#whatisschool is an award winning edchat space where people can express an unbiased response to questions about schooling, where educators have a voice in shaping the future through their experience, recommendations and interests. Join us Thursdays 7pm ET / 11pm GMT / Friday 7am SGT/WA (Perth) / Friday 9am AEDT / Friday 11am NZT.
Kevin here a recently retired Teaching Principal with Irelands first and only Primary School steam Room.38 years experience Teaching 32 as a Teaching Principal #whatisschool
Greetings everyone! I'm Lucy Villarreal, leadership ed consultant, coach and facilitator based in Tx where we’re happy we’ve gotten some very needed rain in the last few days! 😊 ☔️
#whatisschool
Hello everyone! I am an undergraduate student at Kent State University studying Early Childhood Education with a minor in Special Education. #whatisschool
A1. My students designed and lead a redevelopment of a classroom space into a Makerspace using Design Thinking. It was amazing. Their journey is recorded by them on their blog - The Creator Ops STEAM https://t.co/I0qryJYrH0#whatisschool
A1: I love seeing student imagination and creativity come to life with product and design creation. So many cool ideas come from the youngest of learners #whatisschool
A1: last year we held our students crate a cocking video for a chosen swimming technique. I remember one Ss video was so well put together using #iMovie that it looked and sounded professional. A great way to show his understanding #whatisschool
A1: My favorite student created project that I have seen and been involved with is a G5 student who created a solar panel charger based at a playground for families based on a problem she identified in her own life - so cool #whatisschool
I saw a grade 3 student create a fun, interactive bibliography on Keynote last year for a presentation he completed. It was so simple but I had never seen the concept before. #whatisschool
A1: I once had a student who was captivated with the Civil War. Using stop-and-go motion with figures, he recreated the entire Battle of Gettysburg! He then shared it with the class for a discussion on how/why he created the video #whatisschool
A1: last year we held our students create a coaching video for a chosen swimming technique. One Ss video was so well put together using #iMovie that it looked and sounded professional. A great way to show their understanding using creativity #whatisschool
A1 One great thing my students (adults) did this week was extend on ideas presented and explore them forward on their own then shared back with the whole group the next day #whatisschool
My class created some pretty awesome lapbooks last year on Bats ! A fabulous creature! #whatisschool I love it when they display Action going home and coming back to school building on their inquiry
A1: Our students are creating the school in Minecraft. It’s taking over three years so far. Lots of students. Lots of learning. Collaboration 101! #whatisschool
A1. Their photo gallery is worth scrolling through. What they accomplished was above and beyond. They did everything from the ground up - literally - incl painting and purchasing all equipment and planning learning. #whatisschool
A1. Their photo gallery is worth scrolling through. What they accomplished was above and beyond. They did everything from the ground up - literally - incl painting and purchasing all equipment and planning learning. #whatisschool
A1: I had a student create a travel vlog of our time spent at @WarnerBrosEnt#StudioTour — incredible how equipping our kids with the right tools and getting out of their way can result is pure magic! #whatisschool
A2. It was all about ownership of their learning. They designed and created everything, sourced the resources and took charge of the whole project. #whatisschool
A2 Ss should have an authentic audience to share their work with/receive feedback from. When we build our city, we brought in city planners to give insight. #whatisschool
A1: Last year grade grade 4 students created a business with recycled glass jars turned terrariums and even 3D printed figures to put inside them! I was blown away #whatisschool
A2, a) To advertise what students are doing (bragging)
b) To advertise things I'm helping students do (bragging)
c) to show what's possible...
#whatisschool
A2: It made me so proud to be a part of her design process from beginning to end and her passion for this gave me inspiration to do my own things too - SO cool #whatisschool
A2 we need to be model for students as responsible sharers. Now all students are college bound so sharing is needed to create their job portfolio #whatisschool
yes! Students are so much more capable then we give them credit for. They will meet and exceed our expectations when given agency in their learning #whatisschool
1A #whatisschool Excited I got a new Washer at my condo to get the Cardboard Box for Pre school building Project! Also- 18 Gallon paint boxes arrived and I have 15 students! CREATIVE PROCESS: Imagine !!!! 🎨✅
A2: I love telling people about projects that allow students to learn while they pursue their own interests. It's those projects which they're most passionate about and which usually yield the best results #whatisschool
A2 It's important for students to have a voice - especially about their passions. Sometimes those passions aren't in your lesson plan, but it's important to nurture them. Allowing for whole-class dialogue also builds classroom empathy and connects Ss by interests #whatisschool
Q2 I think we as edus are just like std we want to feel validated that we have made a student think and had an impact on their learning. When a child displays action or creates something we have planted that seed in their head their creativity has then taken over. #whatisschool
A2. It was hard work collating student ideas and putting it all together... It was student led, we had no idea which direction it would take. The challenge meant that the students were super proud of themselves when they achieved their goals https://t.co/u32D0zUJBW#whatisschool
@erickhanson works on building leadership capacity in Ss interested in video production. Their #YouTube channel #EPMedia is full of amazing creativity. #whatisschool
A2 It's important for students to have a voice - especially about their passions. Sometimes those passions aren't in your lesson plan, but it's important to nurture them. Allowing for whole-class dialogue also builds classroom empathy and connects Ss by interests #whatisschool
A2) Because they decided the format, steps and information to be included. It was their project with a real purpose and it was too good to keep it private. I actually used the guides with friends visiting me in SG so Ss could realize about the impact #whatisschool
How amazing! When I taught 1st grade I have a maker-space area of materials that my Ss could access & they loved it & they got to create/design/build #whatisschool
A1 there’s so many wonderful things that come to mind. 10 year old young people creating a school garden growing vegetables and herbs for group cooking sessions is a memorable creation #whatisschool
Yesterday we make our mark for the international dot day! One student created amazing dots using flags from countries all over the world #DotDay18#whatisschool
A2 Also - it's important to share student voice/work and give them an authentic audience! Let them know that their projects aren't only for the teacher, but can have a wider impact #whatisschool
A1 Yesterday we make our mark for the international dot day! One student created amazing dots using flags from countries all over the world #DotDay18#whatisschool
Exactly—when Ss have an authentic audience, they are so much more engaged! Just like adults, Ss need to know their work matters and is having an impact on the world! #whatisschool
A2 It’s important to share the great things our students do in order for everyone to see how teachers have the potential to create collective, viral intelligence in schools! #whatisschool
A2 I wanted to make their classmates that it's ok to try new stuff and that there are so many other platforms that they could use to show what they know. #whatisschool
A2 I spend a lot of time trying to get things “just right” in the classroom, which often leads to frustration and discouragement. I think, in some instances, jumping right in and not getting caught up in small details, can often lead to big breakthroughs. #whatisschool
#whatisschool I Tweeted a few of my students’ #GeniusHour projects earlier today. I have several Ss who say, “Why can’t it be Genius Hour everyday?” So, I’m working on more engaging lessons so they may feel that everyday!
Love it! Our Genius Hour used to turn into Genius Week quite often! Sometimes we need to push back against what doesn't matter as much and focus on what does. #whatisschool
A3 As a learner, I love hearing about how/what other teachers are doing. It helps me continue to grow as a teacher & pushes me to be creative! #whatisschool
A3: In education we often work in Silo's so to provide opportunities for students and staff to access the global education landscape is a powerful thing. Get feedback from people from all over the world and access experts that before were never possible #whatisschool
A3. It's important to constantly break down and get rid of classroom walls. Real connections to local and global communities make the learning real and relevant, plus Ss get authentic feedback and learning and teaching experiences. #whatisschool
A3: sharing authentic tasks isn't a necessity. It's just a natural characteristic of a worthwhile task. What musician plays for no one? What teacher teaches to an empty room? Why should student projects be bound for an audience of one? #whatisschool
A3: I love being able to connect with others — and seeing such incredible and inspiring work being done across all content and grade-levels is a game-changer for the #EDU space! #whatisschool
A3: You never know who might be learning from your experiences! I've gained so much from my PLN and these kids of chats- it makes me a better teacher #whatisschool
A3. Sharing is caring! I love hearing about what others are doing. I get some of my best ideas from other educators on Twitter. I try and upload as much as I download. #whatisschool
A3 I love the idea of how these works can actually inspire others, people who I may not even know. That's really cool and exciting! #multipliereffect#whatisschool
A3: Because it is very important to see and hear what our students have to say. They are able to do amazing things and we are responsible to share those amazing ideas #whatisschool
A3: I love how @DeputyMitchell promotes the sharing of learning through blogging - the collaboration and share energy that comes from this is nothing less than spectacular! Also check out @QuadBlogging#whatisschool
It turned into a Term in amongst developing the Makerspace. I think I've always pushed for students to create the learning alongside me. You can always find way in the 'requirements' of school for them to follow their passions as well as exposing them to new ideas. #whatisschool
In reply to
@AliciaMISmith, @DVMSRoom305, @theedpodcast
I don't always share to get feedback. Sometimes its more of recording the event. We still need to share outside the classroom to advertise or to share possibilites or to find collaborators.
#whatisschool
A3 students need to know how to connect and learn from others. The world is smaller than they think. The true innovators are the ones who share what they learn #whatisschool
Yes! Standards can always be taught within student passions. It’s our job as educators to find these passions and then incorporate standards. #whatisschool
In reply to
@cossie29, @DVMSRoom305, @theedpodcast
A1. Robots from used electronics & a Mars Rover with @littleBits. Special for Maker Faire Zürich this weekend, a cardboard drink dispensing machine & LA the Littlebits-based robot. #whatisschool
I do know that when we say boys learn differently, we have to come forth with strategies and applications that reach the way our boys learn. #whatisschool
A4. My classes have always had a class Twitter account and blogs - class and individual. ePals is a wonderful platform for global connections too. We often had shared learning experiences with schools overseas and created wikis to curate what we were doing. #whatisschool
A4. Website (as school webmaster I snuck a picture from the club on the page); Twitter; printed pictures on a bulletin board OUTSIDE the library. Haven't used Snapchat yet, but its coming soon.
#whatisschool
A4 An authentic audience is key - tools like blogging, Twitter account for classroom, @ClassDojo stories, @AdobeSpark pages for newsletters, @RemindHQ class for parents, and direct email are all good ways to reach stakeholders - meet parents/community where they are #whatisschool
A4) Students directly share with their families using a digital portfolio. They share with other students in the world when we have a video pals project and I help them share on Twitter weekly. #whatisschool
A1: students create awesome things everyday. They are constantly making, testing, trying out, reflecting, and creating again. Last year our class made a zip line in our classroom and were determined to build the best continent to travel down it. #whatisschool
A4: For us, @Seesaw has been one of the best ways to share student creations! We also hold a celebration of learning at the end of our theme units to see where different inquiries led #whatisschool
A4. Ss share learning with family and peers on @Seesaw and we have a blog: https://t.co/xoUVQ7hopV We have collaborated on a number of projects too. Always looking for new ones. Really fun! #WhatIsSchool
I share student work with stakeholders by Tweeting, posting on class FB page and encourage Ss to share their digital folders with parents #whatisschool
A4: We’ve gone exclusively social — @ThePioPress and @WestEsportsUS! Love being able to connect with our parents, community and stakeholders — and this year, we’re ramping up student engagement too! #whatisschool
A4 Taking baby steps on this via Facebook and shared it with colleagues, who in turn would share with other teachers not necessarily affiliated with our school. #whatisschool
A4: We set up opportunities in school to have school wide sharing and drop in sessions for students, teachers and parents - community sharing at its best! #whatisschool
A4 #whatisschool I'm not working in a school but I am trying to transform our organisation's website into a student-driven resource, sharing learning and raising awareness of student action to strengthen communities and protect vulnerable groups in emergencies and disasters.
A2: because the amount of thought and creativity that the S put into that piece of work really showed his deeper understanding of the skills taught in that unit. And because he was super proud of what hed done. #whatisschool
A4 I should really get my co-teachers into Twitter; learned tons though I've just recently joined in. Thanks everyone for generously sharing your expertise and new discoveries. #whatisschool
A3: i think it shows that given the right environment our students can do anything. By setting them a challenge and giving them skills, tools and materials then our students can achieve anything they want to. #whatisschool
We are now using seesaw as a platform children can take photos of their work record videos add voiceovers, parents can reply instantly #SeeSawChallenge#whatisschool
A2 #whatisschool Too many people have no idea how intuitive, enterprising and innovative children can be ... and level of knowledge, skills and understanding they can master.
A4: @Seesaw is a great way to share Ss work with the school community, but for the outside world I use my school Twitter to share students thoughts, ideas and experiences #whatisschool
It can allow students the opportunity for them to have a platform to an authentic audience and get feedback from others or create connections and collaborations that previously might not of been possible. #whatisschool
A4 We have science fairs, Ss alos put up a small business, and for this year we will put up an art exhibit in a real art gallery outside of school. #whatisschool
A5: it’s defiantly important to share the Ss work as it shows them it matters. It gives them the feeling of achievement, and the motivation to take themselves further. #whatisschool
A5: Students across the U.S. have so much untapped potential to develop new ideas and those ideas could lead to a cure for cancer, unlimited clean water, or innovative approaches to celebrate diversity. #whatisschool#share
A5: To help students develop a design thinking and growth mindset. That designs are not final and with feedback they can be improved, reiterated and recreated to be even better #whatisschool
A5. We should help students share what they create as it gives them an audience and purpose for their work. Ss often produce work to a higher standard if they know they have an audience. #whatisschool
#whatisschool A4 We use Facebook and Twitter. Our teachers are very good about sending me pictures or inviting me into their classroom to video or take pictures. Try to be as “real time” as possible to show our parents and community what is happening in our schools.
Precisely. These works are not just for classroom consumption. If we really want to prepare them for career and life-long learning, we should have practical and applicable projects. #whatisschool
A5 It teaches them the value of generosity, boosts self-confidence, and motivates them to always give their best as they develop their creativity. #whatisschool
Q5 A real-world goal for a real-world purpose. I have introduced the Sustainable Development Goals and we participate in an innovation camp. @ConnectSDGs#whatisschool
A5: asking students to share what they think and create breaks the down the walls of the classroom and makes the world a smaller place. It creates connections, gives new ideas and allows students opportunities to create purposefully and for an authentic audience. #whatisschool
The world is an education stakeholder, and schools are widely misunderstood. They must demonstrate the good. Sharing makes people feel like a part of the experience, which builds partnerships and ownership. #WhatIsSchool A3
A3 #whatisschool As we are all generally less active and connected in communities, kids are less visible than they might have been previously. Between scheduled activities and screen-based entertainment, adults don't always see the motivated and engaged side of young learners.
A6: Any blogging platform that is available and easy for students to use - then sharing via social platforms such as Twitter - my PLN rocks and I love sharing learning with them and getting their response #whatisschool
A6: my favourite platform for student sharing is an actual platform. A real stage with a real audience is the best way for students to know their work matters and is important #whatisschool
Agree. It's very encouraging to try new stuff; I know this could be something difficult specially for those who've been teaching for quite a while. Time to get out of our comfort zones!🙂 #whatisschool
A6. Blogger, Google Sites, Seesaw, Padlet, Skype...the list is endless but whatever they choose it needs to have a clear 'why' or purpose and Ss need to be able to choose/articulate the purpose. #whatisschool
You're quite right. I don't think it's limited to those who've been teaching for a while though. Some recent grads are reluctant to change and it's the more experienced who are leading the way which is great! #whatisschool
A5 #whatisschool to value the unique contribution of student voices individually and in collaborative groups, to promote engagement in learning and to spark healthy academic debate.
A5: asking students to share what they think and create breaks the down the walls of the classroom and makes the world a smaller place. It creates connections, gives new ideas and allows students opportunities to create purposefully and for an authentic audience. #whatisschool
Thank you for another outstanding #whatisschool chat - Today's archive is up now & packed full of resources - check it out here https://t.co/jPsFMMyXYI
A5: Students across the U.S. have so much untapped potential to develop new ideas and those ideas could lead to a cure for cancer, unlimited clean water, or innovative approaches to celebrate diversity. #whatisschool#share
Good for you. Parents can help. They have workplace experience and it is good to connect them to Ss. They get an idea of Ss behavior in school as well.#whatisschool
In reply to
@elenapertegaz, @theedpodcast, @JeremyDBond
I loved learning tonight at curriculum night that my 4th grader's teacher will be starting a blog and using @Seesaw. Sharing is caring!
Thanks for the chat! #WhatIsSchool
A6: Any blogging platform that is available and easy for students to use - then sharing via social platforms such as Twitter - my PLN rocks and I love sharing learning with them and getting their response #whatisschool
Host a twitter chat in school. Have done it in mine and it was amazing. Our principal even participated. @MalouNery 👈 follow her please. 😊 #whatisschool
Kids go off to school, parents go off to work, and sometimes never the twain shall meet. Makes little sense to be in silos. The worlds should support one another. #WhatIsSchool@elenapertegaz@theedpodcast
Good for you. Parents can help. They have workplace experience and it is good to connect them to Ss. They get an idea of Ss behavior in school as well.#whatisschool
In reply to
@elenapertegaz, @theedpodcast, @JeremyDBond
Teens Are Protesting In-Class Presentations - by @TaylorLorenz ---
Some students say having to speak in front of the class is an unreasonable burden for those with anxiety and are demanding alternative options. https://t.co/cGCnIhKzV7 edchat #whatisschool#edchatmena
Although I was only able to participate in a couple of the questions for tonight’s chat, I
want to thank you guys @mrkempnz@nathan_stevens so much, for allowing me to be part of the ##WhatIsSchool chat! Thanks to all for the comments, interactions, RT’s & likes!!
