#UrbanEd chat is a twitter chat for educators. Topics relevant to the subject of urban education will be discussed, but all educators are encouraged to join the conversation. The chats will be moderated by Ben and Neil, founders of Engaging Educators and elementary school teachers in Detroit, MI.
Hey #UrbanEdChat, I'm now an Adjunct Professor, Teacher Education Program, Fresno Pacific University and Microsoft Innovative Educator - Expert. Missed you guys.
A1: It takes a lot of bravery to step from certain small gains from tried and true to hopeful untested but promising methods. It’s scary to think trying something might not work, and you’ve done a child a disservice. #UrbanEdChat
A2 As someone with a focus on transitioning to edtech using intuitive and visually stimulating programs, I suspect it's more a matter of educators having the time and resources to try out new stuff. #urbanedchat
A2: When students lack access to technology at home it can be challenging. But, that just means we have to work harder supporting innovation! #UrbanEdChat
A3: Googleclassroom helps ensure that learning can continue outside the classroom, and it streamlines all the pieces in one place for students. #UrbanEdChat
A3 Google classroom is simple...The learning curve is small yet the way it can be used is endless...if Ss have a device, they all see the same thing... #UrbanEdChat
A2: OH MY. Please please remember that there is still a connection gap. Teachers who cavalierly expect WiFi connectivity without checking deflate a lot of dreams before they have a chance to float. #UrbanEdChat
A4: Relentlessly seek those in the community who are able to support and connect needed technologies for your classroom. Take older equipment and seek businesses who can service them. Donors choose is also a great support for teachers to get needed equipment. #UrbanEdChat
Tech invites visual learning which requires a different mindset, especially for older kids. I can't wait until educators are confident they don't have to do everything. #Urbanedchat
A4: I've also volunteered my classroom to pilot new digital curriculums or products... some companies will send technology in order to troubleshoot/advertise their products #urbanedchat
For real...if we ask IT, their answer is always it’s working perfectly...getting them to see the necessity of timing and losing focus can be rough #UrbanEdChat
A4: I've also volunteered my classroom to pilot new digital curriculums or products... some companies will send technology in order to troubleshoot/advertise their products #urbanedchat
A5: GOOGLE! We have a huge brain collective of knowledge that we can find the key if we would spend the time to search through the possibilities. #UrbanEdChat
A5: I find that students can easily transition to a learning platform as long as you teach them step-by-step how to navigate the platform. You also have to teach them what is expected in the workflow, submission of assignments, and how to collaborate with others. #UrbanEdChat
A6: Be flexible and plan ahead. Know that students may not have access to a computer or internet at home-or access may vary for them. Plan ways for them to access their work before or after school or in classroom break out times. #UrbanEdChat
A6: Be flexible and plan ahead. Know that students may not have access to a computer or internet at home-or access may vary for them. Plan ways for them to access their work before or after school or in classroom break out times. #UrbanEdChat
A6: sometimes it's the adults who block progress... my students can get email updates, calendar reminders on their phones... but no phones allowed either by admin or parents! #teachresponsibleuse#urbanedchat
We encounter that a lot...planned lesson, resources in place and then no access...safety is most important, but a quick method is gaining access should also be available #UrbanEdChat
A6: T must plan and organize... give students without access opportunity to complete during school hours... use lab, t comp, during lunch etc! #becreative#urbanedchat
A7: Relevance for learning adds a whole new level to engagement. And I find that students don’t mind too much working on any area of deficit when they see the relevance. No one wants a drill and kill worksheet or computer program that drills with flashy graphics #UrbanEdChat
A7: Feature I love, assign to 1 student or multiple... customize learning... student can practice without fear of embarrassment or ridicule from peers #urbanedchat
We're always happy to help!! Let us know if you have any questions... we're 100% without any platform fees. So you literally keep every cent :) #HereToHelp#UrbanEdChat
A8 not having District support gets tricky because ss will have a google account. Perhaps start with a similar site that doesn’t need email address and build case and support for LMS that way #urbanedchat
A1- Teachers shy away from innovation because they are A)- afraid to take a risk B)- Are stifled from taking the risk. It's up to admin to create a climate the encourages innovation. #urbanEdchat
A2- The home/school connectivity divide and the assumption that all have reliable and consistent access. Also the misnomer that all students age 5-20 are digital natives. They are not. Digital consumers for sure. Skills still have to be taught. #urbanEdchat
Amen Kim! We have to be better...We use worksheets for drills, independent practice and assessment...Then we use them for remediation...All without asking about relevance to Ss learning...#urbanedchat
A7: Relevance for learning adds a whole new level to engagement. And I find that students don’t mind too much working on any area of deficit when they see the relevance. No one wants a drill and kill worksheet or computer program that drills with flashy graphics #UrbanEdChat
A3- googleclassroom allows for digital workflow that saves time. It increases engagement as it presents a mode many students are comfortable in It's a vehicle, and a good vehicle. We get caught up in the vehicle and forget it's role is to aid delivery of content. #urbanEdchat
A4- Grants. We landed tens of thousands last year. Find them and apply. Build a grant portfolio so you can cut and past for the next grant. The money is out there especially to high needs schools. #urbanEdchat
A5- Immersion. Dive right in and don't afraid for it to screw up. Learn together if possible. For admin- create real T to T training that talks nuts and bolts. School full time STC is a funding must in this day and age. All day for support. #urbanEdchat
Started a new class tonight, Teaching in an Urban Environment. Really looking forward to sharing my experiences with you in a weekly basis! #UrbanEdChat#UrbanEducation#TrapperTeacher
A6- Time and focus. Time to train, focus for the students to understand it's purpose. It's not bells and whistles for tech sake. It's a vehicle. Let them see it as a means to end, to convey content and save time for what matters. #urbanEdchat
A7- They are wrong. High needs kids intellectually die when they are stuck repeating the 'basics'. This is a mediocre cop out. Challenge kids. In my experience they always rise to occassion, it just may take a few (or many) attempts. #urbanEdchat