nearly double the number at the first one in January 2012.
An important characteristic about Edcamp is its lack of hierarchy.
"The atmosphere was very relaxed because people didn't have any titles," said Grade 12 student Justine Taylor who will be participating in her second Edcamp. "We didn't know who was a principal, teacher or parent."
Organizers are excited that Edcamp Delta will feature a significant student voice. Over 45 students from Delta schools are signed up to participate.
"It's not often I can convince students to spend a Saturday at school," said Seaqaum Secondary viceprincipal Aaron Akune. "I am very encouraged to see so many students take an interest in education and eager to share their perspective and ideas."
Grade 12 student Kirsten Dance had this suggestion for students, parents and educators: "If you have something to say about how schools could be a better place, you definitely should come."
Edcamp Delta will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration can be done online at https://deltalearns. ca/edcamp.
