Hello everyone! My name is Samantha, and I am a TOC for the primary grades. I am very excited to hear about everyone's opinions on an unplugged classroom #bcedchat
Hello #bcedchat! Carrie grade 4/5. I haven't been to a chat in a while because of my concussion, but I am procrastinating from report cards so I figured I'd see how it goes :)
Melissa in Surrey. Currently teach grade 7 and am looking for a round 2 posting... 5-7.... I am fun to work with and super creative... is your school looking? #bcedchat
Hi #bcedchat - not a Canadian teacher. I'm a K-8 technology teacher in Southern California. Interested in the topic b/c most of our classrooms are unplugged at my school.
A1. How can we find the balance? I think unplugged hands-on learning is vital, but trying to convince kids of that some of the time is hard... literally tied to their technology and terrified to go outside for recess without it. 'tis a little scary at times. #bcedchat
A1: Turning off the computers, putting away the papers and handouts and speaking to each other. possibly having a sharing circle or just discussions
#bcedchat
My mental image is always of the MTV Nirvana Unplugged jam session!! I feel like an unplugged classroom is a place where tech is used as a tool to make learning more accessible to Ss, to enhance lessons, not as a necessity or a replacement for what was done before. #bcedchat
Unplugged classroom...where students spend lots of time with their heads up and looking around to see everything around them - people, enviornment, etc. #bcedchat
A1 - unplugged to me means play...inside play outside play exploration discovery and inquiry but I would say more so #outdoored#bcedchat oh...Tracy from the ☀️ okanagan
A1 my mindset has us “untied” whether it is to a office-cube-themed desktop or traditional rows forming a grid pattern. It’s about being mobile in our thinking & doing and getting outside frequently!! https://t.co/xPCX1o3hw7#bcedchat
#bcedchat A1: In math, it is easy to pose a problem, or show a visual, provide manipulatives to begin problem posing & solving on. Many low floor high ceiling tasks do not require calculators, internet to have rich rewards.
A1: Most of our classrooms look very "traditional" - not necessarily rows but no devices. Lots of books, paper & pencil, small groups, hands-on projects, etc. #bcedchat
Finding right balance for each student? Tech/being plugged in should be a tool for learning. I have seen it become a crutch for many sts. giving opportunities to talk to each other/explore ideas as opposed to googling problems is so important. Some sts do need to tech. #bcedchat
#bcedchat I have wondered recently if we should have passage/poem memorization or have students recite powerful vision statements to deviate from "just looking it up" reliance?
Finding right balance for each student? Tech/being plugged in should be a tool for learning. I have seen it become a crutch for many sts. giving opportunities to talk to each other/explore ideas as opposed to googling problems is so important. Some sts do need to tech. #bcedchat
A2. to build vital skills for survival: communication, critical thinking, group work, creative problem solving... kind of the core competencies... #bcedchat
I think we often use "traditional" in a negative way in education. But the less we have, the more innovative we get to be as educators. Devices are a great tool, but often get used way more than they should! #bcedchat
#bcedchat A2: I saw Dave Hewitt tapping on a blackboard with a pointer, making arithmetic motion & progressing into algebra. He created a fabulous software program but it was costly & not available for Mac so I created a paper version to give access for any teacher.
A2 same reason that a lot of our coding activities don’t involve screens - the mindset is at least as important as any tool! So what do you do when your favourite tool isn’t available? #bcedchat
A2. to build vital skills for survival: communication, critical thinking, group work, creative problem solving... kind of the core competencies... #bcedchat
A2 Ss spend so much of their lives in front of a screen, and while understanding tech is important, it is also equally important to not rely on it so much. As well as show the Ss that there is value and interest without a computer being involved. #bcedchat
Traditional does not have to be negative. Old school was very hands-on, maker-oriented, inquiry-based, etc. which are good things & don't have to include tech. #bcedchat
A2 I see the value of combining both in learning. With young students hands on exploration, experimentation, questions and wonder can’t be beat. They turn everything into a #makerspace#bcedchat Supporting this curiosity with devices is one tool that have.
A2 To me unplugged is pretty normal in senior high math and science if you are basing it on hands on design process learning. Tech is for photos or communicating our findings but most of our time is tech free. #bcedchat
Looking at what might be the opportunities for our students to be unplugged and connect with their peers and community links to the next question. #bcedchat
I memorized poem passages (and plays et al) best when I was connected and engaged. Not so much when “told” what to memorize and regurgitate - even @RobertMunsch3 tells his stories a little different each time! #bcedchat
A2 same reason that a lot of our coding activities don’t involve screens - the mindset is at least as important as any tool! So what do you do when your favourite tool isn’t available? #bcedchat
A2: To emphasize connection, collaboration and community in my class. To build our own network of learners to assist each other instead of being tech dependent. #bcedchat
A2 #bcedchat help kids recognize how dependant/addicted they are to their devices. Give the opportunities to identify this dependence and help them with their decision making for a balanced life.
A2: I think like mentioned before it can create a community, be an opportunity to discover something new, or even to think in a new way! Tech often takes these away from us. Sure they can be a great tool, but should we be teaching students to rely on it? #bcedchat
By teachers too sometimes. How is projecting PowerPoint slides on the SmartBoard every day any different than the old overhead projectors? #notinnovative#bcedchat
A2 Making time to focus on multiple modalities and ways of knowing is pretty important. I think being intentional about all kinds of learning is important. Unplugged is one avenue for this. #bcedchat
#bcedchat Shannon from PG. Hum 8, En 11, Drama 10. A1: To me, "unplugged" means no tech at all used by the student (but not the teacher). It means more discussion, independent/group thinking, manipulatives, etc. IE: Tabletop Twitter, skits, drawing
A2: Well, for us, it's lack of infrastructure that dictates unplugged but I have asked students if they would like to have devices in all classes & many have said they don't want them b/c they like the interactions w/o them. #bcedchat
A1. No technology. That said, a pencil is a form of technology. Nothing that requires electricity. But lighting and heat are good. Somewhere in between. No phones, iPads, computers, VCRs, overheads projectors, laptops, etc. #bcedchat
I wonder about stoves & machinery.
A3 Let's take it back to Blooms... they can work on the evaluate, analyze, and create levela more easily when unplugged. This higher level thinking = more connections = more engaging. #bcedchat
#BCEDCHAT A2: It is important students learn to communicate, collaborate, argue, & have the freedom to explore other ways to reflect & expand thinking. In lit circles, students write & discuss, but then can choose to write, draw, or speak in any creative way for their reflection
A3 self reliance, resilience, problem solving, open ended answers, exploration, ANd more questioning. Learning that not all questions have an answer and it can be messy #bcedchat
A3 students also gain less eye strain... and more time with manipulatives/hands-on activities, which will really solidify learning for kinaesthetic learners. #bcedchat
A1: to me "unplugged" means learning the same skills through a different path-- i.e., computational thinking, logical processing, fluid reasoning #bcedchat
A3 #bcedchat f2f interactions, looking people in the eye, listening & speaking skills, learning about tone, inflection and body language, being present, feeling empathy or connection with the speaker, a sense of oneness and belonging
A2. Nature or outdoor environmental education. Not all forms of learning require technology even though nature and outdoor environmental education could benefit from technology (ie compass, GPS, geocaching), but not needed. #bcedchat
#BCEDCHAT A3: Oops, answered this in Q2. Students collaborate, discuss, argue, & use other forms of communicate. Students can show their learning in such creative ways. I had En 9s advocate for a charity & 1 grp did an interpretive dance piece that had awesome plot structure 🙌🏼
Yes! However, sometimes teachers haven't had the training or haven't seen it done any other way. Substitution is the first level of the SAMR model - maybe those Ts just need a push or help to transform their use of tech? #bcedchat
Loving that you see this as a way to extend the learning outside of the classroom. #bcedchat (nice to see you here, tonight, Sherida. Loved you art pieces displayed).
A3 sometimes: learning that “being bored” can be a luxury
More often: range of skills and activities to learn in a variety of environments so that “when you don’t k ow what to do...you’ll do something” <— similar to sign in our room #bcedchat
A2: reasons would be to encourage more face to face interaction and discussion. Students with tech seem to self isolate and this can be tough to break through #bcedchat
I was just percolating on this. There are quite a lot of things which require plugs in our classrooms/schools! It is even tough to find a pencil sharpener that does not require electricity! #bcedchat
A3: Empathy, communication, reacting to others, how to ask questions and try to find an answer based on what they already know instead of just googling it! #bcedchat
#bcedchat Thank you all. I need to get outside now due to all the hints of outdoor ed (and I don't want my wife doing all the yard work without me). I'll catch up later.
A1: bring unplugged to me means being present in the moment, with the people and the process - no tech, no digital feedback, just the ideas and questions from those in the room.
#bcedchat
A4: my role is to help Ts integrate technology, so I will come into their class and side-by-side teach. My favourite is to start with a "treasure map" and plot a course. And then there is Cubetto.... #bcedchat
In my grade 4/5 classroom we did centres to explore light and how it behaves, one of the things the students did was to act each concept learned out. #bcedchat
Nice point to remember: students need to be ready to learn in order to authentically learn. Sometimes that means a run to the far fence. Sometimes a wildness walk. My fave from @perfinker 15min walk to go 20metres
#bcedchat
In my grade 4/5 classroom we did centres to explore light and how it behaves, one of the things the students did was to act each concept learned out. #bcedchat
A4. My #EDUC454E100 class will be exploring @perfinker#walkingcurriculum next week with Gillian. We’re reading her book too. Love getting outdoors and connecting with nature as part of the learning experience. #bcedchat
A3 A well rounded life and the abilities to live in a tech world and not be addicted to it. We are teaching ss how to be digital citizen and use it for a purpose. #bcedchat
A4: I am in the computer lab so tech is somewhat expected but we do lots of unplugged computer science activities. My K-2 students all went on treasure hunts around the school using a printed map. I love bring books into the lab as introduction to topics. #bcedchat
Don’t get me wrong. I love tech too and am all about #SAMR and #UDL frameworks to bring equity for all learners. However, I don’t see the point of each kid in the class recording their response on an iPad app when we can actually (gasp) talk with the people around us. #bcedchat
A4: another of my favourite unplugged activities is to create a "choose your own adventure" story in Keynote (or PPT). This can be plotted out on index cards or post its first... #bcedchat
A3: students gain a slightly unusual situation for them as their world seems to be tech all the time? Bus, home, in the breaks--everyone's on phones. So they get a chance to rely on senses and personal real time interaction. #bcedchat
I think it also depends on the students. I find that Technology has been a game changer for some students who were 'disadvantaged" before. Ss who couldn't read or write because of learning difficulties now how the support they need to help them flourish! #bcedchat
A4: clay work! Messy painting and printmaking. Art walks, field trips and exploring the school grounds and community. Last week we walked and looked at houses, (they did take photos) then made prints based on house shapes. #bcedchat
I absolutely love hearing what Ss say during their conversations amongst themselves, the debates they have, the questions they pose. But, I do admit, I like to use little videos/articles online to get them chatting - building up critical thinking is so important. #bcedchat
A4 Hands-on Egypt: apple mummies to test different preservation techniques, made papyrus & learned how to write hieroglyphs, designed & performed plays for 7 different pharaohs with historical significance identified etc. This was my personal challenge & kids loved it. #bcedchat
A5: Field trips & outdoor ed come to mind. Also, write letters! We have participated in Christmas card (actual cards) exchanges with other classes. #bcedchat
Land based and place-based learning is all about bringing Ss out into the world. There are all kinds of community connections to be made, but I look at that as an ALSO great, not an Instead Of Great #bcedchat
A5. Current Zero Waste Challenge: started at class level, then 5 class pilot, & school wide this week. Authentic learning & community planning. Sts learning so much & garbage much lower (average 4 pieces per day) #bcedchat
A5: Place based learning. Getting outside for walks, volunteer, go out & learn about what's going on in a real setting. I use @perfinker Walking Curriculum, we are growing a garden, going to be taking Wednesday wanders on the PoCo trail to make connections w/ science. #bcedchat
I love the BBCs spaghetti video and CRTCs househippo - has led to a lot of “likely/not likely” conversations about UFOs monsters detentions etc! #bcedchat
In reply to
@CarrieAntoniazz, @vicki_den, @VisionsByVicky
I don't get to do many myself but at our school kids got to the Pumpkin Patch & nature centers in the area. Our 6th-8th graders go to Catalina Island for a week every year. #bcedchat
A5. Outdoor ed, exploring different food, inviting family members who grew up outside of Canada into the classroom. Bringing artifacts from travels (yours, students and family) #bcedchat
A5 love using @perfinker#walkingcurriculum as part of or current 30:30 challenge. 30 minutes outside for 30 minutes each day (even rain - though that may mean 20 mins 🌧) #bcedchat
A5 #bcedchat. I Would have to kick it old school and break out the slide projector and regale students with stories of my misspent youth traveling the world
A5 Each grade has one or two field trips built into their curriculum. Some focused on units of study others part of service learning . #bcedchat Such great learning outcomes for them and us
LOVE using optical illusions - and even started using those 3D images that you have to look into the picture and past it...after recess & lunch (couldn’t find my Seinfeld clip) #bcedchat
In reply to
@CarrieAntoniazz, @vicki_den, @VisionsByVicky
When I first started teaching, I took my students to the field as a field trip. They weren't impressed, but we learned about the ecosystem of grasses. Ended up loving it. #bcedchat
In reply to
@jfprovencher27, @rilmcknight, @perfinker
Oh wow, thank you! This is really awesome.
I am wondering about a few things...like how we can take online activities (such as twitter) and use them in a classroom. Sometimes the set up and learning curve is huge...so this could be a brilliant scaffolding activity. #bcedchat /1
A6: In theory, I am usually against anything that is all or nothing. Balance seems key to everything. But as the pendulum swings toward tech, it will also have to swing back. #bcedchat
A6: Easy access to information. Greater ability to connect with others (if your school allows that). The opportunity to teach our Ss to be good citizens online as well as offline. #bcedchat
...and also, if, by weaving online activities to the offline world, can we help to promote positive online world? Or at least reduce how often we demonize the online world? #bcedchat /2
I've been working on self regulation and the zones of regulation in my school, the next question starts looking at that and being unplugged.... #bcedchat
A6: I think we'd lose the ability to level the playing field for Ss w/ needs. I also find that technology has given my Ss an area where they are better than I, where I learn from them. It has helped create a "we are all teachers, we are all learners" mindset. #bcedchat
A6. we would lose the opportunity to use technology as a tool. It can be a great equalizer for some kids in terms of output.. or for things like allowing kids to use audiobooks (I have used this with dyslexic sts really effectively). #bcedchat
A6 For many students “travel” to learn about cultures and environments limited. The world becomes open to them “plugged” in. Hopefully they’ll get to make decisions based on informed understanding of their world #bcedchat
As devil's advocate, do 21st Century learning not need to have some balance and face to face time to create stronger connections to their community? #bcedchat
A3:I think kids are more connected to each other when they are unplugged. Because they aren’t distracted by tech, but also because it means they need to really on their collective wisdom and background knowledge to solve problems bc ‘google’ isn’t their first thought #BCEDCHAT
A6. Tech can enhance the learning experience, as mentioned earlier, a compass/GPS/geocache would be nice to have when doing nature or outdoor environmental ed. A phone or iPad cameras would be nice to document or demo learning. Nothing lost. Only gained,if used well. #bcedchat
Q7: Do you believe that students are able to self-regulate and learn when to “plug in” appropriately? Or do you feel that you need to explicitly state that the class is unplugged? Why or why not? #bcedchat
A6: Tech give my Ss the ability to connect with other Francophones - they don't feel so alone! They loves the Mystery Skypes this year! Such a great team building and CC activity. I am not sure how I'd recreate that without tech! #bcedchat
Awesome! Sometimes, it is how you frame it! You coulda said, "Well, kids, we can't take a REAL field trip, so we are just gonna go outside and walk around the field." Instead, a priceless learning opportunity! Bet they never looked at the field the same. #bcedchat
In reply to
@brynmw, @jfprovencher27, @rilmcknight, @perfinker
100% agree... it is all about balance... one things isn't the magical cure. We as Ts take all of the tapestry of tools we have & weave together a learning experience that we hope is best for Ss with the most current & hopefully relevant information we currently have. #bcedchat
As devil's advocate, do 21st Century learning not need to have some balance and face to face time to create stronger connections to their community? #bcedchat
A7: most are able to self regulate. A few are not: they can't keep tech out of sight for long enough to focus on hands on work. I'm frequently reminding them and it gets tiring. #bcedchat
A7 #bcedchat some kids have it all together and can operate in both worlds, others are so dependent, intervention is required. Interesting thing is, I am starting to see kids making an unplugged choice. Not many but starting.
100% agree... it is all about balance... one things isn't the magical cure. We as Ts take all of the tapestry of tools we have & weave together a learning experience that we hope is best for Ss with the most current & hopefully relevant information we currently have. #bcedchat
As devil's advocate, do 21st Century learning not need to have some balance and face to face time to create stronger connections to their community? #bcedchat
A7: I think it is all about the discussions and set up in a classroom around technology. My Ss are book-a-holics, and when given the choice, they will read instead of use a computer. Unless there are robots involved! #bcedchat
Q8: If it is a school wide direction or your objective to unplug your class, even for just a day/block, what are some ideas, strategies, or resources would you recommend or have access to, to become an unplugged classroom? #bcedchat
Yes!
I have found students with learning challenges can sometimes, finally, become an expert at something at school. When we introduce them to tech tools, they can help others with them. Really powerful stuff. #bcedchat
A7 sometimes the kids just want to run and play and it can be a balancing act to determine if it’s self regulation or “just” a distraction (both of which MAY be needed to be ready to learn - but not always) #bcedchat
A7. Yes and yes. Our learning intentions have to be explicit and students can self-regulate if given the opportunity. Self-regulation is taught and must be practiced. Mastery takes time. Expectations must be clear. Mistakes will be made and that’s ok. Learn from them. #bcedchat
Q7: Do you believe that students are able to self-regulate and learn when to “plug in” appropriately? Or do you feel that you need to explicitly state that the class is unplugged? Why or why not? #bcedchat
A7 May/June grade 7 Ss need explicit help to plug in appropriately...Me checking facebook while my 21 month monkey knocks over the coffee table... hmmm still a work in progress. whoops. #bcedchat
If it’s just used to publish writing....well those old typewriter labs were good enough for “that”. So much more that tech can do different(iated)ly when used to its potential (best she not in a lab btw) #bcedchat
A8 - More manipulative, Science kits, and newspaper or magazine subscriptions. I find I head to tech when I can't find what I want or need for a lesson. Also, less forms to fill out to take a walk around the school / in the neighborhood to make learning real! #bcedchat
Thank you, #bcedchat, for such a thoughtful and intelligent chat. You are all amazing educators and I appreciate connecting with you all. Check out the Wakelet on our BCEDCHAT webpage.
A8. Make it a challenge. An opportunity for students to explore its advantages and self-actualize what learning is Unplugged. Could be an awesome time to dig deep into the #corecompetencies. #bcedchat
Q8: If it is a school wide direction or your objective to unplug your class, even for just a day/block, what are some ideas, strategies, or resources would you recommend or have access to, to become an unplugged classroom? #bcedchat
