Edcamp!
This reflection will be on my first experience with Edcamp through Edtech. The model is simple. There is a theme and the users generate topics related to the theme. Then they all vote on the topics and whatever topics are in the top spot become the discussion topics. The main group then splits into smaller discussion groups to talk about the topics.
The two topics I spent the most time at were integrating arts into STEM and updating sex education in schools.
Firstly, during the Stem + art talk, I came across the acronym STEAM which I was unfamiliar with. According to my other group members, visual arts and stem subjects seemed to be heading toward a joined future which is great. This wasn’t necessarily a topic I had strong opinions about but I very much enjoyed hearing everyone else discuss their opinions and share their information.
The next topic I joined was updating the sex education curriculum. And from the sounds of it, it could probably use a strong update. The methods to teach it seems archaic to a modern sensibility.
We talked a lot about how we still have a lot of stigma around sex education and still teach sex and STI’s through a negative lens. Additionally, consent education needs to start young and be ongoing. Understanding their and others’ boundaries is crucial. One of the things we all concluded is, that for something that is so fundamental to human existence and interrelation – two weeks a year is not enough for teenagers. They need properly educated persons and more time spent on the topic each year. However, it sounds like Alaya will be pursuing generating change in a positive direction once she becomes a teacher. That inspires hope in me that there will be a change.
To conclude, it’s fantastic how Edcamp, with such little setup, can generate such interesting and engaging topics. Not to mention how much I was able to learn from my peers!
Until next time,
R
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