"Welcome to EdTechAfterDark! Our community was born out of discussions for a rich EdChat type gathering for those of us who are thinking about the digital edu-landscape long after the sun has gone down. For us night owls, when the clock strikes 10PM EST, you’ll find us on Twitter over at #edtechafterdark. All are welcome! Our discussions range from our philosophies about EdTech, digital best practices, and simply sharing our stories." --www.edtechafterdark.com
Welcome to #EdTechAfterDark! Sorry we missed last week, we all had unexpected situations come up.
Tonight Dan and Alex are with family for vacations, and I'm enjoying a stay-cation with my family so we will keep it light.
Let's get started!
We are going to strip things down this week, and won't be posting gifs or graphics, just text.
I'm just focusing on getting back to basics, feel free to share your favorite gifs and graphics though!~ #edtechafterdark
Caitlin here! 2nd grade teacher at a @newtechnetwork campus. I’ve been enjoying just relaxing with my kids this summer, though this week I am off to #NTAC18! I’m super excited! #EdTechAfterDark
Q1 Do you have a single event or interaction that occurred in your life on which you state was the turning point in your effectiveness as an educator? If so share, if not share what you think that would be like. #edtechafterdark
A1: In trying to prove a professor wrong, I was humbled to realize that student led learning is the most effective way to run a classroom. https://t.co/UciwDpkRAP
Beyond Choice Boards: Episode 1 - Fear | EdTech | United States ...
#edtechafterdark
Q1 Do you have a single event or interaction that occurred in your life on which you state was the turning point in your effectiveness as an educator? If so share, if not share what you think that would be like. #edtechafterdark
A1 I achieved #NBCT back in 2013 - taught me to improve my practice via reflection ... this past year, achieving #SpringBoardPL Teacher of Distinction... validation of my practice #EdTechAfterDark
Q1 Do you have a single event or interaction that occurred in your life on which you state was the turning point in your effectiveness as an educator? If so share, if not share what you think that would be like. #edtechafterdark
Q2 Think of a mentor in your life, what characteristics do they have that you wish you had, or that helped them really connect with you #edtechafterdark
A1 When I got my first classroom iPad. It reignited my passion for teaching. I realized that this was my chance to find myself as an educator again. Never looked back... #edtechafterdark
A1: I was told by my AP after my first year of teaching that I was not cut out for education & should find a new profession.
Instead I reflected on my failures in that first year, learned from strong experienced educators, & decided to grow instead of give up.
#EdTechAfterDark
A2: Wow, they had an uncanny ability to make the learning personable for me. They put everything aside and talked to me 1:1 to understand the matter before school started. #edtechafterdark
A2 They would ask me questions that made me think Vs. telling me how I should’ve done something. In essence, they taught me how to reflect. #edtechafterdark
Q2 Think of a mentor in your life, what characteristics do they have that you wish you had, or that helped them really connect with you #edtechafterdark
A2: I have been blessed with a few wonderful mentors, who all appeared just when I needed them. All shared patience, got to know me, and didn't sugar coat when I sought advice, but helped guide me to be a better "me." #edtechafterdark
A2: Rev Reynolds. She taught me so much every time we were together. It wasn’t until after college that I realized she never told me what she knew. She asked me to reflect on what I knew. And that made all the difference. #EdTechAfterDark
Q3 Choose one... 30 years, 100% pass rates, but no students attend your retirement celebrations...30 years, 70% pass rates, and the retirement celebration was standing room only...why? #edtechafterdark
A3 can I be creative and have both - if not, I want the 2nd, but I need the 1st if it means that all my sts are successful ... I need to be selfless, and all passing (if = learning) is more imp’t than my popularity #EdTechAfterDark
Q3 Choose one... 30 years, 100% pass rates, but no students attend your retirement celebrations...30 years, 70% pass rates, and the retirement celebration was standing room only...why? #edtechafterdark
Hands down: 30 yrs, 70% pass rate & full room. It would proves relationships built were more important than the content I taught. 18 yrs in and I still have my first "kids" seeking advice or want to grab coffee when they're in town. #kidsmatter#edtechafterdark
A3: I have to go with the second choice. For me it is all about the relationships that you build with the students. The lessons that are learned stretch beyond the curriculum. #edtechafterdark
30 yrs, 70% pass rate. I can’t remember one basal story or math problem from my childhood. However, I do remember our Japan unit and hunting for arrowheads on the Ohio River. This is the essence of learning. #edtechafterdark
A3: honestly, if I got 70% passing rates, I’d dance like my pants were on fire & if my retirement party was filled I’d be humbled beyond measure. But my true goal is to run into a student—any student—in 10 years & hear they learned something invaluable. #EdTechAfterDark
A3: honestly, if I got 70% passing rates, I’d dance like my pants were on fire & if my retirement party was filled I’d be humbled beyond measure. But my true goal is to run into a student—any student—in 10 years & hear they learned something invaluable. #EdTechAfterDark
In my research I have found very few ELA/Reading or Math Ts who can consistently achieve 80-90% on state wide tests and have time to develop S relationships...do you find similar results? Why do you think, if you disagree can you give examples of their strats? #edtechafterdark
A4: IMO, as a SS teacher w/ state end of course, yes there's pressure for a good pass rate. Yet, if I achieve my goal: great, but if the ss didn't feel they were more than a # then I failed my kids. It's abt the overall experience that takes place in my classroom #edtechafterdark
A4: I taught w/ a teacher for consistently got 90+% on his tests, but his students spoke of him with fear or anger on their lips. I spent a lot of time trying to learn from him, but vowed not to let my numbers outweigh my relationships with students. #EdTechAfterDark
Create lessons that are personal, relatable, engaging, authentic, & purposeful for your students. It is possible to build relationships through your standards.
Presenting words in a different font doesn’t change the meaning, it just makes them easier to read. #EdTechAfterDark
Q5 Have you determined your focus for the year? If so what is it, has it changed, if so why did it change? If not, why did it stay the same? #edtechafterdark
Side note: do not assume the numbers-focused teacher cares less for their students than you. Many teachers are taught that success = passing, and they want success for their students as much as we do. They’ve just been taught to view it through a different lens. #EdTechAfterDark
A5 I’m changing positions & schools ... I get a 2nd chance to be a better writing coach - so I want to listen more, ask questions, & be a learner with my teachers #EdTechAfterDark
Q5 Have you determined your focus for the year? If so what is it, has it changed, if so why did it change? If not, why did it stay the same? #edtechafterdark
A5: Right now, I leaning on using the focus of "purpose." Purpose in how I build those relationships with my ss, purpose in how I teach, purpose in my professional goals (still in mid-leap on this one), etc. #edtechafterdark
A5: create a classroom focused on positive, sincere feedback. I’m tired of taking away points, taking away privileges, taking away from students who already live without so much. I want to give them a space where they are always receiving, growing, blooming. #EdTechAfterDark
Q5: My focus this year is centered around self- empowerment. It's an enhancement from previous years focus. I have to do more tech coaching and not holding hands. My teachers are more aware of technology and now it's time for more integration. #edtechafterdark
Q5 Have you determined your focus for the year? If so what is it, has it changed, if so why did it change? If not, why did it stay the same? #edtechafterdark
A6: Continue to help us reflect by asking the tough Qs; continue to support & help us grow; continue to help us be better advocates for our profession & students; continue to doing the amazingness y'all already do. #edtechafterdark
A6: I’d love seeing thought-provoking questions, quotes, or resources throughout the week. Maybe like:
Monday motivation
Tuesday tech tips
What about Wednesday
Thoughtful Thursday
Focus Friday #EdTechAfterDark
We are always looking for new and exciting topics to cover, if you have an idea PM any of us anytime! Have a great week, and we will see you next Monday #edtechafterdark
