Building an authentic community of #edtech developers and educators to help create better #edtech. Join our #edtechbridge chat monthly on the 2nd Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. ET!
Q1: Let's get right to it! Ambassador programs have been around for a while but are becoming more popular. What are the pros and cons for educators? #EdTechBridge
A1: big pro is building relationship with company and other educators / community of practice. Con: many are more a program in name - need to provide value for sure. #edtechbridge
A1: I think Ambassador programs are great as long as the focus is on Student and Teacher growth. #EdTech companies should have to know if they focus on that, their product will grow. #EdTechBridge
A1: Pros - Ambassador Programs allow teachers an opportunity to get to know the product they are using with students in a new, deeper way. Programs often come w/ some type of community support system, as well as some sort of credentials. #EdTechBridge
A1: Cons Sometimes Educators are made to feel guilty if they don’t participate in these programs, have the product certifications, or have a deep passion for it. It’s also bad if it is ONLY considered a marketing ploy. It has to be about building community. #EdTechBridge
Wow jumping into this fast. A1 love being able to communicate with the company to improve a too. Hate that companies use them as sale gimmicks instead of being productive mediums of communication. #EdTechBridge
A1: I think Ambassador programs are great as long as the focus is on Student and Teacher growth. #EdTech companies should have to know if they focus on that, their product will grow. #EdTechBridge
A1 Ambassadord programs are great for introducing new programs in classrooms and schools. New programs can help solve problems and increase student achievement in ways that were not happening before. #EdTechBridge
Agree. I think this happens when there is no teacher or learning expert in the core team of a compnay as they won't understand that the need of having an ambassador is more than just marketing. It is constantly getting feedback and understanding the pain points. #EdTechBridge.
A2: If teachers are providing #EdTech companies with their ideas and opinions in the form of product evaluation, design, and creation on any regular basis, they need to be compensated. Period. #EdTechBridge
A2: Things like free trials, lunch/dinner demos, and swag are great for one shot events but if you are truly inviting Educators into your creative space as an #EdTech company, be prepared to share the wealth; literally. #EdTechBridge
A2: there has to be s feeling of mutuality in the relationship. Demands of teachers to be ambassadors without feeling appreciated or compensated (not necessarily financial) can be one issue. #edtechbridge
A1 it used to mean something to be an ambassador when the numbers of them were smaller. When everyone is an ambassador, is anyone really an ambassador #EdTechBridge
A2 You have to be mindful of issues regarding privacy, any incentives offered, it is nice to provide support, can be helping with ideas, being open to collaboration, #edtechbridge
A2 when I started doing #edtech conference presentations, I just wanted to share the tools that I found and that were making a diff for Ss, I reached out to companies to ask Qs, and was speaking on my own initiative, #edtechbridge
This is my biggest gripe too. It’s unfortunate when individual ambassador programs get too big and lose the feel of community and teacher voice. #edtechbridge
This is interesting and probably brings up the idea @nathan_stevens brought up pre chat about advisory boards vs current ambassador model #edtechbridge
And it’s so important to speak about products you truly believe in and not fall into a pattern of wanting to be part of every ambassador program for the “badge” #edtechbridge
This is a really dubious position. Building a long term relationship with a commitment likely does warrant some compensation. But participation in trials, and case studies, or becoming involved in the produce feedback and improvement cycle, not so much. #EdTechBridge
Q3: I think social media has an influence over most everyone today due to the prevalence in lives today. Social media can help bridge that gap by promoting positivity for all educators engage them more to #edtech most everyone has social media and can be influential #EdTechBridge
A3: Be connectors and networking heros. The saying goes, if you see something say something… same with your #PLN. If you know someone, introduce them to someone else. #EdTechBridge
A3: I think there is a responsibility to be a liaison between #EdTech and teachers. Teachers are at the front lines and have specific needs that should be heard. #EdtechBridge
I’ve participated in many such discussions. I’ve had great conversations with companies like @brainpop@participate@PlayCraftLearn etc that were focused on features, user experience, etc. much different than just rah rah #edtechbridge
In reply to
@nathan_stevens, @davidlbalmer, @brainpop, @participate, @PlayCraftLearn
A3: Professional learning through social networks only goes as far as those sharing it are willing to take it. Help your connections in #EdTech and in the classroom learn twitter and other social media tools so the learning can continue. #EdTechBridge
A2: In addition, a company must be helpful and mindful of teachers schedule and exact needs. We don't have time to waste, we only have a limited time with our students and we need tools that will work.
A3: our mission behind #edtechbridge was always to bring people together over discussion with the goal of having authentic relationships come out of the conversations based on shared values.
A3 sharing a clear message, using social media to share ideas with the intention of helping Ts to find new ideas to benefit Ss, sharing things that you believe in and stand behind, authentic messages #edtechbridge
A3 Compare assertions against known theories and accepted theories. If they are at odds - they require strong evidence behind their assertions. #EdTechBridge
A3. Sharing is caring! Educators on social media can share their experiences with certain #edtech products and services with others to help those who may be in similar circumstances. Problems that some educators are tackling may already have edtech solutions, but .. #edtechbridge
Are ambassadors there for the teachers / students or are they there for the company? While it may vary, it's something we need to consider. #EdTechBridge
A3 for me, I have dropped all of ambassadorships for companies. If you see me use it know that is is a good product. Seeing is believing. I post a lot of images of tools being used. I don’t need to peddle something #edtechbridge
This is a great question / point! I started interacting with #edtech companies because I was using their products and had wanted to contribute to product development to create better products for my students to benefit from #edtechbridge
Are ambassadors there for the teachers / students or are they there for the company? While it may vary, it's something we need to consider. #EdTechBridge
A4: Research. Look into the companies you want to break into. Begin to follow them on social media and connect on Linkedin. Find out what skills are called in the corporate world that you possess as a classroom teacher. #EdTechBridge
A3: Keep your nose to the ground + the conversation focused on what matters: improving learning outcomes for Ss. The farther away you get from the classroom, the harder it can be to stay focused on what matters. #edtechbridge
A4: Create. Design your resume(s) with purpose. Create multiple types of resumes that display your versatility and skill as a leader, project manager, and creator. Keep it honest and real to your experience. #EdTechBridge
We think it's never too late to try an internship. It's a great way to cross the #EdTechBridge whether you're an educator or a student! Find out how a cold email led to this MBA student's internship: https://t.co/CSdbLOXzGX
A4: Connect. Reach out to others in the field of work you are wanting to go into. Ask them how they got their start, what foundations they had to put in place, and what advice they would give to someone who is starting out. #EdTechBridge
A4 always ask WHY, focus on the purpose behind looking for and implementing #edtech into the classroom, connect, read, check into the tools, but don't lose sight of best methods for teaching, not always tech, stay informed #edtechbridge
That's ok. It's when they start pushing you to market, support, etc .... :) It's a balance. Are these field trials, is there some kind of testing as in for research? #edtechbridge
A4: I think building relationships is the best first step. The relationships I’ve built have taught me a lot about #edtech company culture and has helped me see what type of company I would want to work with. #edtechbridge
A3 social media influencers need to know that other educators value what they say. You can’t make slants at tools off the cuff. I have done it before without thinking. You have to be mindful #edtechbridge
A3: Influencers also, generally, are on the leading edge of whatever field they are in. To be an EdTech influencer I hope means to inspire others to go further and imagine what is possible. #EdTechBridge
A4: Educators must really believe in this move. I would need to feel that I was still positively effecting students and helping teachers reach their students. #EdTechBridge
A4: educators need to do their research on #edtech and fully believe and support the beliefs and mission of the company. I went from a school to the state level and completely do something different but love it because I believe in assessment #EdTechBridge
A3: Influencers also, generally, are on the leading edge of whatever field they are in. To be an EdTech influencer I hope means to inspire others to go further and imagine what is possible. #EdTechBridge
A5: I think surveys help a lot and can be done virtually so they don't have to get out of the classroom. Webinars are also beneficial as well as twitter chats could be used more! #EdTechBridge
A4: I crossed this bridge, and spent some time investing in my own learning at @GA - design, marketing, user research. Relationships and networking help - both online and in person! #EdTechAustin has some great events! #edtechbridge
A5 I think most are already getting teacher feedback especially by having communication channels available. But real talk, if one wants to pursue an opportunity...do it #EdTechBridge
I wasn't thinking meetings. Just the product placement, purchase, etc. Isn't it kind of like physicians taking "free" samples from vendors? Then pushing them to patients? #EdTechBridge
In reply to
@nathan_stevens, @earlyest, @EdTechBridge
You know... I am for working with a company that will give you tools to use in your classroom. Especially when your school system isn’t getting them. You have hustle for your students some times. I think I stole that from @thenerdyteacher or my own head #EdTechBridge
In reply to
@mr_isaacs, @EdTechBridge, @thenerdyteacher
A5: Webinars, quick chats, surveys, twitter chats or anything that isn't too time consuming for teachers to express their opinions easily. Everything can be done virtually! Also, meeting teachers inside the classroom or at professional development. #EdTechBridge
A5 I think most are already getting teacher feedback especially by having communication channels available. But real talk, if one wants to pursue an opportunity...do it #EdTechBridge
A5: teachers are happy to be paid consultants. I love being in the classroom. It’s my “research lab” and helps me stay relevant, not to mention I love learning with and from my students. #EdTechBridge
A5 I know that I have done surveys, had conference calls to share ideas, especially over the summer, I don't like being away from my classroom too much, #edtechbridge
A5: We bring our team into the classroom whenever possible to observe our product in action. Surveys and interviews can be quick + informative. Even 3 brief, pointed questions can give us great insights! Twitter chats + polls are great + low lift for Ts. #edtechbridge
A6: Negative side is that students are losing out on this fabulous, innovative teacher. Additionally, other teachers are missing out on their expertise. #EdTechBridge
A6: taking good teachers out of the classroom can impact students and their learning within that school. Losing the best teachers to new opps. is tough on the schools however GREAT for the teacher because they deserve the new opp. #EdTechBridge
A6: The reality is, when it’s time to leave, it’s time. Personally, I believe that there is a time and season for everything. We plan, build, and sustain and when it’s time to move on, we will know. It’s okay to leave for your personal/professional growth. #EdTechBridge
A5. When edtech providers open up the door for virtual feedback, they have better access to teacher voices they may never have reached. One important consideration is making these feedback methods accessible & time efficient to help busy teachers speak their voices. #edtechbridge
A6: tough call. #edtech companies need educators / prior educators on their team but of course when good teachers are out of the classroom they risk losing relevance. That’s why I think I advocate for the consultant model #edtechbridge
A6 not that I think I was the worlds greatest T, but this Q crushed me when I left the classroom. So I turned my career transition into a teachable moment and started a blog for my Ss about learning IRL + finding a job in tech. Always #teaching ❤️ #edtechbridge
A6: Good Ts will leave the classroom for any opportunity that aligns with their career goals. Not the best or ideal scenario for Ss and schools, but change happens often in education. #EdTechBridge
I agree, I learn by being with my Ss, but I also love going out and working with other teachers, being involved in other learning experiences, would be great to find middle ground, #edtechbridge
A7: Teacher guilt is real, even when we are out of the classroom for a day. I think realizing your impact on education overall is important to remember. #EdTechBridge
A6 Can the teacher's techniques scale? Can the move help improve other teachers, and spread best practices to a wider audience? It certainly can be a very positive thing for the educational & edtech community. #EdTechBridge
A6: Good Ts will leave the classroom for any opportunity that aligns with their career goals. Not the best or ideal scenario for Ss and schools, but change happens often in education. #EdTechBridge
A7: teachers always feel guilty even when they are off work for a day for personal leave however you have to do what is best for you and your family as you are still going to impact education in capacity #EdTechBridge
I agree, I learn by being with my Ss, but I also love going out and working with other teachers, being involved in other learning experiences, would be great to find middle ground, #edtechbridge
A7: As an educator you will always have a heart for those students and the next generation in general. Keep that alive and pour into education in ways that make sense for you. Deepen your impact and build connections. #edtechbridge
Outro: Thanks for joining us tonight! Please re-introduce yourself with name, location, and role. What were your key takeaways tonight? What would you like us to talk about during future #EdTechBridge chats?
Folks. Remember - this chat is about building relationships. If you connected with someone or someone’s ideas, make sure to give them a follow!! #edtechbridge
Outro A: Megan Sellers, Clarksville, TN, PM TNReady Assessment Design it was really neat to be able to be in a chat with other educators and read ideas and beliefs w/o leaving home #EdTechBridge
Thank you #EdTechBridge for a great chat tonight. Lot's to think about and reflect on this month. Can't wait for next month! David Balmer, Instructional Technology Facilitator in Raleigh, NC.
