I'm here! I'm here! Sarah Young, Coordinator for Digital Teaching and Learning @UTPublicEd Wouldn't miss @MathDavidUtah (my first work neighbor and mentor at USBE) #utedchat
#utedchat David Smith. @MathDavidUtah. I'm a 41 year educator. 10 teaching elementary and middle school, 20 years as an elementary principal in Murray, and 11 years at the USBE doing assessment, then math, then math and STEM. and now leader effectiveness. I love #utedchat!
First question in one minute. We will use the Q, A format, though there will be a C2A (call to action) question at the end. Use C2A for that. #utedchat
Q1: Why is it necessary to innovate in education, or not? Thanks to @couros of the #IMMOOC for this question. It is lifted direction from session 1 of that MOOC. #utedchat
A1: Innovation in education is what it is all about. Like a shark in the water, if you aren't constantly moving forward, you are stagnating and suffocating. #utedchat#jsdinnovates
A1: #UTedChat Innovation is absolutely necessary! Students are constantly changing, evolving... sometimes de-evolving and we have to find ways to connect with them. Innovation is that way.
A1: I think there's never been a less static pursuit than education! Every day is different, and if we don't keep our focus on moving forward, we drift. #utedchat
#IMMOOC, by the way, stands for Innovators Mindset Massive Open Online Course. I'm taking it and reading @gcouros 's book, Innovators Mindset. #utedchat
Innovation in education is essential. However, there are so many teachers doing amazing things. Too many teachers keep reinventing the wheel, collaboration is key. We are better together. Most of my "innovative" ideas I steal from Twitter/conferences/etc. #UTedChat
A1: without innovation s are not engaged. They live in an instant world of gratification. We as T’s have to keep them engaged. Ed tech is the way to get to them. #utedchat
A1: Innovation in the classroom helps us learn grow and reach new heights. It allows for new ideas to blossom and new potentials to be reached! #UTedChat
A1: We innovate to improve. It's necessary because today's learners are not what they were yesterday. Needs have changed. Flexibility is key. #utedchat#jsdinnovates
I think it is more than just instant gratification for our students. Innovation is a way of keeping up with best practices and new tech, which is always evolving, to best reach every learner at every stage. #utedchat
In reply to
@salliewarnecke, @MathDavidUtah, @Couros
A1 if you stay stagnant you won’t grow. Innovation is the cure for burnout and engagement. It’s just as important for the teacher to be engaged as it is for Ss. You don’t want to become the blockbuster video of educators #UTedChat
A1: Depends on how we define innovation. Innovation for the sake of doing something new can be a waste of energy. Innovation stemming from an identified need is productive energy. 😊 #utedchat
Q1: Why is it necessary to innovate in education, or not? Thanks to @couros of the #IMMOOC for this question. It is lifted direction from session 1 of that MOOC. #utedchat
A1 My students have seen how education has been done. They have seen the lessons that don’t connect with them at all, some that do. But if it isn’t real and new and purposeful then it won’t prepare them as we should be doing. #utedchat
A1 Innovation is so important to enjoy teaching, to learn as a teacher and improve student learning, keep kids and ourselves engaged. It's absolutely essential. #UTedChat
A2: You track stats on your innovation! Keep record, take note, collect anecdotal data. Arm yourself with evidence that the innovation is worth it! #utedchat
Q2: Does the term evidence-based mean that innovation must be proven before it can be implemented? I think not. It is the small things that make the difference. #utedchat
A2: this is where we need to go long with #designthinking such a powerful vehicle to accelerate innovation while deliver evidence, reflection and opportunity to #failforward#UTedChat
We have a finite amount of energy so I think it is important to focus our energy on those things that matter most. That can most definitely be innovation so long as we make our decisions based on focused priorities. #utedchat
A2 Innovation can be done in meaningful, purposeful ways. It is a difference between using tech to be using tech, or using tech because it is effective, meaningful, and measured. #utedchat
A2 Keep records of what works or what doesn't. Iterate. Innovation can be goal-based. Use data to see improvements or weak areas, focus on the most important, and just continue to innovate!!! #utedchat
A2: Evidence based teaching & learning can help guide us as we attempt innovative ideas and practice. After all, we don’t know if it works if it isn’t done with purpose and an expected outcome. #UTedChat
A2: #utedchat Innovation leads to bigger and better (most the time). By tracking the data, you can develop evidenced-based strategies that can be shared with other teachers.
A2:UTEDchat with Ed tech, it is easy to get the data needed for evidence. One example: @nearpod A t can download reports from the app and make immediate evidence based decisions for s. #utedchat
A2 lots of ways to prove you understand other than taking a multiple choice test. Evidence can come in the form of videos, web sites, blogs, web collaborations, etc...Innovation opens doors that didn’t exist. #utedchat
A2: I don't think you need hard data before innovating. but it's important to track change, compare results, watch student progress. even more important, students should know how to leverage innovation in their own learning, both in learning and demonstrating learning. #utedchat
A2: Students. Did the students benefit from the change (even the slightest)? What we do as educators should have the faces of students front and center. Reflect. Did it work? If so, how? If not, why? #UTedChat#KidsDeserveIt
A2b: there are so many angles for evidence within innovation. Competencies as well, common vocabulary and shared definition from the beginning will support collection. #utedchat
I've seen teachers do really fun things that appear to fit the curriculum, but the students remember the activity more than the content and it takes up a lot of instructional time. #UTedChat
Question 3 coming up in 3 minutes or less. These are incredible answers that we need to communicate to our administrators, school board, and legislature. Show them that creativity and innovation is alive and well and is not done willy nilly. #utedchat
Question 3 coming up in 3 minutes or less. These are incredible answers that we need to communicate to our administrators, school board, and legislature. Show them that creativity and innovation is alive and well and is not done willy nilly. #utedchat
A2: As educators, we should always be trying to use evidence. But the common definition tends to make teachers feel like their hands are tied when it comes to innovation. #UTedchat
Hey all, Derek from @sedck12 & @UCET checking into #UTedChat a little late. We had the #PinewoodDerby for #PackMeeting tonight & it got crazy fun! Stoked to be here though. I'll try to catch up.
A1: The world is constantly changing, so we must update our curriculum constantly and our pedagogy intentionally to stay relevant and credible. HOWEVER, there are innovators, early adopters, late adopters, laggards, etc. I can innovate some & share a lot! Everyone wins. #utedchat
Q1: Why is it necessary to innovate in education, or not? Thanks to @couros of the #IMMOOC for this question. It is lifted direction from session 1 of that MOOC. #utedchat
Using blended learning models and frameworks like SAMR, TPACK, and 4 C’s. Making sure we use the right tool for the job, not just cause it’s fun or the kids like it. #utedchat
In reply to
@BaggaleyMr, @downrightdave, @marcihouseman
A3 We want to reward students for risk-taking in their learning-- #growthmindset--but teachers aren't always encouraged to be innovative in their teaching. #utedchat
A3: Time is a big one. It can feel faster and easier to do things the way you've always done them, rather than learn a new way. Particularly when so many other things demand attention. #utedchat
A3: barriers to innovation: teacher resistance--risk taking is an attitude that needs to be developed and supported from admin and coworkers. students also need to be trained in being innovative learners. Esp, if they are used to doing things one way...#utedchat
A1 Innovation in Education is important for the same reasons we don't use Blood Letting as a medical purposes. Times change and so does the research. We need to be willing to try NEW things. #UTedChat
I have seen that too! Effective instruction always starts with the standards. Know what you want students to be able to know and do. THEN, determine most engaging way to help them know and do that. 😊 #utedchat
I think we all do at times, and as long as it's not all the time, I think we're allowed to just do something for the sake of awesomeness and fun now and again. #utedchat
A3 I find barriers when innovation is expected to yield IMMEDIATE results. IMPLEMENTATION CURVE needs to be the first page of every program/grant report. #sensitive#history#utedchat
A3: Humans are afraid of change. As an innovation specialist, I am constantly defining and redefining my role. Lack of understanding the question WHY INNOVATE? is a barrier to innovation. #utedchat
A2: If you are truly innovating, what you are developing isn't proven until YOU prove it. However, most innovations are adaptation of something that already exists - a tweak that results in improvement. In that sense, I'm constantly innovating. We all should be. #utedchat
Q2: Does the term evidence-based mean that innovation must be proven before it can be implemented? I think not. It is the small things that make the difference. #utedchat
A1.5 I also think it's important for educators to innovate because that's where the FUN is! We need to be willing to try new things & be okay when we fail. #GrowthMindset#UTedChat
A3: I believe that we are our own barriers! There is always an excuse to not tryout a new idea or strategy. We need to get out of our classrooms and visit other teachers who are willing to explore innovative avenues. #UTedChat
A3: Being afraid of being innovative. Sometimes our biggest obstacle is just beginning! Don’t hesitate you might be on the brink of brilliance for your students! #UTedChat
A3: I often think people think of innovation as being something big and expensive. It can be a small tweak. In literacy, having and using a classroom library seeing kids read can be innovative. An obstacle can be the definition behind the word. #UTedChat
A3 Accessibility, cost, support, and sustainability. Oh and comfort zones. IMO equity is of prime importance when it comes to tech, increases gap bet haves and have nots #utedchat
A3: as a teacher, curriculum that does not provide flexibility to innovate...as an administrator, the wrong accountability targets and as a human, fear of unknowns associated with the #FutureOfLearning and #futureofwork not an option to not innovate! #utedchat
Exactly!! “Right tool for the job”—First we have to have a clear understanding of what students need to know and do in order to demonstrate their learning. Then we backwards plan from that and bring creativity & innovation into our instructional design. #utedchat
In reply to
@MrJFawson, @BaggaleyMr, @downrightdave
When planning we should always start with the standard and our students in mind. Should we use technology? The SAMR model can help. Sometimes paper and pencil really is the best and simplest option. Can we incorporate inquiry, project-based learning, etc? #utedchat
A3: Barriers really depend on how you define innovation. If innovation includes adapting and improving what we already have, the only real barrier is the time to do it. Sometimes new tech costs $$. Sometimes I want to learn new software. Then it's time and $. #utedchat
A3: Innovation can be the its own barrier. But the main barrier is the status quo (#saynotohighschoolmusical). I am particularly a creature of habit. If I don’t think about what I am doing I end up doing things the same as last year. #utedchat
Backwards design should be 1st thing taught in lesson planning. So much easier to determine which tool fits best, and yes that could be a pencil #UTedChat
In reply to
@marcihouseman, @BaggaleyMr, @downrightdave
Oh I love this!! “Arm yourself with evidence”. We need to ask ourselves “How do I know if this is having the impact I am seeking?” Use evidence to prove what is working and improve what is not. #utedchat
A4: growth mindset. Engaging students and finding new ways to do this. The littlest things created a huge impact in my teaching - and created a culture and climate of learning. #UTedChat
A2 I'm not sure on how to answer this one. It almost seems like a chicken and egg situation. We need to be innovative to find new ideas and then gather evidence while studying the effectiveness of the results. I'm stumped. #UTedChat
I chose to use "share" in my Tweet on this topic...because I'm happy to share my work so no one else needs to feel guilty about stealing. I do try to give credit for others' work, but I'm not at all ashamed to say it's not mine, but it's good! #utedchat
A4: Time is a tricky one. Life gets busy. I just have to organize better. Funding. I apply for grants and look to crowd-sourcing. Fear of failure, that's the hardest one. Good planning, running through the task in my head and just jumping in.#utedchat
A4: Knowing that I've done hard things in the past really helps when facing a new fear or obstacle. It's amazing the mileage we and our students can get from successfully overcoming challenges. We don't learn if things are too easy! #utedchat
A4: As I support support support teachers who are experimenting and innovating, they begin to trust me and know my motives. They'll take a risk if I'm shoulder to shoulder with them. My risk-taking empowers others. #utedchat
Amen! Effective backwards design actually frees us up to innovate—because we know EXACTLY where we are taking students and what it will look like when we get there. 😊 #utedchat
In reply to
@MrJFawson, @BaggaleyMr, @downrightdave
A4 Having a supportive administration definitely helps. Mine have encouraged me to take risks as long as the goal is increased student learning. Even if what I try doesn't work, I know they'll support me. #UTedchat
I think creating the name #UtedChat to allow educators from all over the state - rural and urban areas to collaborate and learn from each other was pretty INNOVATIVE! Hahaha! #UTedChat
A4 I’ve always been willing to get messy with the lesson. If I have an idea I go for it, sometimes it doesn’t go as planned, that’s what 2nd and 3rd periods are for. As educators we are flexible and can figure things out on the fly. Don’t be scared to get messy #utedchat
A4: designing from the edges is a nice starting point to barrier removal. If advisory program is bad, start by designing what it looks like for 9th grade, then 10th and so on. It is starting somewhere and creating allies with shared vision. #utedchat
A4: Overcoming barriers? Usually patience pays off (at least when tech costs are involved). I beg for training on occasion (like the @UEN course I'm taking tomorrow) and I read A LOT of good stuff on the internet when I'm trying to problem solve. #utedchat But TIME = juggling.
chicken or the egg question, right? innovation in education can identify areas in need of growth, and can be used to support the good things already happening in a classroom. #utedchat
A5: The most innovative teaching practice I have adopted is bringing real life math into my classrooms. I learned about tasking at summer core academies and I LOVE it. #utedchat
A3 Fear which leads to apathy which leads to stale classrooms. Too many teachers are afraid to fail. They need to read @JessLahey's book "The Gift of Failure" so they can see the power in failure. We need to push past the fear. #UTedChat#GrowthMindset
A4: One thing that has helped me is supportive administration and a friend to share ideas and reflect with. @mikeericksen1@bwe545 rachelIT_ADS #UTedChat
A5: I usually teach adults nowadays, and I like the #edcamp style of handing out post-it notes and having them prioritize topics. There's always a good surprise in their responses #utedchat
A4: Questions can be an effective strategy for overcoming barriers. For example, if someone wants to continue with something they have done for 10 years, I ask them how they know it is effective. Another set of questions: So what? Now what? (Use with complainers. 😉) #utedchat
Sorry, lots of #GrowthMindset on my mind due to working with principals in @washk12 today on the #BlendedUtah LBDL Program that @UENpd is helping run in the state. Definitely some powerful stuff! #UTedChat
A5: Most innovative practice? First I figured out the MyUEN page and built it myself. Then I figured out @CANVAS (mostly) with @UENpd help. Next challenge: Virtual Reality & Google classroom for the tech side. In teaching, new projects using new tools, I guess. #utedchat
A5 using iPads and developing a statewide network to teach Braille and provide ASL interpreters across the state for deaf or blind students. Happened because we boiled it down to what the students really needed instead of what we had always done before. #utedchat
#utedchat YES YES YES! THANK YOU! I fought for that for 7 years as elementary math specialist at the USBE. Sometimes at grave peril of my life. Well, maybe not that bad...
A5: A classroom starter called Circle Time that engaged students in dialogue and created community. Stole it from someone down the hall... @BaldRoberts Innovation as a first year teacher that student relationships was the foundation for learning. #utedchat
A5: I used @KaizenaHQ to give feedback to my English 9 students in Google Drive. It transformed my classroom and improved student relationships. I stumbled on the tool when researching ways to improve writing instruction. #utedchat
A5 I've implemented stations in my high school English classroom. I borrowed the idea from elementary teachers who are masters at using learning centers. It has given me substantially more time to meet with students individually. #UTedchat
A5: Right now I'm working on getting students outside of the classroom to learn and then to document it with filmmaking. Both the students and I are more engaged than ever. I'll be doing an OTS session about it at #UCET2018#UTedChat
A5 I once had math students do a research paper on famous people who made huge mistakes and learned from it. Growth mindset before it was a thing. #UTedchat
A3 Another barrier is the Education System itself. We "reward" educators who appear perfect on paper through evaluations but that doesn't actually mean they are good teachers. It just means they can play the "game" of evaluations. #UTedChat
A5: Innovation for me comes from multiple sources on Twitter! Most recently I’m trying innovative ideas to connect with students & teachers individually. Nothing big it’s about going back to basics. #UTedChat
A5 I only show segments of movies, usually 5-7 min then we do something with what we learned. Media in my class means we are active, not passive #UTedChat
all of my most innovative work comes from collaboration. hardly ever do my best ideas come to me in isolation. innovation happens in the middle of the stream, not in the shallows. #utedchat
A5: Honestly, most of my innovation comes from my PLN. I am so grateful to be a connected educator! I borrow brilliance or get inspired by brilliance all the time! Discovering @flipgrid is the perfect example! #utedchat
Yes! Innovation in my secondary classroom was always just best practice for early childhood teachers. Kindergarten teachers should be our leaders #UTedChat
I don't know what the answer is, but I do believe the Teacher Evaluation system as a whole is broken. Don't get me wrong, it's better than it's been, but it's still broken. #UTedChat
If I were a building administrator I'd much prefer to see the messy and not-pretty work in the middle instead of always the beautiful finished product. it's the middle where all the fun is anyways! #UTedChat
A5: A lot comes from places like #avidcollege4u. I started finding ideas from twitter and other social media. Then I started to see again the beautiful ideas in the class next door. #UTedChat
A6 showing my students I practice what I preach...that I am willing to try things out and they should also be willing to try new things, that failure is a learning opportunity. Those opportunities TRANSFORM my students willingness to engage in new learning/innovation #UTedChat
But until we can get rid of the "gotcha" idea that happens with administrators looking to "catch" teachers and instead welcome the growth that occurs in failure and struggle, we will never truly "fix" education, mindset, & innovation. #UTedChat
Thank you for showing that stations can work at the secondary level!! I wholeheartedly agree—this approach can help teachers differentiate their instruction and can lead to increased engagement. Way to go!! #utedchat
A5 I've implemented stations in my high school English classroom. I borrowed the idea from elementary teachers who are masters at using learning centers. It has given me substantially more time to meet with students individually. #UTedchat
Hey @downrightdave!!! If @pamturley55 can say “stole it” then it’s clearly ok for everyone! She’s my trailblazer in DTL, I’m sticking with her. :) #UTedChat
In reply to
@pamturley55, @Flipgrid, @UENpd, @downrightdave, @pamturley55
A6: Anytime you create a situation where students share their voice, you know you are on the right track. The students feel that they are creating something the world hasn't seen yet! #UTedChat
It's going well. I wish I would have started at the beginning of the year. Next year I'm going to hit it hard. I want my Ss to become more #resilient#utedchat
And in some cases, with the really effective administrators evaluations can be more about teacher growth than punitive. But that kind of evaluation take LOTS more time & energy, 2 things we're severely lacking in EDU. #UTedChat
Okay, home stretch. C2A coming up. I almost hesitate to use it because it has mostly already been answered. It is coming nonetheless! Not much time left! #utedchat
A6: I *hope* having teachers choose topic priorities sets a better tone and initiates a supporting relationship. I'm there to provide a support service, not to talk at them about things they don't need. #utedchat
You can call me any time David, I'm open to chatting whenever we can find a mutually agreeable time. That's the only constraint since we're both so busy all over the place. But I'm open to a discussion. Do you have my number? #UTedChat
A6 I want my students to see me engaged in the practice of learning ang growing... Sometimes faing and sometimes succeeding. Being engaged in the innovation process together with my students is very powerful for both. #UTedChat
Q6: Occasionally students go on the internet to find out what they are missing and take care of it. I'm doing digital and analog simultaneously though. Double the work. I do love the powerful digital projects I get from students though with Google, Animoto, etc. #utedchat
I'd like administrators to know that by taking a few minutes each day to create a trusting relationship with his/her teachers makes more difference than any faculty meeting or interview in the office. #UTedChat
A6 As a result of stations, I have developed better relationships with students and can give them better feedback. I have more time to meet with them about their writing and give them feedback while they're still in the process of writing instead of after they're done. #UTedchat
That’s an administrative issue. Never had an administrator make me feel that way. I know it happens, but if done correctly shouldn’t feel punitive but a reflective time to evaluate how you are doing #utedchat
I'm always open to discussions about improving the education process. I don't claim to have the answers, but I do talk with a lot of educators across the globe & our amazing state. Let's make some time to chat. #UTedChat
Student #brilliance is one of the most undervalued commodities in the world! By modeling or even suggesting that it is ok to #failforward will unleash student voice and action in innovations that will deliver the #FutureOfLearning#utedchat
A6 As a result of stations, I have developed better relationships with students and can give them better feedback. I have more time to meet with them about their writing and give them feedback while they're still in the process of writing instead of after they're done. #UTedchat
It doesn't take a lot of time all at once, but it does take a little bit each day. I'd love to be the type of building administrator who walks into classrooms for 3-5 mins each day and just absorbs the awesome. Maybe one day. #UTedChat
C2A trying to change all at once can be overwhelming...choose a small thing to try something new...work your way up to bigger things. Find success, share with PLN, always try to improve. #utedchat
I agree 100% Jared, but I do know of friends who have suffered with administrators like that. I too have been blessed to work with awesome Admins who are supportive & believe in the better good. #UTedChat
