#INeLearn Archive
The #INeLearn hashtag is used for both asynchronous sharing and synchronous conversations. Include #INeLearn in your tweets if you want to share resources or questions with Indiana educators and school leaders. Asynchronously, the #INeLearn hashtag provides educators across the state of Indiana a central space for sharing. On Thursday evenings beginning at 8 CST/9 EST when you use the #INeLearn hashtag, you are joining a live conversation--the #INeLearn Twitter Chat. For one hour, we interact in real time having a virtual discussion.
Thursday September 15, 2016 9:00 PM EDT
Welcome to tonight’s chat! I’m Amy, principal/lead learner from Angola, your moderator tonight!
Welcome to tonight’s chat! I’m Amy, principal/lead learner from Angola, your moderator tonight!
We are continuing a 3-part series: Be a Digital Leader! Tonight, we are discussing Positive Integration!
Let’s start with some intros! Tell us who you are & where you’re from. Lurkers, let us know you are there!
Pam from Southern Indiana! Always excited to be with Amy!
Hello ! Michelle checking in after a day in Indy. Tired tweeter here. Going to give it my best to keep up!
Hi Pam! So wonderful to have you with us!
Hi ! Kate, tech coach in Carmel.
Greetings ! Excited for tonight . Brandy Hicks Milan Community Schools Tech Integration
Hi Michelle! Thank you for all you do to make this a great week in Indiana!
Tonight we will be using Q1 & R1 (response) as our format. Include the hashtag
Thanks to my friends for supporting ! Every tweet makes me smile!
Great to have you with us Brandy!
are you back home? is all that matters
Sheridan Community Schools checking in
Chris Tucker, assistant principal at Western Boone HS.
In addition to our questions, please keep the conversation going organically, blending format w/ free discussion!
Todd Shriver k-12 tech coach North White
Thanks, -I'm really happy that this week came to life through the students and educators who are committed to
Hi Chris! Great to have you with us!
Welcome Lea! Awesome you are joining in!
, yes-it was an up and back home trip today!
Q1 What does tech integration look like for you? What does it mean?
R1: Ss and Ts using the tech responsibly to learn, create, and share.
Awesome! Seamless in learning, creating, & collaborating! https://t.co/VUKpOWcW79
R1: Ss and Ts using the tech responsibly to learn, create, and share.
R1 Effective tech integration supports learning goals. It means active engagement. It’s not working in isolation.
R1 using tech as merely a tool and not using it cause it's there.
R1: Student learning. Choosing the right tool for the task. Helping Ss navigate their digital world.
R1 Tech integration means tech is merely the MEANS and NOT an end in itself
R1 using best practices in a blended learning space with student centric focus.
R1: Using tech as a tool to engage and promote larger gains in understanding and growth.
Tech is a great tool! One of many we have at our fingertips!
A1 Being 1-1, but also training faculty and staff to use software, apps and programs efficiently.
Absolutely! It is all about student learning! https://t.co/4p9ExdG4jZ
R1: Student learning. Choosing the right tool for the task. Helping Ss navigate their digital world.
A1: Meaningful tech-integration is when d platform u use does not look like an unnecessary growth in your classroom practice
R1: Encouraging Ss to exploit all of the benefits of tech, not just socially, but to meet educational and socioemotional needs
Beautifully stated! https://t.co/TtEwGN9bop
R1 Tech integration means tech is merely the MEANS and NOT an end in itself
R1 - tech integration = using tech as a natural part of the learning process, just easily as other tools, i.e. books, pencils,
Using tech because it makes lesson better. Not using tech because you have it. Some things are FINE paper-pencil
Definitely don't want to use the tech to make busy work easier to assign. Make it meaningful.
You bet! Ts need to know how to integrate effectively FOR student learning! https://t.co/uP2WWAdsky
A1 Being 1-1, but also training faculty and staff to use software, apps and programs efficiently.
As a 1:1, where does PD on instructional strategies fit in? Knowing WHY and not just how to use a tool
Hey all. Teaching a Thursday night class; just gave them their writing assignment so now I can drop in for a bit
Seamless. Just a part of daily learning!
This is how real tech integration looks like :) https://t.co/emmEvbMRYy
Using tech because it makes lesson better. Not using tech because you have it. Some things are FINE paper-pencil
right don't use your computer for a PDF file. Use it for a PBL project! Collaboration, etc...
. I'd caution that knowing how to use a tool doesn't mean you an effective user
Hey John! Awesome you could drop in for a bit!
I'd take a HANDWRITTEN letter over any email any day, wouldn't you? I'd be sure to KEEP that letter!
Very true. Even more critical to know WHY we use it. What is the purpose? How will it benefit learning?
R1: Can I say what it is not? It is not something wedged into a curriculum just to say that tech was used
It is never ever about the tech! It is always about the 'teach'! https://t.co/JwVa1CeO4i
. I'd caution that knowing how to use a tool doesn't mean you an effective user
Amen! https://t.co/vT4qRuWhhO
R1: Can I say what it is not? It is not something wedged into a curriculum just to say that tech was used
I lose emails all the time but the handwritten ones are tucked in a safe place!
Q2 Why is it important that we are deliberate in our focus for positive tech integration in our schools?
In honor of , we should all remember that tech integration is what makes so critical
at our virtual school tech is clearly embedded but I try 2 reach to YouTube live & live action games for engagement
and the same for adults-just because you understand how a tool works, it doesn't mean that you understand when to use it
A3: I am always countering negative portrayals of tech in the popular media. Tech is not evil, and so I emphasize the positive.
That is awesome. When tech is integrated, it is just a part of what we do. Not an extra. Not an add-on.
R2: Lack of focus could mean a constant shift in purpose, device, and expectations for Ts & Ss
Using Tech for learning is great. But sad part is sometimes we sound like tech is the only exciting thing a T can do in classroom!
R2 IF we aren't DELIBERATE in our tech integration, I doubt integration would result as we would merely use tech
R2 It has to have a purpose and be meaningful or it's just a device
A2 Give teachers time to train. We handed out iPads to quick many years ago and teachers were not ready. Learned our lesson
A2: Everything a teacher does in a classroom must be deliberate, purposeful! It applies to use of tech as well :)
What a fabulous point! https://t.co/Bb1OYUSwNw
Using Tech for learning is great. But sad part is sometimes we sound like tech is the only exciting thing a T can do in classroom!
A2: It's too easy for the Ss to get distracted by the tech if we are not purposeful in our implementation.
R2 we have to make it easy, valuable, and show real results. Something others want. Otherwise it's just adding tech.
A2: Using tech for tech sake in a classroom is a criminal waste of time!
mT A2: Everything a teacher does in a classroom must be deliberate! It applies to use of tech as well...u can say it again
Q3 How do leaders focus on the positives of tech integration w/out so many rules/regulations?
Tech is not something we do. It is a part of our lives. How we utilize this tool to enhance learning is critical!
A2 Also need to find out what best works for you schools Apple? Google? Microsoft?
Does what you do with add value to how kids learn? - That is the key question every T using tech must ask https://t.co/xKhxjmUYEO
R2 we have to make it easy, valuable, and show real results. Something others want. Otherwise it's just adding tech.
Using "positive" infers that we have been thoughtful and worked through what that means; deliberate by nature.
R3 Leading BY EXAMPLE is most POSITIVE act of a LEADER!
I often wonder about that. Are we pigeon-holing our Ss into a particular "program" or "system"?
A3: I think you tie it into school identity & esprit d'corps. Convey that using tech responsibly is "just what we do around here"
I believe it is more about the skills than the "system". "Programs" are always changing.
R3: Teach expectations, not rules
A3: First step for any leader when it comes to tech integration is to recognise that there is this fear when it comes to ed-tech
Agreed, --this question needs to be in the pre-planning stage & be re-evaluated throughout the implementation process.
We moved from iPads to Chromebooks after three years. Taking some time to learn Google.
R3: Showcase the process and the products of positive tech integration.
The premise of right there! What we do we expect from ourselves & others? Tech or no tech!
Do not force tech in classroom! Model use! Find early adapters and make them your champions!
R3: Well this ties in perfectly with !
Very true. Fear is an issue. How do we work through this?
Q4 How do leaders protect students without blocking it all?
R3 at some point you have to let the engagement speak for itself & address the negatives as they come w\o hampering the positives
. a leader who TEACHes (Ss and/or Ts) has more opportunity to set EXAMPLES, doesn't she?
So important to show Ss (and Ts!) creating as well as consuming! https://t.co/8bUEmVTgM9
R3: Showcase the process and the products of positive tech integration.
My own kids can't use their Chromebooks to do Ivy Tech online because they are not compatible to the system.
R3: Focus on what teachers and students are accomplishing rather than problems, publicize students working, publicize their work
A4: Spotlight and feature incredibly positive uses of tech by Ss, let the press know, and that can help with buy-in from superiors
R4 watch and monitor. Be a leader. Roam the room, call out offenders and make them fess up.
Tech integration requires a lot of hand-holding, modelling use and above all patience :)
please clarify what you mean by "blocking it all"?
K-2 Classroom iPads. 3-12 take home Chromebooks
A4: Some content needs to be blocked, but schools also need to teach Ss how to be responsible digital citizens.
Interesting, is that because Ivy Tech is dependent on a browser other than Chrome?
R4-this was a shift for us. Learned you can't block the majority bc of what a few might do. Address problems-don't limit majority
Does you school district block many sites due to fear of Ss using them inappropriately? i.e. social media
Plus, aren't Ss just using their cellular connection, which can't be blocked/monitored? Even as hotspot? https://t.co/pAGNLlw4eI
Does you school district block many sites due to fear of Ss using them inappropriately? i.e. social media
R4 we protect students by instilling ! :-)
I am not sure about blocking! But I agree with teaching kids to be responsible Digital citizens :) https://t.co/e46Fxc9ZFi
A4: Some content needs to be blocked, but schools also need to teach Ss how to be responsible digital citizens.
Ivy Tech is using word docs. Struggling with submitting on Chromebooks.
I totally agree with this one! Be more open and block as the need arises! https://t.co/e04RfO2SU1
R4-this was a shift for us. Learned you can't block the majority bc of what a few might do. Address problems-don't limit majority
R4: Whatever you block, Ss will find an alternative. They can become computer geniuses when they want.
R4: starts w/ modeling, continues w/ allowing Ss to make mistakes, reinforced by teaching skills, not dos and don'ts
Most schools I've been in have very poor cellphone reception.
R4 If tech integration is part of a vision for learning; then leaders need to commit to creating a culture of digital citizenship
Isn't that the truth! Is there a badge for that? https://t.co/Xeel2052ty
R4: Whatever you block, Ss will find an alternative. They can become computer geniuses when they want.
If someone has to use tech inappropriately the will! Our priority must be to show interesting ways to use tech appropriately!
Inappropriate use of technology can also be a good way to learn how not to use technology!
Q5 How do leaders build a culture of high tech use in classrooms w/out fear of issues?
Don't block it all for the 5% who may misuse. Open for the 95% who use it appropriately!
Great Question! If anyone can let me know, I would appreciate it! Ours is hit and miss everyday (Internet)
If someone has to use tech inappropriately they will! Our priority must be to show interesting ways to use tech appropriately!
Ha! I may get in trouble if I start tagging kids with those types of badges!
I can see how that would be a challenge with needing to upload and download.
R5 Lead by example. Leaders must use tech tools just as the students.The tools are just as effective for us as they are students
R5 lay out expectations from get go and follow thru... Review guidelines. Make kids accountable for actions.
I am so falling behond tonight!
R5: Support Ts as they attempt to try new ways to motivate students. Let them know it's ok to make mistakes
Stop worrying that we need to hold kids on our palms for them to learn. They learn best when we let go. Applies to tech too!
A5: I've used gamification to reward tech usage. Also added more observation opportunities to help ease fear.
get some REST...YOU DESERVE IT!
A5 Place some trust in our students to do the right things! Work with them when they make mistakes. Teach them!
R5: I think this has to start with classroom culture in general - Ss feel valued, safe, & free to take risks and fail.
One of my fav videos is the one that talked abt delayed response being a green light for poor choices Gotta find it
R5: I also model tech usage. In a Skype session with Skype messed up. I think it was good for Ts to see us adapt.
I completely agree! I don't ask my Ts to do anything that I am not willing to do/try myself.
yes!!! use mistakes as a learning tool.
Q6 Modeling is often the answer. What does that look like? Be specific on how you model!
Yes! Let Ts know we are here to support, encourage, celebrate. Our positive culture depends on it!
This is it in a nutshell! https://t.co/CEgywpHctP
A5 Place some trust in our students to do the right things! Work with them when they make mistakes. Teach them!
R5: If Ts aren't given the chance to innovate & take chances, why would Ss?
R6: Offer to teach classes for others. I taught 3 digcit lessons today!
R6-We are a school. So...if I want my Ts to use Classroom w/ Ss, then I use Classroom w/ my Ts. Show possibilities
We expect differentiation in classroom. Flipped/blended models. Leaders should do that TOO!
Exactly! Our culture should support innovation for ALL!
R6 I model by working very hard at COMMUNICATION, COMMUNICATION, COMMUNICATION! Ask IF I REPEAT repeat myself? ;-)
R6: I use on the daily! My Ts would probably find it odd if I handed them paper in meetings. https://t.co/D8sXARkhGJ
R6 CH3 in the book club selection really hits on this https://t.co/t1ZS47Jm8z My fav-don't expect + digcit to happen in vacuum
R6-as Tech we have to model how we teach Ts as an example of how they can work with Ss. Patience, encouragement, reaffirmation
R6: I like to try something brand new in training sessions because it gives me a chance to demo risk and (often) failure. 😄
R6: All PD is on Canvas. I use Forms to survey staff and stake holders, flipped PD with Office Mix.
. did the Ts stay with you and the students? Hopefully it helped build their confidence in reinforcing message
R6 I do a creative commons lesson and we talk about feelings if people used the kids stuff. Most get it.
Love it! I have done that too! I can be an example of, "Oops! That didn't work! Let's try this instead!" Learning!
R6: Students need good examples of e-mail/communication, so I model that: I am deliberate in how I use greetings, etc. in e-mail
Yes! also gave me an opportunity to model for the teacher! 2 birds/1 lesson!
Fabulous point! Just modeling effective communication is HUGE!
We are all DIGITAL LEADERS, no matter our "title" or role.
Q7 In what ways can leaders ensure equality of digital use?
Cool, -I was so impressed with the delivery of Common Sense Curriculum.
Yes! Helps a little to break the cycle of Ts thinking we need all the answers all the time.
MANY great lessons in their digcit bundles!
AND...our students are DIGITAL LEADERS too! How are we inspiring/coaching them to be those leaders?
R7 I reframe this question by asking myself how can I assure that Ss (no matter which T they get) experience +digital learning/cit
R7 Quality insures Equality!
R7: Self-reflective short journaling assignments asking Ss to assess their motivations, attitudes, actions re: their tech use
R7: Equality is afforded when students who do not have internet access at home are provided flexibility (time) to accomplish work.
I believe it all boils down to our culture & expectations. How are leaders leading the charge in ensuring all Ss have access
That is a POWERFUL practice! https://t.co/sC3R3cm2BA
R7: Self-reflective short journaling assignments asking Ss to assess their motivations, attitudes, actions re: their tech use
R7 It begins w/not assuming ANYTHING. Develop a vision, then as said communicate, model, & guide to meet expectations
Take ownership in their work! My colleague does a lot of collaboration work with his students on Slides
-I'd love to hear our advisors thoughts on this! https://t.co/Xtdh1hG85k
AND...our students are DIGITAL LEADERS too! How are we inspiring/coaching them to be those leaders?
students have been creative and shown pride in their work through collaboration. He is now a facilitator!
R7-removing stereotype that tech is one size fits all-allow Ts to be creative in its use for Ss that may have limited access
. Let's finish off with a BANG! Good night
Final aha: Lurking isn't as fun as participating, wish I could have been there in full!