#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.
Welcome to the #whatisschool chat about twitter chats. It is a good topic for those getting into the school year or for those looking for a little help.
Please help me welcome the brilliant @nathan_stevens and @BevLadd as co-hosts of today's #whatisschool chat - please make them feel welcome! It is an honour to have them join us!
Morning Craig and #whatisschool , Priya joining from Singapore, #whatisschool was the first twitter chat I participated one year back, look forward for today’s chat about chats
Tim here, head of Educational Technology in Hong King. Will be catching up later as I am about to start “Greeters Duty”! Have a great day/weekend all!
#whatisschool
A1: About the same - I have limited time so I focus on #whatisschool chat every week and tapping into other ones randomly when I can - LOVE THEM #whatisschool
Tim here, head of Educational Technology in Hong Kong. Will be catching up later as I am about to start “Greeters Duty”! Have a great day/weekend all!
#whatisschool
A1: I have only just started attending edchats in the last year, but I need to keep looking into attending more, especially ones that are outside of my district! I think the only thing standing in the way is time and knowing where to find new chats! #whatisschool
A1: I feel like I have been attending more because I am following people who talk about the chats and then I go hm that might be interesting and I hop on. #whatisschool
A1: in the last year, I reduced the number of chats I’ve participated in (beyond modding #bcedchat). Mostly due to family and work commitments increased. #whatisschool
A1 I have been doing a little less. I find too many tool specific chats or topics that are the same. I think I have done every topic under the sun. #whatisschool
I have definitely been involved in more chats on the advice of colleagues. I'm not normally one for sharing anything personal but sharing educational things I believe will help other is totally worth it. #whatisschool
A1: More! I find great value in learning others’ stories and find the Twitter Ed community to be supportive, inspiring, encouraging, and joyous! #whatisschool
A1 About the same. Being retired gives me the chance to join chats without worrying about tomorrow’s lessons. When I leave for the day, and know I’ll be back, I get things ready.#whatisschool and some days I’m on a twitter frenzy
A1)I selected few chats based on recommendations and regularly attend them. By attending few chats regularly, I believe , we get to know the PLN better than attending many chats just once out twice #whatisschool
A1: I've been attending less in the last year...though am still get so much out of the ones I do attend and want to start hosting my own at some point. I started giving my ed students extra credit for joining chats #whatisschool
A1: I'm not sure. I feel like I go in waves, where some weeks I don't have time or energy and other weeks, I can't the chats give me strength to carry on! #whatisschool
Q1: I’ve been participating in more chats because I find it helps me think outside the box and connects me with educators all over the world. #whatisschool
I’ll be moderating one on mental health beginning 10/10 at 8 PM CST using #smashthesilence with @TAYLOR_does_IT. Join us!
A1: Defintely more! I have discovered some great resources through chats and my class truly reflects a global community thanks to these chats! #whatisschool
A1. I had Twitter for years but just for reading and finding resources. I started actively participating in chats last February and it’s been a great experience so I’ll use this valuable tool more often this year #whatisschool
#whatisschool A1 - My chat participation varies. Did a bunch in the summer and even started my own podcast. Publishing my 50th episode of 5-Minutes with the Counselor next week. Now that school has begun, my mental energy is used up. Part of the process.
A2 I think I haven't given chats enough of an effort to really find them helpful yet. They're always very interesting and I usually find comfort in chatting with other teachers #whatisschool#whatisschool
A1: Less (but not because I don’t want to). I have 3 that are go to’s. One conflicts with our staff meeting, this one, and #aussieED on Sunday evenings! #whatisschool
A2: Yes, reading through peoples answers and discussing different topics is always helpful! Power of Twitter and communicating with like minded people! #whatisschool
A2: I find, that even with Tweetdeck, I miss a lot and can’t really get into them. I typically go back AFTER and sort through the info to grab what I need. #whatisschool
I join A LOT of chats, as I did the previous year. As the number has grown, I’ve become a little more selective and taken more days off from them. So my intent is avoiding spending MORE time on them. #WhatIsSchool A1
A2: Of course - I learn so much from my PLN. Twitter chats allow for focussed discussions on topics that I can pick and choose whether I want to be involved #whatisschool
A2: Yes. Particularly good when new voices are added to the chat. When thinking/views are challenged and we can work on improving our learning together. #whatisschool
Q2: Chats are extremely helpful. It’s good to be able to connect with educators around the world, bounce ideas off of one another, AND encourage one another. We need that. The broader my #PLN, the better for my practice. #whatisschool
A2: I find chats helpful when they are on topics I’ve yet to explore, am struggling to understand, or are supportive to an avenue I am trying to implement. Chats are a good place to sharpen my saw! #WhatIsSchool
A2. Yes. and no. Sometimes they get very repetitive. Or the topic is such that I really can't comment on without revealing more at my school, which I choose not to do.
But some are well worth the connections.
#whatisschool
A2 I do. And continue to be aware of any bandwagon mentality. I know one joins to hear what others are doing in the field. I also like to heat different POV #whatisschool
A2: I find chats have helped in connecting with others to go deeper off chat times. However, it also depends on the chat. Sometimes, if it’s not a sharing of resources or classrooms chat, it feels like a bit of an echo chamber. #whatisschool
Yes! At times I feel like topics get repeated without a lot of resolution, but I still really value being part of the conversation. It’s also how I stay connected. #PLN#WhatIsSchool A2
A2: Yes! Even if we only scratch the surface of an issue, it gets my attention and (more importantly) connects me to others. Comments reverberate long after the chat #whatisschool
A2) Yes, sometimes I need inspiration, need to stay at forefront of best practices too, I love learning, so I need that intellectual stimulation, creative juices flow, thanks to them #whatisschool
A3: Sorry…got in too early! #aussieED#whatisschool and #digitalEDchat would be my three go to chats! If our staff understood the impact better, I would do more!
A2. Absolutely, even if you don't learn anything new yourself each time. Sharing something that can help a fellow educator is good karma. #whatisschool
A3: THIS is the question I've been waiting for! I like #edtechchat (esp. if you enjoy memes) and this one. Be on the lookout for #ExperienceInquiry starting in October! ;) #whatisschool
#whatisschool a2
Chats are great when there is a sense of to and fro, including reflection.
You have to be careful about revealing too much about a school. Free speech is not free
A1) This past year was TOUGH, personal issues kept me from attending many chats live, however... I would get on and check out the chat when it was over just to stay in the loop #whatisschool
A2: Yes, reading through peoples answers and discussing different topics is always helpful! Power of Twitter and communicating with like minded people! #whatisschool
Good point. While I don’t limit myself with the number, I find that I’m joining chats every time less. I trend toward whatever topics are being discussed. But I do continually revisit the same chats. #WhatIsSchool
A1)#bookcamppd , For book recommendations , #primarystemchat to find out about STEM projects other educators have tried in classroom, #edchatph and #engagechat (miss this mostly due to time zone conversions)
#whatisschool#1st chat I joined and always try to make it this time
A4: Take the power out of the organizers hands and get participant voice more active (like today). What do you want to learn about ... lets do it!! #whatisschool
A3)#bookcamppd , For book recommendations , #primarystemchat to find out about STEM projects other educators have tried in classroom, #edchatph and #engagechat (miss this mostly due to time zone conversions)
#whatisschool#1st chat I joined and always try to make it this time
A4: I like chats that are focusing around things that we all could use improvement on like how to stick things to different kinds of surfaces or 50 different ways to do one thing. #whatisschool
A4. Chats need diverse moderation. No question should expect Yes/No, but explanations. Encourage humor, support.
Post Qs in advance.
Moderator - worry less about your response and more about responding to others.
#whatisschool
A4: One thing we are experimenting with at #bcedchat is a shorter, mid week chat on timely topics. Still with regular Sunday hour long chat. Also bringing in more guest mods. #whatisschool
Q4: Like @MeagDS, I think asking people to draw some conclusions at the end would be great. I love the idea of a chat that focused on practicing question-asking (like a QFT chat). Pace of questions also really important. I tend to lose interest if they take too long #whatisschool
A4: More people. More voices. Better ways of implementing what we learn. Understanding that context is important, but learning is the heart of what we are about. #whatisschool
A4: I would love to see an opportunity to follow up on a topic the following week. What's one thing you learned in the last chat and tried during the week? How did it go? What questions came up? #whatisschool
I’m on the moderating team for #nt2t. As for others, it depends on the week and the topic. #EdTechAfterDark. #sschat. #CultureEd. #K12PRchat. #gtchat (coming up next tonight). Many, many others, including this one. And content writing/marketing chats, too. #WhatIsSchool A3
Ahhh, this is a good one, but then I think the on the spot thinking and involvement would change. And, the anticipation would dwendle. For me anyway. #whatisschool
A4 I like when questions are posted before hand. Also archives really helps when the chat pace is so fast and I miss many “tweets of wisdom” #whatisschool
A4) Would love to see a LIVE chat like in a Zoom room, want to “see” people, need unique topics, deeper lines of questioning or jeopardy style... give answer have participants respond w/Qs Can we incorporate @padlet@kahoot@menti Would be cool!!! #whatisschool
I’m on the moderating team for #nt2t. As for others, it depends on the week and the topic. #EdTechAfterDark. #sschat. #CultureEd. #K12PRchat. #gtchat (coming up next tonight). Many, many others, including this one. And content writing/marketing chats, too. #WhatIsSchool A3
I suppose it's personal preference, but I like seeing them advance so that I don't answer question five when I'm responding to question three. #whatisschool
#whatisschool a3 & a4 Must say slow chats like #McRELchat and #MYEdOz have been great in that there is more time to connect and the questions need that cogitating time.
Time zones, not such an issue either!
Loving the sheer number of people chatting today at #whatisschool so proud of this diverse PLN - already people from over 12 countries participating #lovemyPLN
A5- ways to ease yourself into going back to school: organization tips, fun back to school ideas that aren’t just ice breakers. Pick a new and upcoming trend whether it be technology based or really anything and let us explore it and pose questions to others. #whatisschool
Q5: I wish there were more chats that would include administrators, social workers, counselors, special education, etc. There are so many people that help schools and students succeed. #whatisschool
Then you need a theme w direction. Part of seeing Qs in advance is deciding if chat will be worth my time. (Do I expect others to have interesting, humorous or helpful responses?) Topic isn't enough.
#whatisschool
A2 Yes, there is so much to share and learn! There are lots of educators who are still getting familiar with chats! I know colleagues transitioning to a more active participation. #whatisschool
Love it. We had a chat with music as the theme to educational practices. Like karaoke edchat. Lots of fun. Like to see a jeopardy one, though. #WhatIsSchool
A5) “Difficulty builds mental muscle while ease builds only confidence” - a research based quote I read recently, have been reflecting over this in edu perspective( both from Ss & Ts ) as we are all learners in an edu. would be great to discuss this topic on a chat #whatisschool
A4. Maybe more time for reading and answering tweets and create more interaction and conversations. Sometimes the question is just too good to go to the next! #whatisschool
You are spot on and from day one that is what we have done with #whatisschool nothing frustrates me more than joining a chat and then it being a waste of time - knowing in advance helps me make an informed decision
A5. Failures in your classroom; How to teach teachers to use #edtech, communication (T-T, T-S, Admin-T, Admin-S, anyone to community/parents)
#whatisschool
A4) ALWAYS posting the topic in advance (thanks, #WhatIsSchool!), preferably before the day of. Some of us plan ahead! Some chats reveal only who the host will be, and name recognition isn’t enough for some of us. I think that keeps chats a little too insular.
A6: Not really unless there was an issue at my place of employment meaning I couldn't discuss something. Sometimes responses need to be taken to a private chat to protect others #whatisschool
Yes! We need all of this in Twitter chats. And by “more voices,” I envision more people with different roles, including outside education or whatever field you’re following, for a broader perspective. #WhatIsSchool
A4: More people. More voices. Better ways of implementing what we learn. Understanding that context is important, but learning is the heart of what we are about. #whatisschool
#whatisschool a5 Taking a left of center approach. I'd love people to show via gif or video, more of what they are needing or doing. Sometimes words are not quite enough
#whatisschool 3A: #AussieEd I attended the @TECHpaloozaGC in 2016 at GC St Hilda’s. Met many new Technology Friends including Art/Tech teacher @art_cathyhunt Go this year in October- Fabulous Learning in OZ!
I’m seeing more slow chats to replace or build on scheduled chats. Seems that can be more inclusive for those who can’t just always show up. #WhatIsSchool
A4: One thing we are experimenting with at #bcedchat is a shorter, mid week chat on timely topics. Still with regular Sunday hour long chat. Also bringing in more guest mods. #whatisschool
Q7: How can we make these conservations linger with our PLN to promote lasting relationships and give us some accountability for a change? #whatisschool
A7: Connecting chats to real life events, problems or days where responsibility is on attendees to take back to their community to share their knowledge or develop an idea / concept #whatisschool
A7: what if a chat creates the opportunity for educators to connect and then dm as a triad to further explore the issues? Some sort of feedback to the chat, as well. Have participants sign up, then randomly group them. Send out the groups to form. #whatisschool
A7: I'm a big fan of sharing is caring! Maybe move the relationships into the classroom. Connect with each other via video links etc and co-teach, team teach or simply take a virtual tour around someones classroom/school. #whatisschool
A7: Oh, and offer clock hours for participation. @waOSPI is doing this with our upcoming chats #ExperienceInquiry...easy to track participation and should count as PD #whatisschool
A7 I think follow up discussions would be good. Some sessions devoted to the implication or application of ideas discussed previously. This also serves as repetition and reinforcement of the original topic. #WhatIsSchool
A7: Perhaps form teams of a dozen educators with separate hashtags for periods of 4-6 weeks with a set of topics. Folks commit to attending scheduled sessions and posting a certain amount each week? Is that realistic? #whatisschool
A4 Having the chance to meet up or actually create community. Not just respond to Qs every week or month 🤷🏻I've met educators I've followed on Twitter and it's great to make a real connection. #whatisschool
A7. Finding people working on the same units or PBL that can discuss about it from@different parts of the word and perspectives in a chat would be amazing #whatisschool
Cool - it looks like there are a lot of thoughts about creating a more in depth, longer term, interaction than answering weekly questions. #WhatIsSchool
A8. I'd love to meet @nathan_stevens because we share a love of food and I've had gif chats with him before. BUT I've decided his actually a bot b/c he's always on Twitter, whenever I open it. Doesn't sleep, doesn't eat...
#whatisschool
#Whatisschool A3/4 I really like the questions ahead of time to Think about! I make a screen shot and flip back and forth. SORRY today I was totally off! Tgif✅4a. Discussion of lastest PD or a new App, existing Apps? Upcoming PD opportunities.
A8: Totally! Too many to name in this chat - I am already luck to work with some inspirational people. If I had to choose 3 others I would pick @gcouros@JenWilliamsEdu@smgaillard#whatisschool
Actually, it takes a while for ideas to percolate through. Sometimes I make notes and don't get back to it for 6 mo. I need more than a week to think about it.
#whatisschool
A7. Finding people working on the same units or PBL that can discuss about it from@different parts of the word and perspectives in a chat would be amazing #whatisschool
Q8: I would love #whatisschool PLN to consider guest speaking in my EDCI 351 (Teaching as a Profession) class this fall. I could Zoom you in for 30 minutes to answer students'questions about teaching! Let me know if you're interested :)
Revisit topics and ask what has happened since the last time. It doesn’t have to be specific changes, but perhaps you’ve talked to more people offline about it. A goal should be extending the discussion beyond the chats. #WhatIsSchool A7
Q7: How can we make these conservations linger with our PLN to promote lasting relationships and give us some accountability for a change? #whatisschool
A6: I think at times we need to be careful our answers are not taken out of context. Misrepresented or misconstrued. Its a problem with all communication really! #whatisschool
A9: Isn’t that what Skype is for? For me, I’d like to visit classrooms and teachers doing their thing all over the world. Like an ed-Carmen Diego. (Okay, I think that’s her name....I’m actually too old to know) #WhatIsSchool
Yes yes yes! Rare to have other non-educator-parents like me on these chats (but #gtchat is wonderfully balanced). And students? All this talk about ‘em without ‘em. @MrsMurat and #g2great have let them lead... we need more! #WhatIsSchool
In reply to
@TechySewell, @brynmw, @mrkempnz, @MrsMurat
Q10: Who are other members of the #whatisschool PLN that you cherish and why? Let’s build each other up and strengthen our #whatisschool family as we begin a new school year. #whatisschool
No, but I have privilege (in many ways), including not working in a school. We should consider the voices that aren’t on here and the consequences they might face. #WhatIsSchool A6
Fingers on key board not doing it. Eyes closing so signing off Mr. Spock #whatisschool For those who are already in the classroom have a great year. And those starting soon, have a great year.
No, but I have privilege (in many ways), including not working in a school. We should consider the voices that aren’t on here and the consequences they might face. #WhatIsSchool A6
Some chats like #edchat and #sunchat just announce the topic with a single question and let it fly for the whole hour. I like that approach too, especially because we often get into side convos when the chat has many questions. #WhatIsSchool
Q11: What is one thing you are working on professionally this year? Post it in this ‘padlet’ or share your one thing with your trusted PLN member for accountability purposes and so they can cheer you on! #whatisschool
Dear #WhatIsSchool PLN - one of our Grade 9 students has taken big strides in creating a vegan, cruelty-free, long lasting perfume. Her efforts need your support! To help Nishtha reach her dream, visit the link below, give and share. Good luck Nishtha! https://t.co/EeQcHK6GIy#RT
Sorry I couldn’t join today but I will plug the reboot for the ever-popular 30 min chat for Asia-Based Educators starting next week. We will carry topics over multiple weeks and promote feedback and collaboration. Please join us at #AsiaEdChat next week. #whatisschool
A11: I have six areas on my dashboard that I'm going to be working on, but one of the key areas is communication and collaboration with the basic tenet of assuming positive intent. #whatisschool
#gtchat stands for gifted/talented, includes parents and is about to start! #g2great starts half an hour later and is on a buncha stuff, often literacy, and the students (called the "bow tie boys") are on only occasionally, but it's very welcoming to all. #WhatIsSchool
In reply to
@TechySewell, @brynmw, @mrkempnz, @MrsMurat
Sorry I couldn’t join today but I will plug the reboot for the ever-popular 30 min chat for Asia-Based Educators starting next week. We will carry topics over multiple weeks and promote feedback and collaboration. Please join us at #AsiaEdChat next week. #whatisschool
Welcome to Global Gifted and Talented Chat Powered by the Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented @TXGifted#TAGT ~ Thanks for joining us to chat about “Twitter Tips for GT Teachers” #gtchat#whatisschool
