Run by Iowa educators, #IAedchat is on Twitter the first, second, and third Sundays each month at 8:00pm CST. We have added #IAedchat LIVE to the fourth Sunday of the month at 8:00pm CST. This will take place in Google Hangout on Air. We will share the invitation and link to #IAedchat LIVE each month.
Good evening, #IAedchat. Dan Butler, principal of #eesbobcats in Western Dubuque. Excited to engage with you and moderate the conversation this evening. Let's do this!
Hacking communication makes me think of finding the best ways to keep constant and effective communication between my students' families and myself. #iaedchat
A1. Taking it beyond the traditional newsletter and sharing more than upcoming events. It should include student voice and be shared on multiple platforms where the targeted audience is #iaedchat
A1: To me, hacking communication is about searching for ways to improve how we connect with people. We have many forms of communication and I am always searching for the most effective form. #iaedchat
A1: Learning about and creating communication protocols and content that are most effective in your school context including all stakeholders. #iaedchat
A1. Taking it beyond the traditional newsletter and sharing more than upcoming events. It should include student voice and be shared on multiple platforms where the targeted audience is #iaedchat
A1. Taking it beyond the traditional newsletter and sharing more than upcoming events. It should include student voice and be shared on multiple platforms where the targeted audience is #iaedchat
Hacking communication means finding relevant, dynamic & diverse ways to share information & tell your story! It’s about engaging the consumer, not just doing an information dump! #iaedchat
If the student message isn't what we want to hear we better make our experience better. I believe they are the best story tellers and communicators #iaedchat
A1: To me, hacking communication has to do with knowing your audience. Be concerned with sharing content that THEY care about in the WAY they want it shared. #IAedchat
Great point. The communication hack is that it goes two ways…. It is NOT just putting tons out there and not letting/expecting others to engage. #IAedChat
A1. Taking it beyond the traditional newsletter and sharing more than upcoming events. It should include student voice and be shared on multiple platforms where the targeted audience is #iaedchat
Q2: We have access to so many digital tools that are designed to enhance communication. What are your go-to digital tools and how do you use them? #IAedChat
A1: To me, hacking communication has to do with knowing your audience. Be concerned with sharing content that THEY care about in the WAY they want it shared. #IAedchat
a2. I'm pretty much sticking to my wheelhouse...social media, email, digital newsletters, Remind, autodialer, etc.
The big difference will be that I'm incorporating many more folks to be the messenger.
...and yes Twitter-perfect Ts, that includes Ss
#iaedchat
#iaedchat A2: My current tools are email and text messages through the @RemindHQ app. This year, I'm going to make a stronger focus with social media to reach some of our kids that way.
A2: I have a website that has my entire curriculum aligned for parents, newsletter/lesson plans, pictures. I use @ClassDojo for communication and sharing, and I use Twitter to shout out things from my class. #iaedchat
A2: check out Canva for "graphic design." Generally free and really adds a great engaging, visual presence to anything you create (social media graphics, infographics, certificates, etc) #iaedchat
A2: Voxer is my go-to tool with our office staff at school. Great to hear voice, tone, and intent. Also able to share text, links, and pictures. I love using Instagram to tell the story of our school through pictures. This is connected to Twitter, FB, etc. #iaedchat Love @IFTTT
A2: Aside from Google tools and Office 365, I use Voxer to connect with colleagues and friends; Smore for newsletters; always looking for more to use or use better. #iaedchat
A2: Voxer for #IAedChat planning, GAFE for work (calendar, mail, forms, docs, sheets), all to communicate, plan, get feedback in order to do my job more efficiently, Twitter to learn with my PLN.
A2: I’m not super tech savvy, but I do know this: Any platform that allows parents to see/hear their child laughing, smiling, and/or excited at school will develop deep loyalty to the school. They just want to know someone loves them like they do. #IAedchat
A2: Always start with the intended outcome & audience and then choose the platform. Some of my favorite digital are @SmorePages@Flipgrid our school messaging system (phone & email), Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, @canva for graphics!! #iaedchat
A2: I use Publisher to create posters, flyers, brochures and bookmarks to share information about events and iClipart from GWAEA online resources. #IAedchat
A2: We have just launched School Facebook & Twitter pages. It’s been great to engage with our community in a variety of ways through each medium. #IAedChat
A2: SM platforms like FB, Twitter, and IG are essential pieces of the puzzle...but it’s really about the process so if/when the platforms change you’re not left wondering what to do. They don’t solve communication but they do fill in gaps when we can’t meet face 2 face. #iaedchat
Hacking communication means finding relevant, dynamic & diverse ways to share information & tell your story! It’s about engaging the consumer, not just doing an information dump! #iaedchat
A2: I can't wait to read the responses because this is something I haven't figured out yet. I hope to start a classroom website to showcase the exciting things we do in class! As well as post upcoming events. But for personal communication, I prefer phone conversations. #iaedchat
A1 #IAedchat Usingbas many platforms to communicate with your entire public as possible, even if you are not an expert! I MUST become a better blogger!
If you are not using @IFTTT to connect your social media platforms, you might want to consider. Great tool for efficiency and sharing across multiple platforms. #iaedchat
I much rather meet face to face as well but I love the idea of using social media to make connections and share experiences in the classroom! #iaedchat
It's great to be the queen of something. In all seriousness, our students are amazing at @canva too! #iaedchat Amazing what a little exposure and purpose will do! #iaedchat
In reply to
@D_m_Brandon, @SmorePages, @Flipgrid, @canva, @canva
A2: I’m not super tech savvy, but I do know this: Any platform that allows parents to see/hear their child laughing, smiling, and/or excited at school will develop deep loyalty to the school. They just want to know someone loves them like they do. #IAedchat
A3: I always like to begin with the positives. Discussing all the great things the student is capable of and the admirable qualities about the student. This prevents the conversation from being all "negatives". #iaedchat
I learned a lot from @ToddWhitaker about handling difficult conversations... sit next to a person so you can partner on addressing the issue; focus on the issue; focus on solutions; and don’t make it personal! #IAedChat
A3: Be open & human. You may hear things that you don't agree with but you may also hear something that helps. Stick to the topic but if something new emerges circle back when able. Don't let tears shut down what could be a productive conversation. #iaedchat
A2: I’m not super tech savvy, but I do know this: Any platform that allows parents to see/hear their child laughing, smiling, and/or excited at school will develop deep loyalty to the school. They just want to know someone loves them like they do. #IAedchat
A3: Don't beat around the bush. Get to the point and be precise with the message you have to deliver. It is critical to always leave people with their dignity regardless of how difficult the conversation. Demonstrate empathy even in the toughest of times. #iaedchat
A3: Face to face or on the phone is so important for difficult conversations. Text can be misinterpreted in so many ways. Being able to read facial expressions and hear a voice helps avoid this. #IAedChat
A3: It's about people, people, people, and relationships, relationships, relationships! Just read this today! Habit 5 mixed with trauma informed practices, trust, and "preforgiveness"
#iaedchathttps://t.co/GcRiWa0fAR
A3. Listen more than you speak, paraphrase what they are saying and summarize at the end to make sure everyone has a clear understanding. I also like to follow up after 24 hours to see of I can help in anyway to start mending the relationship if needed #iaedchat
#iaedchat A3: keep the conversation focused on the topic and avoid piling on. Assume positive intent and listen to understand. Be direct without being demeaning.
A3.2: One of the challenges with "what's best for kids" is that rarely are educators doing something that they think is bad for kids. It is about framing the dialogue so that the focus is on moving forward and building capacity. #iaedchat
@TonySinanis and I say this a lot...people are quick to judge and more often than not it is based in their perception of a previous interaction. #IAedchat
A3. Listen more than you speak, paraphrase what they are saying and summarize at the end to make sure everyone has a clear understanding. I also like to follow up after 24 hours to see of I can help in anyway to start mending the relationship if needed #iaedchat
a3. Difficult conversations really remind you how important it is to build relationships ahead of time.
Like 4wd, it's better to have it before you need it.
#iaedchat
Q4: Think about a situation where a lack of communication put you in a difficult position. If you had the opportunity to experience this again, what would you do differently from a communication standpoint? #IAedChat
A3: Listen first...always. Ask meaningful questions and realize that everyone’s A to B is different. If you don’t value where they are (A) then they will never move off of that point. #iaedchat
A3 #iaedchat Have ALL the data, good and bad, prepared for the conversation. It cannot be a surprise, the ground work MUST have been done in advance. According to @DanielPink , start with the bad news and end with the good!
A4 Every failure to have a difficult conversation is a missed opportunity on changing someone’s life. You can enhance a career and in turn create a more positive experience for kids #IAedChat
A4: I have not had this experience yet but I do believe that the parent/guardian of the student should never be "surprised" when a major issue is brought up. I believe that there should be constant communication so the families are never blindsided. #iaedchat
A4 Every failure to have a difficult conversation is a missed opportunity on changing someone’s life. You can enhance a career and in turn create a more positive experience for kids #IAedChat
A4: As the communications director for my district, I tell my admins that I need to be looped in at all times to I can help put out fires on the backside before they become an inferno for the public. It's harder to counsel after the fact. No surprises, please! #iaedchat
A4: Be clear and focused from the start. Think carefully through questions that might be asked and consider what might be said to "poke holes"in the message. Pull others in to the conversation so it's not one-sided. #iaedchat
A4: You cannot communicate too much. I can recall several situations where I forgot to include a specific group and they did not have the information that was needed. There is nothing worse that making a person or group feel excluded. Be mindful with all communication. #iaedchat
A4: Many times the reason we are in a difficult position bc of a lack of communication. Articulating a purpose or a reason WHY things are happening is important. Think bout other perspectives & make sure all understand is imperative would be my prime focus of a redo! #IAedChat
A3: The success of a difficult conversation is almost entirely dependent on the level of trust, support, sincerity, and honesty that occurred BEFORE that moment. Invest in relationships now so your tough conversations can be productive later. #IAedChat
#iaedchat A4: When it happens, it's because I thought I had communicated enough or assumed everyone understood what was happening. Each time is a reminder that communication is a constant cycle, what makes noise typically is heard.
A4. Try to find the time to get the group together to talk in person rather than e-mail. It is so helpful to read body language and be able to give immediate feedback #iaedchat
A4: Keep in contact, find your response and share it, then follow up after the response to see if there is more you can do. Demonstrating empathy is good for you as a leader and for those who look to you as the model. #iaedchat
A4 #iaedchat My first year as principal in a new district many moons ago, I had a small staff and made MANY changes relative to “fit” and performance. I did not discuss every move PERSONALLY in advance with all effected! Good lesson early in my career!
A4: I treated a person the way I wanted to be treated, assuming they wanted the same. It was like rolling a carving station to a vegetarian...#IAedchat
A4. Try to find the time to get the group together to talk in person rather than e-mail. It is so helpful to read body language and be able to give immediate feedback #iaedchat
A4: You cannot communicate too much. I can recall several situations where I forgot to include a specific group and they did not have the information that was needed. There is nothing worse that making a person or group feel excluded. Be mindful with all communication. #iaedchat
Last year the Saranac Jr/Sr High teachers didn't pass out a single syllabus on the first day of school. The entire day was filled with team building to launch our Positive School Climate effort. #HackLearning
A4. I believe that it’s important that you own mistakes and are transparent with the audience, this hopefully further strengthens communication and relationships. And then looking ahead, be sure to not make that same mistake again. #IAedChat
Actually, I have heard this one in my #schoolpr line of work. 😂 Just a reminder that more communication doesn't always equal better communication. #iaedchat
A4:
I would have expressed more empathy for the other person's suffering. I would have made a space in the conversation so that person could have opened up about the frustration driving him in that situation.
#IAedChat
Q4: Think about a situation where a lack of communication put you in a difficult position. If you had the opportunity to experience this again, what would you do differently from a communication standpoint? #IAedChat
Q5: There are times as educators when we have to deliver news that people need to hear as opposed to what they want to hear. How have you been successful in these situations? #IAedChat
Well, yes, when speaking of social media… perspective of relevance and purpose comes into play. I was more talking about communication from a principal or within buildings. :) #IAedChat
Yes. However, given the choice between being redundant and making an inaccurate assumption, I am going to have to go with redundant. I totally get what you are saying though. #iaedchat
A5. It is helpful when you can connect it to a shared mission statement or belief among the building. If not, or it is something I can't control I try to find the silver lining and think of the positive #iaedchat
A5: Tone is key. How you say something can greatly skew what you are saying. The last thing you want is to have your message misunderstood because of how you shared it. #iaedchat
I've also found that for some stakeholders, they can't get enough communication no matter what. Others see it as overdone. Hard to find that happy medium. #iaedchat
A5: I always try to be vulnerable myself and ask lots of questions and do not make declarative statements. Including positives with the sandwich model works most of the time! #IAedchat
A5: Depends on audience, but I find being honest and straightforward while being empathetic works. I have always found it easier talking to parents than colleagues in this situation. #IAedChat
A5: It's not what you say, it's how you say it. Be clear with your intent and always direct the comments toward the vision, mission, and goals of the organization. Focus on improvement, not perfection. #iaedchat
Q5: Delivering the important info that isn’t always the wanted info has come best when keeping the focus on the Ss and how the situation at hand will best impact them - thus impacting every other stakeholder. #studentsfirst#purpose#iaedchat
A5: By making myself vulnerable and giving the recipient the freedom to articulate how they feel, even if it stings a bit. In a way, the response demonstrates the depth of care the individual has regarding the topic #iaedchat
A5: Assume positive intent and be respectful, honest, and direct. Body language and tone can help build and maintain or hurt the relationship. Be intentional about these pieces. #iaedchat
A5: We are better together is what I keep in mind when I have to deliver news that people might need to hear. We can accomplish a lot if we work together. Always positive intent. #iaedchat
A5: Tone is key. How you say something can greatly skew what you are saying. The last thing you want is to have your message misunderstood because of how you shared it. #iaedchat
A5 #iaedchat People want the truth! It’s hard to sugar-coat bad news so I don’t bother trying! Diplomacy is great, but the TRUTH is the greatest form of diplomacy! Take credit for your pet in the challenge and focus on the FIX!
A5. Be transparent and honest. Many people do not like surprises or feel like that they are not getting the whole truth or information is being kept from them. If we are a true team, we have to build trust in each other and all stakeholders. Open communication is key #iaedchat
A3:
*Listening, intently--it sounds obvious, but I feel so much more connected to the person when I pay attention!
*Asking to pause the content of the conversation, so I can ask about the tenor, the emotional energy, the layer beneath our words.
#IAedChat
A5: I think it's important to remember that everyone in the situation wants the same thing, success for the student and to remind everyone that you only want the best for their child. #iaedchat
It's been a while people, but I'm saying it in my best Alicia Keys voice, "THIS CHAT IS ON FIRE! Keep bringing it, everyone. So many excellent points being made. #iaedchat
A5: We are in pursuit of a common vision! Clear, and direct are important so that people don't fill in any gaps with a negative narrative. Follow-up is beneficial both personally and professionally. #iaedchat
A5: It's not what you say, it's how you say it. Be clear with your intent and always direct the comments toward the vision, mission, and goals of the organization. Focus on improvement, not perfection. #iaedchat
Excellent! The shared values are the core of the organization. If we are working together in the same organization that have agreed upon values, there's our bond. #iaedchat
#iaedchat #5. Wout rapport delivering news like this isnt possible to get the effect needed. Build all relationships so when these times come up it can be heard and received for the intended purpose.
I couldn't agree more! Also listening to their concerns and letting them feel heard even when it is hard to do, but be careful not to agree if it goes against your values or mission. #iaedchat
Q6: When you think about all the ways we communicate within the school setting, what are we getting right as a system and what needs to be adjusted? Why do you feel as you do? #IAedChat
A5. Fortunately these situations have been few and far between... but being genuine, respectful, and caring have always proved to be best for me. The goal is always to help. #IAedChat
A5: I don’t give this response to be crude, but I think it illustrates the point: Nobody wants to hear that their fly is down, but they’re sure glad you told ‘em. #IAedChat
A6: Right- having tough conversations and knowing the right context and content in which to have certain conversations. Behavior is communication.
Improve- Not everything needs to be a meeting, not everything needs to be an email. Know when and how to communicate. #iaedchat
A6:
When my colleagues talk about successes they've had collaborating with other teachers, or they talk about something fantastic they saw in a colleague's class, that's when we're getting it right in our building.
#IAedChat
Q6: When you think about all the ways we communicate within the school setting, what are we getting right as a system and what needs to be adjusted? Why do you feel as you do? #IAedChat
A6: We need to show trust for our educators and unblock effective communication platforms. Make decisions on what 99% will use effectively, not on what the 1% might misuse. #iaedchat
A6: More emphasis on the non-internet stakeholder population. They VOTE (referenda, school board, etc). They have less skin in the game & often know the least about the school (and sometimes make up their own assumptions). Do face to face & more mailings #iaedchat
A6 #iaedchat I feel it’s not as difficult to communicate as it once was with so many technical choices. However, we (I) must get better about making feedback more personal! Instead evaluation by checking boxes and commenting, more CONVERSATIONS are CRITICAL. No excuses allowed!
A6: Right: when proactive conversations drive improvement and positive change. Face to face is the best form, IMO. Wrong: email. Too much and too easy to send a difficult message from behind a screen. I feel email disconnects more than it connects in many circumstances. #iaedchat
A6: I believe systems are beginning to communicate on multiple levels. We are offering an invitation to parents to be a larger part of a conversation so it’s more of a partnership working together for students. #IAedChat
A6: I think the frequency has gotten much better. If the only time you talk to the public is when you need something it will clearly backfire. Have constant conversations to not only keep them informed, but build a sense that we’re in this together. #IAedChat
#iaedchat A6.1: I like how our AP puts out a weekly smore newsletter highlighting the good things in the building and what is coming up the following week. It helps to plan when different kids are gone each week.
A6: Our staff completed a book study on conversations because of a need of improvement. We need more direct communication and less mass emails. Too many times the email was about one or two people-not the whole staff. #iaedchat
A6. Right- the momentum of branding our schools and sharing our story. People are using more platforms for communicating and becoming more intentional. We have started to look beyond test scores to tell or story in lots of places #iaedchat
A6: I think the frequency has gotten much better. If the only time you talk to the public is when you need something it will clearly backfire. Have constant conversations to not only keep them informed, but build a sense that we’re in this together. #IAedChat
A6 I’ve seen an increase in the amount of positive communication with families. However, far too many educators view communication as a burden and not a relationship builder #iaedchat
A6) Think of all the ways communicating content have improved since you were a student yourself. How has communication with families and community partners improved, beyond just moving to digital platforms? #IAEdChat
Q6: When you think about all the ways we communicate within the school setting, what are we getting right as a system and what needs to be adjusted? Why do you feel as you do? #IAedChat
A6: Right: when proactive conversations drive improvement and positive change. Face to face is the best form, IMO. Wrong: email. Too much and too easy to send a difficult message from behind a screen. I feel email disconnects more than it connects in many circumstances. #iaedchat
#iaedchat A6.2 I think we sometimes rely too much on emails in our building. There are many groups vying for staff attention, it gets distracting to figure out which news needs attention now vs. later. It would be nice to have a central place for all news.
A6: I think we are getting better in reimagining schools to benefit children. But in the age of ESSA, we all have to be able to tell our stories in such a way that it galvanizes our communities in support of what we do. #iaedchat
Q6: Communication wins when it is personal, transparent, and happens frequently. We can tell our stories better with the use of student voice and we need to make sure we clear in what we are communicating. #iaedchat
A6.2: Something we are getting wrong is individuals promoting their work in a hyper-aggressive manner in an attempt to build their personal brand, rather than move the profession forward. #IAedchat
Our branding brings our school community together and creates transparency. There is so much pride in the stories we share and the stories we share are absolutely who we are! So proud of that! @KLAMagnet#iaedchat
A6. Right- the momentum of branding our schools and sharing our story. People are using more platforms for communicating and becoming more intentional. We have started to look beyond test scores to tell or story in lots of places #iaedchat
A6: Email and online platforms have made communication more consistent and frequent. However, we need to remember that not all families communicate that way. We need more face-to-face and home visits. #IAedchat
I removed email from my phone. Set up communication protocol with staff. Need a response in 24 hours, send me an email. Need a response in an hour: vox or text. Need me right now, call my cell. This has helped me. #iaedchat
I agree with you.I have found since having all my families connect through @ClassDojo, the positive words are so much easier, less time,and I feel I have a much better relationship with parents as we talk back and forth much more.Definitely a tool that has helped me. #IAedChat
A6: Sharing success in the journey has allowed our Stakeholders to feel valued - they are more supportive and have a more positive view on our partnership in he work we are doing when we are transparent and listen to shared ideas. #IAedChat
A7: Schedule time for face to face conversations, getting away from your desk, and general relationship building. What gets scheduled gets done! #iaedchat
A6: I think there needs to be more positive conversations instead of negative ones. I think schools and teachers need to make parents aware of more positive things that happen in the classroom. Such as calling a parent when their child does something great! #iaedchat
A7: Send out or discuss review of meetings before we depart to make sure everyone is on the same page with actions / discussion items. Nobody ever complains about TOO much communication - make it a focus. #IAedChat
I removed email from my phone. Set up communication protocol with staff. Need a response in 24 hours, send me an email. Need a response in an hour: vox or text. Need me right now, call my cell. This has helped me. #iaedchat
#iaedchat A7: Consider more face time w/ families. Many of our families in town want that personal contact whether at church, grocery store, etc. Find a way to meet the families where they are every so often.
I wouldn't be a good communicator if I didn't say this--consider joining your state #schoolpr associations (for Iowa it's @IowaSPRA) for great tips. You don't need to be a designated school communicator to join. ALL of us are responsible for engaging our stakeholders! #iaedchat
A7: I will continue to vary my communication methods to meet people where they are and work to use communication as an equalizer...keep people informed and involved. #iaedchat
A7:
I'm thinking about team communications.
I have seen great results using Elena Aguilar's Art of Coaching Teams resources to create structures that support positive, open, honest, productive communication.
@artofcoaching1#IAedChat
A7: I look forward to exploring new ways to communicate besides using email. I want to engage my families and show them the great things their students are doing in the classroom. I want to make communication clear and easy for both sides. #iaedchat
A7: I am going to strive for more face-to-face communication this year... less email and more REAL conversations. More positive phone calls than negative. #IAedchat
Thanks to tonight's participants and my partners in moderating @danpbutler and @duffysclassroom!
Don’t forget to bookmark our #IAedChat google site which houses an archive of these chats, our live chats, and resources! https://t.co/RDe0s53sQ5
A7: I am going to strive for more face-to-face communication this year... less email and more REAL conversations. More positive phone calls than negative. #IAedchat
A7: I am going to strive for more face-to-face communication this year... less email and more REAL conversations. More positive phone calls than negative. #IAedchat
Good night #IAedChat -better get some things done as tomorrow, I really need to start organizing my classroom. Last time there, I made a bigger mess than there was!
