#tynkerchat Archive

The mission of #TynkerChat: Are we adequately preparing students for an unknown future? Can we, through community and sharing, make this unknown “known?” Let us lift up the conversation about making sure that when our students enter the workforce- they have the skills to thrive. #TynkerChat will be held every Monday, starting March 13th.
Monday April 3, 2017
7:00 PM EDT
  • PaulSolarz Apr 3 @ 7:00 PM EDT
    Welcome to #TynkerChat! I'm honored to moderate tonight's discussion! Topic: "Differentiation through Projects." Please introduce yourself.
  • mandavoth Apr 3 @ 7:01 PM EDT
    Manda - Academic Tutor from Kansas #Tynkerchat
  • basil60 Apr 3 @ 7:01 PM EDT
    Hi Paul Paul from Rockhampton eLearning Consultant for a diverse group of schools #tynkerchat
  • Ryan7Read Apr 3 @ 7:01 PM EDT
    Ryan from IL, #STEAM teacher and manager of campus tech and heavy into #edtpa edits #Tynkerchat
  • PaulSolarz Apr 3 @ 7:01 PM EDT
    I'm Paul Solarz, a 5th grade teacher in Illinois and author of "Learn Like a Pirate." #Tynkerchat
  • jlwilliams3290 Apr 3 @ 7:02 PM EDT
    Hi! I'm Jessica Treadway, Greenpower teacher from Huntsville, AL! #tynkerchat
  • PaulSolarz Apr 3 @ 7:03 PM EDT
    There will be four questions tonight and we'll be done in 30 minutes. Please reply with A1, A2, A3 before each answer & include #TynkerChat.
  • PaulSolarz Apr 3 @ 7:04 PM EDT
    Q1. Why are projects an effective way for students to learn? What are some projects you do & what are their benefits? #Tynkerchat
  • jklcassidy Apr 3 @ 7:04 PM EDT
    Kelly Cassidy from Georgia. https://t.co/maOb8IkCsA excited to join you guys. #TynkerChat
  • jlwilliams3290 Apr 3 @ 7:05 PM EDT
    A1- Projects engage students in ways a pencil and paper cannot. Encourages ownership of learning and collaboration! #tynkerchat
  • PaulSolarz Apr 3 @ 7:05 PM EDT
    A1 - Projects are motivational, engaging, apply skills to more real contexts, and are often collaborative & creative. #Tynkerchat
  • drezac - Moderator Apr 3 @ 7:05 PM EDT
    Dan Rezac as always. Chicago, IL. #tynkerchat
  • jlwilliams3290 Apr 3 @ 7:06 PM EDT
    A1- My students engage in engineering challenges weekly. They work w/ peer school while learning about careers! #tynkerchat
  • Teacher_AWebb Apr 3 @ 7:06 PM EDT
    I'm Amber from Michigan excited for tonight because we are embarking on individual Genius Hour projects and need the diff. #Tynkerchat
  • 6kelley Apr 3 @ 7:06 PM EDT
    A1: Projects can be authentic, integrate many standards/skills, give students voice, place to collaborate...also gives purpose #tynkerchat
  • basil60 Apr 3 @ 7:06 PM EDT
    A1. Projects are an example of authentic learning. Most hits the 6Cs #Tynkerchat
  • Ryan7Read Apr 3 @ 7:06 PM EDT
    A1: They make Ss question and then it is to find those answers to their Qs and not all are the same. It allows them to explore #Tynkerchat
  • mandavoth Apr 3 @ 7:06 PM EDT
    Ive used @LEGO_Education #storystarter kits Ss read a prompt, use Legos to build a scene & PC software to create a comic #Tynkerchat
    In reply to @LEGO_Education
  • jlwilliams3290 Apr 3 @ 7:07 PM EDT
    @PaulSolarz I love how creative my Ss can't be. I have started using rubrics that only total 80 pets to encourage creativity #tynkerchat
    In reply to @PaulSolarz, @PaulSolarz
  • martinteach Apr 3 @ 7:07 PM EDT
    #TynkerChat Daryle Esswein 5th grade math and science in Richmond, Texas!
  • mandavoth Apr 3 @ 7:07 PM EDT
    A1: Ive used @LEGO_Education #storystarter kits Ss read a prompt, use Legos to build a scene & PC software to create a comic #Tynkerchat
    In reply to @LEGO_Education
  • basil60 Apr 3 @ 7:07 PM EDT
    I'm looking for collaborators for Computational Thinking activities with a Maths/#STEM focus. https://t.co/mCg9OE9Pzv #Tynkerchat #elearning
  • Teacher_AWebb Apr 3 @ 7:07 PM EDT
    A1: Projects allow for passion which allows for depth of learning on levels we can't provide from stand and deliver #Tynkerchat
  • PaulSolarz Apr 3 @ 7:08 PM EDT
    A1 - We do lots of projects! - Colonize Mars - Passion Time - Oregon Trail - Engineering & Maker Space projects - so many more! #Tynkerchat
  • Ryan7Read Apr 3 @ 7:08 PM EDT
    Yep. Working on Tyler's HW after this. Short in #tlap tonight. #Tynkerchat
    In reply to @PaulSolarz
  • jlwilliams3290 Apr 3 @ 7:08 PM EDT
    This sounds amazing! I cannot wait to research more about this! Thank you for sharing #tynkerchat
  • Teacher_AWebb Apr 3 @ 7:09 PM EDT
    A1: We are currently learning how to make a rocket booster...at a preschool level. It takes some serious diff. #Tynkerchat
  • MrsA1stGrade Apr 3 @ 7:09 PM EDT
    Hi, Beth Austin First Grade teacher in Gurnee, IL #Tynkerchat
  • martinteach Apr 3 @ 7:09 PM EDT
    #TynkerChat I am a huge believer in projects. Currently we are researching a class book to publish on sea turtles.
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Apr 3 @ 7:10 PM EDT
    A1: Vicky from the Los Angeles area here. One of my favorite projects is 4th grade's CA Missions projects. #tynkerchat
  • PaulSolarz Apr 3 @ 7:10 PM EDT
    A1 - Benefits of projects include acquiring life skills, becoming more self-directed, & executive functioning skills. #Tynkerchat
  • jlwilliams3290 Apr 3 @ 7:10 PM EDT
    @martinteach Student Treasures publishes student books for free! #tynkerchat
    In reply to @martinteach, @martinteach
  • PaulSolarz Apr 3 @ 7:11 PM EDT
    Q2. What can teachers do to help students take things farther, achieve at higher levels & extend learning beyond the minimum? #Tynkerchat
  • mandavoth Apr 3 @ 7:11 PM EDT
    A1 also - looking at incorporating #PBL into my tutoring groups next year instead of the same old read, answer, repeat #tynkerchat
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Apr 3 @ 7:11 PM EDT
    A1: The best projects allow for student voice & choice, IMO. #tynkerchat
  • 6kelley Apr 3 @ 7:11 PM EDT
    A1: Projects are a much more natural way to learn....and give feedback as a teacher #tynkerchat
  • MrsA1stGrade Apr 3 @ 7:11 PM EDT
    A1: Projects are great for my kids because it creates the opportunity to collaborate and to work on social/emotional skills. #Tynkerchat
  • jklcassidy Apr 3 @ 7:11 PM EDT
    A1: kids engage when they create. Think about what you personally remember from school- bet it isn't a worksheet. #TynkerChat
  • Ryan7Read Apr 3 @ 7:12 PM EDT
    A2: Asking this today, but it's the bonus LEVELs. Open up for the higher learners while challenging lower levels. #Tynkerchat #xplap
  • AndreaDerrick19 Apr 3 @ 7:12 PM EDT
    Andrea-Dig Learning Coach SC. Q1-Currently a school wide Blokify Challenge - designing on paper & moving to app. Then 3D printer #Tynkerchat
  • jlwilliams3290 Apr 3 @ 7:12 PM EDT
    A2- I recently heard of rubrics that don't add to 100 pts. Ss have to go above to earn higher than 80! Love it #tynkerchat
  • martinteach Apr 3 @ 7:12 PM EDT
    #Tynkerchat A1 Projects are meaningful and memorable! We are currently researching Kemp Ridley sea turtles to publish our own class book.
  • PaulSolarz Apr 3 @ 7:12 PM EDT
    Sure thing! All of my units are available online here: https://t.co/85QcIStK3a - Check out the Past and the Present tabs! #Tynkerchat
    In reply to @6kelley
  • jlwilliams3290 Apr 3 @ 7:13 PM EDT
    Another great resource! Thank you so much for sharing! #tynkerchat
  • 20hz20khz Apr 3 @ 7:13 PM EDT
    Justin from Columbus, OH #Tynkerchat
  • 6kelley Apr 3 @ 7:14 PM EDT
    A2: I have students study mentors and expert authors/creators...imitation is powerful #tynkerchat
  • MrsA1stGrade Apr 3 @ 7:14 PM EDT
    Q2: This ties into growth mindset and creating an environment where kids feel safe even if they are out of their comfort zone. #Tynkerchat
  • Teacher_AWebb Apr 3 @ 7:14 PM EDT
    A2: Ask more questions and demonstrate how to ask good questions. #Tynkerchat
  • jklcassidy Apr 3 @ 7:14 PM EDT
    A2: #modelyourvalues if you don't want kids to half way do things-you can't halfway invest either. Like giving generic feedback. #TynkerChat
  • mandavoth Apr 3 @ 7:14 PM EDT
    A2: Ss need to be allowed the freedom to explore and make mistakes from the youngest of grades so they learn how to take risks #tynkerchat
  • basil60 Apr 3 @ 7:15 PM EDT
    A2 Allow students to struggle. Allow for confusion. Don't step in too early. Don't let the need to move on hamper deep learning #tynkerchat
  • fultondl7 Apr 3 @ 7:15 PM EDT
    Dianne Fulton, 4th ELA/Sci, TX A1 Projects require Ss to use real world skills, critical thinking, collaboration, justification #tynkerchat
  • jlwilliams3290 Apr 3 @ 7:15 PM EDT
    This is an incredible outlook! Ts should put into the lessons just as much as they want Ss to get out of the lessons! #TynkerChat
  • mthman Apr 3 @ 7:16 PM EDT
    A1: Jumping in late...we are working on a 2 part Water Park project (linear relationships/systems of equations). #Tynkerchat
  • PaulSolarz Apr 3 @ 7:16 PM EDT
    A2 - We give each other "Quality Boosters" which are peer-initiated critical feedback intended to help each other improve! #Tynkerchat
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Apr 3 @ 7:16 PM EDT
    A2: Get out of the traditional grading mentality. Sometimes the process can be more important than the product. #tynkerchat
  • jlwilliams3290 Apr 3 @ 7:16 PM EDT
    My students HATE it when I don't tell them the answers. But I love watching their brains have that "ah-ha!" moment #TynkerChat
    • basil60 Apr 3 @ 7:15 PM EDT
      A2 Allow students to struggle. Allow for confusion. Don't step in too early. Don't let the need to move on hamper deep learning #tynkerchat
  • 20hz20khz Apr 3 @ 7:16 PM EDT
    A1 It's a hands-on, Constructivist approach. Plus projects can provide freedom that allows for Ss to express themselves #TynkerChat
  • martinteach Apr 3 @ 7:17 PM EDT
    #Tynkerchat A2 Projects need rubrics. Meeting with the teacher in sm groups on a regular basis will help.
  • mthman Apr 3 @ 7:17 PM EDT
    A2: Set high expectations and challenge Ss to reach them. Regular & specific feedback is necessary to get them there. #Tynkerchat
  • PaulSolarz Apr 3 @ 7:18 PM EDT
    Q3. How can teachers help students w/ special needs tackle projects effectively? How can we meet the needs of all students? #Tynkerchat
  • thawley22 Apr 3 @ 7:18 PM EDT
    Teri from NC jumping right in. #Tynkerchat
  • jklcassidy Apr 3 @ 7:18 PM EDT
    A1: https://t.co/Tz8R53Pwjo #tynkerchat
  • AndreaDerrick19 Apr 3 @ 7:18 PM EDT
    Q2-Important to create a pos culture & mode risk taking. If Ss learn to fail forward they are more apt to expand their learning #Tynkerchat
  • Ryan7Read Apr 3 @ 7:19 PM EDT
    A3: Key is exploration. #sped I have learned that allowing them to explore the project leads to unlocking learning for everyone. #Tynkerchat
  • 20hz20khz Apr 3 @ 7:19 PM EDT
    A2 Allow Ss to make more choices & decisions. Let them set their own SMART goals & then self-assess at the end. #TynkerChat
  • fultondl7 Apr 3 @ 7:19 PM EDT
    A2 Open-ended questioning, cause/effect, differing perspectives, linking patterns and trends. Ss share ideas, discuss, & debate #tynkerchat
  • mandavoth Apr 3 @ 7:20 PM EDT
    A3: don't underestimate their abilities! One of my kiddos was the go-to kiddo during #HourofCode! #Tynkerchat
  • VanduyneKris Apr 3 @ 7:20 PM EDT
    A3: I handle this by piecing out the task. One step at a time with a check list. Ss love the ✔️& the feeling of accomplishment #Tynkerchat
    • PaulSolarz Apr 3 @ 7:18 PM EDT
      Q3. How can teachers help students w/ special needs tackle projects effectively? How can we meet the needs of all students? #Tynkerchat
  • PaulSolarz Apr 3 @ 7:20 PM EDT
    Here are some mini-lessons I teach my students during Passion Time that focus on Growth Mindset & more: https://t.co/kbBZTmxPYE #Tynkerchat
    In reply to @MrsA1stGrade
  • 6kelley Apr 3 @ 7:20 PM EDT
    A3: Many projects are naturally differentiated. Have to look for moments to step in and scaffold, Peer feedback/coaching also #tynkerchat
  • basil60 Apr 3 @ 7:20 PM EDT
    A3. Differentiation is doable in Tynker - allow kids to set smaller goals, and gradually build on the challenge #tynkerchat
  • specialtechie Apr 3 @ 7:20 PM EDT
    #Tynkerchat is distracting me during #plearnchat ;) Too many chats on Monday! #SpEd #LearnLAP
  • AndreaDerrick19 Apr 3 @ 7:20 PM EDT
    Q2-Important to create a pos culture & model risk taking If Ss learn to fail forward they are more apt to expand their learning #Tynkerchat
  • jlwilliams3290 Apr 3 @ 7:21 PM EDT
    A3- Allow students to interpret project guidelines in their own way. #OneSizeDoesNotFitAll #Tynkerchat
  • thawley22 Apr 3 @ 7:21 PM EDT
    A3Our Ss that are at the high of the chart have a really hard time with work that doesn't have a correct answer. Push them! #tynkerchat
  • jklcassidy Apr 3 @ 7:21 PM EDT
    A3: make sure they have enough support. So much assistive tech out there. Check out https://t.co/p7qQZWZI0d #TynkerChat
  • MrsA1stGrade Apr 3 @ 7:21 PM EDT
    A3: I pair students in my class to peer teach with some of these students while I walk through and give additional support. #Tynkerchat
  • 6kelley Apr 3 @ 7:21 PM EDT
    A3: Teacher modeling certain steps/skills might be necessary... inquiry with targeted direct instruction when necessary #tynkerchat
  • PaulSolarz Apr 3 @ 7:22 PM EDT
    We have the "Marble Theory" meeting at the beginning of the year where we learn that we each have different talents & deficits! #Tynkerchat
    In reply to @mandavoth
  • jlwilliams3290 Apr 3 @ 7:22 PM EDT
    This is too true! Ss may struggle in gen ed classroom but can excel in real-world "subjects" like coding! #TynkerChat
  • fultondl7 Apr 3 @ 7:22 PM EDT
    Ss PBL studied the decline of migrating monarchs thru TX, Ss took off and ended by sharing butterfly habitat ideas on Soc Med #tynkerchat
    In reply to @mandavoth
  • Ryan7Read Apr 3 @ 7:23 PM EDT
    Ok, Everyone. Have to jet. HW for Tyler to finished and I just finished mine. see everyone at #tlap tonight. #Tynkerchat
  • PaulSolarz Apr 3 @ 7:23 PM EDT
    #Tynkerchat
    • ProfJPizzo Apr 3 @ 7:21 PM EDT
      A3 Give clear instructions. Use Ss as advisors in dif. areas to help. Give options to address MI. Be realistic w/ expectations. Have faith.
      In reply to @PaulSolarz
  • thawley22 Apr 3 @ 7:24 PM EDT
    A3 I have had low Ss do well with constructivist assignments - natural problem solvers at HOME! Survival mode! #tynkerchat
  • mthman Apr 3 @ 7:24 PM EDT
    A3: Regular check-ins are helpful. I follow up with a quick recap post on @CanvasLMS with photos & detailed info from each day. #Tynkerchat
    In reply to @CanvasLMS
  • PaulSolarz Apr 3 @ 7:24 PM EDT
    Last question coming up! #Tynkerchat
  • fultondl7 Apr 3 @ 7:24 PM EDT
    A3 provide enough choice that Ss link their passions to their learning, research and sharing ideas becomes fun and authentic #tynkerchat
  • PaulSolarz Apr 3 @ 7:25 PM EDT
    LAST QUESTION! Q4. How can peers support each other during collaborative projects? How can they push each other to excel? #Tynkerchat
  • martinteach Apr 3 @ 7:25 PM EDT
    #tynkerchat A3 I think back to my own strengths and weaknesses. While I am a competent drawer, I don't like drawing.
  • jlwilliams3290 Apr 3 @ 7:26 PM EDT
    A4- I have found my Ss can be very competitive. If they see others r excelling in a project they want to be extra fab too #Tynkerchat
  • basil60 Apr 3 @ 7:26 PM EDT
    A4, Pair programming Genuine collaboration and team work. Rich discussion - real listening #tynkerchat
  • AndreaDerrick19 Apr 3 @ 7:26 PM EDT
    Q3 Options and variety! Often w/Makerspace type activities the non-traditional learner is the one who excels and leads! #Tynkerchat
  • martinteach Apr 3 @ 7:26 PM EDT
    #tynkerchat A3 Continued. Students are no different. Work towards each student's strengths or loves!
  • jlwilliams3290 Apr 3 @ 7:26 PM EDT
    A4- Nothin like a friendly competition to get students motivated! #Tynkerchat
  • fultondl7 Apr 3 @ 7:27 PM EDT
    A3 Everyone doesn't have to do every part, letting a S choose a part of a proj, leads to depth of learning and desire to share #tynkerchat
  • 6kelley Apr 3 @ 7:27 PM EDT
    A4: You must teach students to "bless" and "press"...reinforce the good and sandwich it with constructive criticism #tynkerchat
  • bigtechcoach - Moderator Apr 3 @ 7:27 PM EDT
    I'm late! Arghhhhh! Keith George, Alabama Dept of Education #Tynkerchat
  • mrsjulienelson Apr 3 @ 7:28 PM EDT
    Q4: Giving, receiving, & using peer feedback effectively (early in process) makes partner projects a success. #Tynkerchat
  • mandavoth Apr 3 @ 7:28 PM EDT
    A4: Ts have to model encouragement for Ss. I've been working w/ my Ss on "Listen to hear/understand not just to respond" #tynkerchat
  • PaulSolarz Apr 3 @ 7:28 PM EDT
    A4 - Even when I want my students to complete individual projects, I still assign them a "Responsibility Partner" for support! #Tynkerchat
  • PaulSolarz Apr 3 @ 7:29 PM EDT
    Thanks for participating in this week's #Tynkerchat! If you're interested, please check out "Learn Like a Pirate": https://t.co/AeHEOqprQB
  • 20hz20khz Apr 3 @ 7:29 PM EDT
    A4: I'm a fan of everyone creating their own unique project. Everyone can assist everyone, but only in hands-off ways #TynkerChat
  • MrsA1stGrade Apr 3 @ 7:29 PM EDT
    A4: at the 1st grade level this requires a lot of modeling and practice. I teach this cross curricular so we use it a lot! #Tynkerchat
  • PaulSolarz Apr 3 @ 7:29 PM EDT
    Motto: "We are striving to become a stronger student today than we were yesterday." Everyone needs to help us achieve that goal! #Tynkerchat
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Apr 3 @ 7:30 PM EDT
    Thanks for the ideas. I need to read through all of this in more detail! #tynkerchat
  • bigtechcoach - Moderator Apr 3 @ 7:30 PM EDT
    A1: Projects (done right) are real life! Don't do a task to learn an app. Use an app to solve a task. #Tynkerchat
  • 6kelley Apr 3 @ 7:30 PM EDT
    A4: Slow students down to process throughout the project...have them write to learn about group dynamics #tynkerchat
  • martinteach Apr 3 @ 7:30 PM EDT
    #Tynkerchat A4 Time needs to be invested in showing students what collaboration looks like.
  • basil60 Apr 3 @ 7:30 PM EDT
    Thanks Paul and #tynkerchat and @drezac Any potential collaborators, love to hear from you. https://t.co/QdqeFNsCSr #elearning
    In reply to @drezac
  • PaulSolarz Apr 3 @ 7:31 PM EDT
    Please foIIow each other & build your PLNs! (Join me in 30 MINUTES at 7pm Central for #LearnLAP if you can!) #Tynkerchat
  • Teacher_AWebb Apr 3 @ 7:31 PM EDT
    A4: Students can help one another during the process and give critical feedback #Tynkerchat
  • fultondl7 Apr 3 @ 7:31 PM EDT
    A4 During a St-Led newspaper proj, Ss shared a Google doc. and gave each other advice thru the doc using "I like" and "I wonder" #tynkerchat
  • bigtechcoach - Moderator Apr 3 @ 7:31 PM EDT
    A2: Challenge kids. Use design challenges and real world problems rather than worksheets and textbook answers. #Tynkerchat
  • drezac - Moderator Apr 3 @ 7:31 PM EDT
    Thanks so much everyone, and thanks, @PaulSolarz, for an awesome #tynkerchat. Next week we'll be joined by @teachintechgal as our moderator!
    In reply to @PaulSolarz, @teachintechgal
  • mthman Apr 3 @ 7:32 PM EDT
    A4: I like giving Ss regular breaks in the process to chat with table-friends on progress, challenges, and setbacks. #Tynkerchat
  • martinteach Apr 3 @ 7:32 PM EDT
    #Tynkerchat A4 Continued. Teaching students to divide up work and showing how to be responsible to each other.
  • drezac - Moderator Apr 3 @ 7:32 PM EDT
    I'll share resources and transcript soon. #tynkerchat
  • bigtechcoach - Moderator Apr 3 @ 7:32 PM EDT
    A3: Many spec needs kids are the best problem solvers. Partner mixed abilities, allow multiple outcomes. #Tynkerchat
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Apr 3 @ 7:34 PM EDT
    Wednesday's #csk8 chat (4/5) is all about Managing Coding Projects. We'd love to have you join us at 5pmPT/8pmET! #tynkerchat
  • bigtechcoach - Moderator Apr 3 @ 7:34 PM EDT
    A4: Competition can drive students and promote teamwork. Setting up groups w/ members in specific roles can build collaboration. #Tynkerchat
  • alicekeeler Apr 3 @ 7:34 PM EDT
    I remember T in 6th grade partnered me with SpEd kid, I was disappointed. That kid blew me out of the water. #humbling #tynkerchat
    In reply to @bigtechcoach
  • RLvballcoach Apr 3 @ 7:49 PM EDT
    So glad I found this group. I got some great ideas from your tweets. Will be on time next week. Barb Anderson from Rib Lake WI #Tynkerchat
  • PaulSolarz Apr 3 @ 7:59 PM EDT
    It was an honor guest moderating tonight's #Tynkerchat discussion! If you haven't already, check out https://t.co/dfgYeMMA0F ASAP!