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.
Rules for tonight! If you have ever attended an #edcampiowa, “Rocks vs. Sucks” is an exciting debate. We are bringing you one tonight on #IAedChat! Here are the guidelines!
A1: Network filters rock when filtering sites that are not aiding learning or could be harmful to kids. Sucks when there's an over-reach and items are filtered that are not detrimental. There has to be a line and sometimes it's unpopular but needed. #iaedchat
A1 Sucks! I understand and agree with the rationale, but some really good resources are filtered & kept from Ss There has to be a better way to allow or approve sites #iaedchat
A1: Network filters suck. It's a decision based on what a few people might do wrong, not the great things that the other 95% will do with the access. #iaedchat
A1: Network filters suck.
Obvious rank and crude things need to be caught by filters, but rather than blocking websites such as facebook, twitter, and youtube, use this as a learning opportunity. #IAedChat
A1: At the secondary level-sucks; what rocks is digital citizenship to help Ss understand why we have to be craftful users of the online world. At the elementary level-for keeping students safe-I say rocks. #iaedchat
A1: Well, they certainly don’t rock. The real world doesn’t have network filters and I think we need to educate our students regarding appropriate use of technology. #IAedchat
#iaedchat A1: Rocks for students to keep them safe and on task. Sucks for teachers because when I want to try something new on the spur of the moment it's blocked.
Q1: I understand that network filters are a necessity for safety and security but for the most part suck...I believe instead of being a part of the solution we just set up filters to cover up the underlying issue. #iaedchat
A1: Network filters suck when tech departments don’t work with teachers and leaders to appropriately create filters that maximize safety and minimize learning disruptions. #iaedchat
A1: rock because I work in a district where they continuously work to make sure that S’s and T’s have access to what they need while also keeping not good stuff out. If a filter needs to be removed then the district discusses the need and takes care of it #IAedChat
A1: At the secondary level-sucks; what rocks is digital citizenship to help Ss understand why we have to be craftful users of the online world. At the elementary level-for keeping students safe-I say rocks. #iaedchat
We should make more decisions based off of what kind of access will help the our people move forward. The others will find a way, and when they do, there is a learning opportunity. #iaedchat
I agree. Yes, there are certain things that need to be off-limits, but with the right systems of consistent expectations, most "bad" internet behavior can be quelled. #iaedchat
A1: Network filters suck. We must treat all kids and adults as if they are good and address issues individually when they arise. Filters really suck when they inhibit learning. Obviously certain filters need to be there for safety of children. #iaedchat
A1. Rock when filtering innappropriate things that Ss should not be entering on sites that may be harmful or dangderous! However, when filters are applied to necessary social media which can be used in learning-sucks! #iaedchat
A1.2: OK...getting called out...ha! I will side with sucks. They suck. No reason to limit on fear and as someone else said, where there's a will, there's a way. #iaedchat
A1: Network filters suck. Why don’t we spend our energy teaching safety, responsibility, respect? To me it equates with not being able to buy cold medicine because of the math makers. Why am I being punished- I don’t know how to make drugs. #iaedchat
A1: Also, at the secondary level students will just bust out their cell phones and use their data so the network filter doesn’t really serve its purpose in that respect. #IAedchat
A1: Network filters suck. They keep teachers from getting content and while they are intended to "protect" children, they don't teach children how to react to content that is not appropriate. No real learning by having them. #iaedchat
Yeah, I wish that's how it worked. If one site is blocked, they will find something else. Thus the importance of engagement and purposeful technology in the classroom. #iaedchat
A2: Many report cards, as they currently are structured, suck. When we start giving letter grades students become extrinsically motivated and learning is adversely affected. #IAedchat
A2: TRADITIONAL report cards suck.
Too often they are used as the only form of communication and are a surprise to the child or parent. This should be done throughout the year and not just 2-4 times a year. #IAedChat
We have student technology ambassadors that model digital citizenship to peers: @EesTechnology. This is also embedded in lessons w/in classroom. #iaedchat
A2: The current format of the report card sucks. It mostly tells me that my kids are compliant. If I wasn't in education, I might not understand the other part that I don't care so much about. #iaedchat
#iaedchat A1 - If kids need a filter to stay on task in class maybe the lesson needs to change. If you can Google the answer, change the task. Stop trying to manage and grow. Off soapbox now.
A2: standards based report cards rock- they give a clear picture of what skill is or isn’t mastered. In genera a-f, e,s,n,u report cards give general info about a kid but suck about giving details behind the grade /conduct that’s seen #IAedChat
A2: report cards suck because they often are summarize learning responses that are subjective to teachers who “assign” what they want. Mastery learning and formative assessment rock. #iaedchat
#IAedChat A2: Report cards suck , especially on a traditional grading system. The letter grades get construed as a value judgement of the student instead of concepts learned.
A2.2 Even in a standards referenced report card, when my child comes in "proficient" and leaves "proficient" -- tells me nothing about the growth. #iaedchat
A2: Report Cards: Sucks b/c while they possibly provide some useful information, their value does not equate w/ the amount of time we take to prepare them. #IAedChat
A2. The colleges require grades are given to Ss and state standards! That sucks
If we can have mastery learning, where Ss can have adequate time learning material, take assessments when ready, control of own learning! NO GRADES-This ROCKS! #iaedchat
It’s hard to get agreement between teachers who teach the same class In the same building let alone across districts, the state and nation. Letter grades have no credibility. #iaedchat
A2: Report cards = sucks. Far better ways to communicate learning with more clarity and consistency. With online gradebooks parents and students have access 24/7, don't really see the point of having to send a paper card anymore. #iaedchat
A2: report cards suck because they often are summarize learning responses that are subjective to teachers who “assign” what they want. Mastery learning and formative assessment rock. #iaedchat
A2: TRADITIONAL report cards suck.
Too often they are used as the only form of communication and are a surprise to the child or parent. This should be done throughout the year and not just 2-4 times a year. #IAedChat
I'm amazed how often and how many educators state that reports cards and grades are worthless...and yet...we still have report cards and we still have grades... #iaedchat
A2.3 I would much rather see a portfolio of evidence that my kids care about-when they struggled, the evidence of their struggle & learning. Not just where they are on the same set of standards that everyone needs to meet regardless of where they were when they came in. #iaedchat
Sometimes the case, but I know there are some really engaging lessons ( at least for most sts.) & there are temptations that are too great for the sts. Consistent, clear expectations & accountability are key to promoting appropriate & productive internet behavior. #iaedchat
A2: I think my report cards rock. I use standards aligned to the core. I believe they have helped allowed me to know much better what skills my students have mastered and which skills I need to reteach. I also like that I don’t have to grade as much. #iaedchat
My son’s school went to narrative report cards for T1 and T2 this year. Narratives personalized to my SON and his learning in literacy, math, & PBIS. Standards based at the end of the year along with the thorough narrative. Loved it as a parent. #KeyRocks#BentonCSD#IAedChat
A2: TRADITIONAL report cards suck.
Too often they are used as the only form of communication and are a surprise to the child or parent. This should be done throughout the year and not just 2-4 times a year. #IAedChat
When colleges figure out a way to not need Ss HS grades the landscape will change Right now report cards are a systematic process that can't be replaced until there is a better process ##iaedchat
A2: Report Cards rock. They can be better, but when we are able to clearly communicate progress to families, that is a good thing. This is not done once per year. Ongoing and consistent. It's all on how it is used. Used effectively = rocks. #iaedchat
A2:Let’s Be real. I summize my own children’s learning/growth by what they experience/how they grow as humans. Not based on his/her letter grade. I have one that does well and stresses about his grades. I have one that struggles at time and let’s his grade define him. #iaedchat
A3: Parent conferences rock when we have evidence to share and work together to assist the student in achieving goals. Then celebrate. Let’s use the goals as the conversation all year. #iaedchat
A3: P/T Conferences rock because it's another avenue of communication and relationship building with parents. For some parents, they may not be able to be at every school event but making the times they are there meaningful is key. Conferences aren't for surprises. #iaedchat
A3: TRADITIONAL parent/teacher conferences suck.
Same as the previous question… Too often they are used as the only form of communication with parents. That’s not how we build relationships. This should be done throughout the year and not just 1-2 times a year. #IAedChat
A3: As a parent, I love the opportunity to talk with the Ts my kids have. So I say having this opportunity for schools and parents to collaborate--Rocks. #iaedchat
A3a When done properly, they can be a tide turner for a Ss year Have to be positive & constructive for the future Set goals & provide an avenue to grow #iaedchat
#IAedChat PT conferences rock because it is an opportunity for the teacher to discuss at length with the parents what is happening in the classroom. Also beneficial for parent, student, and teacher to set a goal for the student to succeed going forward.
A3: Conferences rock when they are student led- like actually led by a student that understands their evidence and how it matters in their learning trajectory. It's gotta be real, and not a fake (i'm using airquotes) "student-led" conference. #iaedchat
A3: Rocks! I like to communicate face-to-face with parents. I just wish that more could attend. I would love to return to st. led conferences #iaedchat
A3: P/T Conferences: Sucks! When it is a one-way exchange of information, they really suck! Have to be two-way. Should go further and involve Students (from the beginning, K), too. #IAedChat
A3: Conferences rock. I am so grateful for the partnerships with parents and students, and glad for the chance to have in-person conversations and connections about learning. It's inspiring! #IAEdChat
P/T Confs at the secondary level provide a great opportunity to talk to parents and discuss student progress. However, because they are generally not scheduled ahead of time you don’t have that same opportunity with all parents. #iaedchat
A2: Report Cards rock. They can be better, but when we are able to clearly communicate progress to families, that is a good thing. This is not done once per year. Ongoing and consistent. It's all on how it is used. Used effectively = rocks. #iaedchat
A3:!ROCK!! Parent/T conferences are such a great way to meet, focus on the child and become a team to help the S be successful. Nothing beats meeting in person when it comes to educators and parents working together #IAedChat
A3: Parent-Tch conference rock as they provide the face-to-face element of a longer conversation, which should start w/ a letter to every child’s home, works its way thru progress reports & the occasional phone call. #IAedChat
A3. Student-led conference rock. What a great way to involve all stakeholders in a true conversation on strengths and weaknesses of a student #iaedchat
A3: Parent/Teacher conferences rock and they especially rock when educators demonstrate empathy, are open to listening, and working together for the betterment of kids. I cannot emphasize enough the power of home visits who have difficulty getting to school. #iaedchat
Face time conferences, Home visits, meet during their time (some can’t leave their factory job due to employment). Talk with Chamber to problem solve how businesses can create family leave opportunities and express how it impacts community. #iaedchat
A3: They certainly have the potential to rock. We’re planning pre-school conferences with parents and students next year. Start with building rapport and establishing a relationship. It’s a team effort. #iaedchat
A3: Parent/Teacher conferences rock and they especially rock when educators demonstrate empathy, are open to listening, and working together for the betterment of kids. I cannot emphasize enough the power of home visits who have difficulty getting to school. #iaedchat
Exactly! “How many families show up for you?” My reply, “2”. I like to think the use of digital tools adds a sense of transparency and constant communication breaks down the need for that one 15 minute conversation each semester. #iaedchat
There are other ways to communicate with parents (eg phone call, email, FaceTime, etc.) However, those just aren’t the same as a conversation in person. #iaedchat
A3.2: Butler's Law of P/T Conferences: Start with a positive and genuine compliment of child, deliver constructive feedback, finish with a positive or area to continue to grow. Base comments on data and evidence. There are no surprises at P/T Conferences. #iaedchat
A4: Homework rocks if it is meaningful and personalized. If the homework can be completed and used for a check on understanding, not a grade. If we're just running worksheets to send home because that's what we think is expected, time to rethink expectations. #iaedchat
A4: Homework rocks.
Homework rocks only WHEN it’s used as practice (not graded) of a skill taught at school, is useful, and not just busy work or a time filler. #IAedChat
A4: Homework=Sucks; Practice to refine a skill worked on in class=Rocks. 50 Problems because that's what's in the book doesn't help the Ss grow or the T provide effective instruction. #iaedchat
A3: Our before school conference rocks because it is a goal setting and positive talk. Conferences are necessary, but I like having constant parent contact throughout the year and talk when needed, rather than the other times of the year. #iaedchat
Lack of parent involvement at home, lack of self confidence, tears from perfectionistic children, grades that suffer because homework’s result in zeros, can’t even. #IAEDChat
I totally agree. I’m mostly talking at the high school level when a teacher has 150+ students and conferences are only 4 hours long. You can’t meet everyone in that time...so that part doesn’t rock. #iaedchat
A4a Homework needs to be overhauled to have it be more reflective & less busy Less is more in this situation #FormativeAssessments are a better gauge than HW w/Ss growth #iaedchat
A4. Suck- When it's given for busy work with no purpose! Rocks- if it's useful and really has a purpose, but it shouldn't take more than 15-20 minutes to complete. #iaedchat
a4. The right kind of HW rocks. Of course, this means giving up some of the junk I used to do for homework when I was a T (i.e. more of the same old..extra practice stuff).
#iaedchat
A4.2 My follow up question after i state that we don't do homework is: Will she miss out on a celebration or will the class miss out if everyone doesn't turn the homework in? Sometimes 100% completion equals a compliance party. #iaedchat
A4: Homework rocks.
Homework rocks only WHEN it’s used as practice (not graded) of a skill taught at school, is useful, and not just busy work or a time filler. #IAedChat
A4: Homework establishes life skills like organization, time management & critical thinking. It doesn't have to suck if it is meaningful - it can be assigned using the 10-minute homework rule - 10 minutes times the grade level #iaedchat
A4: If I recall Hattie's work, the effect size of Homework is .43 (or in that area) which is around the hinge point of .40. More significant is Feedback in the mid .70's. So, have conversations with kids and understand their thinking and help them through feedback. #iaedchat
A4: Homework sucks. If it’s used as practice then sure, But if I can’t give meaningful feedback on it or use it to drive instruction in some way then it’s not worth the time. #IAedchat
Your tweet confuses me. What I'm saying is why have students do any work at home when they don't have the support of the instructor there? It's the reasoning behind flipped classrooms. #iaedchat.
A5: Social media rocks because when used correctly, the positives outweigh the negatives. Hard to beat being able to tweet experts or leaders in different fields of study or video chat with students or leaders from around the world. So many opened doors. #iaedchat
A5: Social media rocks.
Social media can be a great way to teach digital citizenship and can also be an awesome opportunity to connect with other classrooms and share learning. #IAedChat
A5: Social media rocks. It's a great way to connect with family & community, helps our profession grow! opportunity for adults and young learners to connect and make an impact. it's personalized pd at our fingertips. #iaedchat
#iaedchat A5: rocks! Amazing for connecting educators and classrooms from around the world! Incredible for finding new ideas to try. Like most tools, thoughtful use helps prevent injury :-)
A5: Rocks! I’ve learned so much from others through social media, no way I can say it sucks, BUT im also an adult and can manage difficult situations if they arise on-line. We need to teach our S’s how to do that too so they can learn and grow through social media too #IAedChat
A5: Social Media Rocks--there are so many valuable uses for social media; again we have to teach Ss to be quality users of information-Digital Citizenship required! #iaedchat
A5A Social media has opened the classroom to the world Ts can now get feedback & make adjustments during the week, not just at eval time or in summer #iaedchat
A5: Twitter rocks. I have had an amazing time meeting and learning from educators from all over. I’m not on any other social media, so I will refrain from my Facebook rant. #iaedchat
#IAedChat A5: Social media rocks! It's an opportunity to network and learn from others and share ideas outside of your immediate circle. It's also a great platform for Ss to share out their ideas
A5: social media rocks. I have expanded my network, picked up great articles and techniques, and engaged in some amazing work around education with social media. #IAEDChat
It seems folks our age (parent age) really need some training when it comes to proper/appropriate use.
The students are the ones that suffer due to our misuse/neglect.
#iaedchat
A5. Social media rocks when used appropriately! It can be used in learning, sharing stories of classrooms, etc. It sucks when it's used inappropriately, by Ss harassing one another, bullying, doing mean things that aren't appropriate! #iaedchat
Q5: Oh this one is tough...because get ready for this: I actually really dislike social media. It's addicting and a time suck. Just because a Ss tweets something about school or a picture..good job on capturing the memory. So..I'm uhh..oohhh I DONT KNOW! #iaedchat
Yes. Thank you for clarifying that point. Too often we've got worksheets being handed out because there's just supposed to be homework from August-May... all about intent and purpose. #iaedchat
A5: Social media rocks to maximize your message. We have an excellent opportunity to shape the message of our schools. It really rocks when we meet families where they are: FB, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc. #iaedchat
I agree! And as an educator, it's not my job to solve problems that happen via Snapchat! ( I had a parent ask me that last year..after two students would no longer talk to each other after a snapchat fight!) #iaedchat
#iaedchat A5, part 2: I also think social media is important for telling the real story of education, instead of having it defined for us by various other voices.
A5: SM rocks! It has a great potential to expand learning and connections beyond the classroom. However, this is where clear, consistent expectations and accountability are needed.
#iaedchat
Remember, people, it is not the social media that is doing the harassing or bullying. It is never about the tool and always about the person behind the tool. #iaedchat
A5: Depends on the platform. Twitter has been one of the best things to happen to education in the last decade. I can't imagine this career without it, so rocks. #iaedchat
What would I be doing right now, without all of you on Twitter, learning from each other, debating topics in ed, and growing as practitioners and thinkers? Great use of social media to grow our own practices and connect. #iaedchat
Q6: SUCKS SUCKS SUUUCCCKKKSSS want to talk about not being able to be on a level playing field? Or having no focus or purpose? OR having to be able to troubleshoot on like EVERY device. Holy cow..#petpeeveBYOD#iaedchat
A6: BYOD suck.
In the perfect world, all students would be able to bring devices from home, but that’s not a reality in today’s schools. In order to set students up for success, if a device is required, the school should supply it (equity!). #IAedChat
A6: 1:1 technology rocks. When the devices aren’t the same (ie BYOD) I imagine it sucks because of the many different variables that come into play with different systems. Not to mention the equity piece. #IAedchat
A6: Bring your own device sucks. Threatens the access of all kids. Multiple devices to manage that takes away from instruction. If technology tools are essential for learning in our spaces, we need to provide access to all kids through district purchased devices. #iaedchat
A5: Using social media to supplement one's professional learning community has its benefits as long as it's used properly making sure it does not have a negative impact on a Ts life inside and outside the classroom. #IAedChat
a6. It's tough right now, but this is the future for our Ss. Not every school can afford chromebooks, but I'll be darnded if every S doesn't have an internet capable device of some sort.
Need to get this figured out.
#iaedchat
A6: my school is 1:1 K-12. I would think it would suck because it might divide the haves and the have nots??? Never actually thought about this as it has not been an issue. #iaedchat
"You have to bring a device to school but we won't train on it, support it, troubleshoot it, pay for it...but hey it's great! You'll really learn so much more." I would send my child to school with a Gameboy. This topic really does burn my britches..#iaedchat
#IAedChat A6: BYOD sucks overall. It's easier to have a district device assigned instead of installing all the necessary programs to meet security protocols of the network.
Really enjoying following along with #iaedchat all the way from Pittsburgh! Connected educators engaging in meaningful dialogue. Great reading on a Sunday night!
A6: BYOD sucks. Works well if you've got a device but for little ones, this makes no sense. Not an equitable practice. If we want all kids connected, let's start funding schools appropriately so we can close the gap and provide digital rich environments. #iaedchat
Really enjoying following along with #iaedchat all the way from Pittsburgh! Connected educators engaging in meaningful dialogue. Great reading on a Sunday night!
I work in a high poverty district. I have more Ss without pencils than without personal devices. Don't give me the have/have not argument. That's a cop out because it's tough to troubleshoot/manage/ect.
#iaedchat
Just think of all the soft skills that can be applied through work outside of the classroom. If we think that a T sole job is to deliver content during a 44 min class period, we've been outsourced to Netflex & YouTube #IAedChat
A7: I'm not sure my thinking has changed, but I agree with @DyanSundermeyer there are more and more connected educators out there who are ready to do differently. We can be the change. #iaedchat
I'll push back on this. Bring your own device initiatives do not cause a gap in access or do not cause issues with managing multiple devices? I disagree from my experiences. #iaedchat
I work in a high poverty district. I have more Ss without pencils than without personal devices. Don't give me the have/have not argument. That's a cop out because it's tough to troubleshoot/manage/ect.
#iaedchat
A7: As a teacher or administrator there are things that suck that you can make rock with a different mindset or approach (that could go the other way too, unfortunately) #IAedchat
A7 - The passion involved in tonight’s chat was inspiring and makes me want to do more.
I do believe I cheated on my homework answer, but I can dream, right?
It’s PRACTICE! #IAedChat
I guess it rocks and sucks, we need to be looking at both perspectives as Ss would view it in our classrooms as to what rocks and sucks and try to make everything rock!#iaedchat
A7: we've got work to do, this I knew. The best part though is that we have educators who are ready to confront issues and students who demand education as a human right. Weird, cool, challenging times we live in. The world is run by those who show up, so let's show up. #iaedchat
A7: It is evident to me that just because something is awesome or not awesome in one's setting that may not be the experience for another school setting. It's great to question, & push the envelope, but also, be gentle with others too.
#iaedchat
A7: a good reminder to listen to both sides of a topic. Sometimes we want to say it rocks or sucks and move on but most things could go either way depending on how it’s done. I’ll be keeping an open mind towards new ideas/old ideas and consider how we can make them rock #IAedChat
Don't disagree, but most districts can't do this. But, we can work with the tools our Ss (and their families) provide. I can't understand why we wouldn't want to do this...
#iaedchat
#iaedchat A7 My thinking really hasn't changed, but its been a great reminder that if we take the time to do tech integration right tech really does ROCK!
A5 Social media ie Twitter has linked me to ideas and educators from all over the world. PLNs are now global. It ROCKS says this teacher from Australia! #iaedchat#teaching#ednav#PLN
#iaedchat I agree that all stakeholders should have a say. I feel that educators as a whole could do a better job of recognizing the opportunities we have to meet with families and work to make the most of them.
A7: Reinforces for me that we often have entrenched attitudes & behaviors. To change our mindset requires a belief that it's worth it and that I will gain more than I have to give up #IAedChat
With all the $$$$ this country wastes on frivolous stuff, we need to find the resources to give every kids a way to use technology for its benefits #iaedchat
My point is, districts that say we don't do BYOD because it creates a divide between haves and have nots are just using that argument as an excuse.
It's more about the fact that it will take work to make it work.
#iaedchat
We will OFF next week for Father’s Day, but we will be back with a live show the following week with special guest Kim Strobel! @strobeled!
#IAedChat. Until the next time…Be the Change! Good night, everyone.
I respect this point. If a district feels that access to technology is imperative to learning and growing, then devices should be provided to make this happen. I understand allowing students to use their devices; however, I do worry about those that do not have access. #iaedchat
