Media Alert: Edcamp 'Unconference' For Educators Coming To MSDE

Maryland Becomes First State Education Department to Sponsor Non-traditional Professional Learning

For Immediate Release                                                    Contact: Bill Reinhard, 410-767-0486

Baltimore, MD (February 5, 2015)

Educators throughout the State will gather at the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) on Saturday for EdcampMD, a professional learning event in which educators design the agenda to suit their particular needs.  

“EdcampMD is designed to capture passion and spark creative ideas and solutions that teachers can put to use in the classroom,” said State Superintendent of Schools Lillian Lowery.  “We expect the work that takes place at this event will reverberate Statewide.”

MSDE is the first state education agency in the nation to sponsor an EdCamp.  Developers of EdCamp refer to the program as an “unconference,” which reverse-engineers the typical education gathering. 

Unlike traditional conferences, with schedules set months in advance by the organizers, Edcamps feature agendas created by the participants at the start of the event. Instead of a presenter standing in front of the room lecturing for an hour, attendees are encouraged to participate in discussions and hands-on sessions drawing on their strengths, interests, and expertise.

Edcamps are free, non-commercial and conducted with a vendor-free presence. Each program features sessions determined on the day of the event, and all who attend may present.  Edcamp MD is being organized by Maryland educators from both public and private schools. To learn more, visit https://sites.google.com/site/edcampmaryland.

WHAT:     EdcampMD

WHEN:     8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
                 Saturday, February 7

WHERE:  Maryland State Department of Education
                Eighth Floor Conference Center
                200 W. Baltimore Street
                Baltimore, MD 21201
                (410)767-4280

                       
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