#DITCHbook was created by Ditch That Textbook author Matt Miller. The chat focuses on innovative teaching ideas and disrupting standard textbook education.
Hello #DitchBook! I'm Jake - a Tech Integration Specialist/Tech Coach - from Kent, Ohio. I'm mostly here to heckle @sdemichele , but if I learn in the process, I won't complain. :)
Goooood evening, #ditchbook friends far and wide! Evan Mosier, Technology Integrationist Lead Teacher from Davenport, IA.Excited to be with you all this evening!
A1: That they are not sure where to start. Offer to show and teach, make it fun. Maybe a quick tech PD session with all staff learning together. #ditchbook
A1: I think they're saying they don't have the confidence to try new things. Or, they've seen how successful someone else was with the tech and are concerned they won't endure the same success, which easily ties back to the confidence concern. #DitchBook
A1: Often it is more about fear of tech or fear of changing what "always worked before". Respond by helping them see mistakes are wonderful for S learning and for T learning too. Perfection is not the goal #ditchbook
A1: I️ think they’re saying they don’t understand or see the impact it can have. We can respond by helping them get started w/ something simple, model, and be available to help #ditchbook
To me, it could mean "I'm not good with tech, but I want to learn" or "I'm not good with tech and I could care less" and I respond by offering any help that I can #ditchbook
#DitchBook A1 - "I'm not tech-savvy" translates to "I don't have a growth mindset" and/or "I'm afraid of failure" and/or "I'm afraid my students will realize I'm not perfect." We can help them grow though!!
A1: They may be scared, they may be unwilling to change. Some people are afraid the will "break" it. Some are afraid it will take too much time. #DitchBook
A1: What they really mean is that they are afraid or unsure of how to integrate tech into the classroom. We can offer to help them and model tech integration. #DitchBook
Hey dude! Hope to see you soon, I'm presenting at @IACUE Tech Fest Jan. 20 ad applied for the @edtechteam Google Summit in Duarte in February #ditchbook
A1: "I'm not tech savvy" =
> I've had a bad experience with tech.
> I'm not confident.
> I don't want to change.
> I'm overwhelmed by lots of techy stuff.
#DitchBook
A1: "I'm not tech savvy" =
> I've had a bad experience with tech.
> I'm not confident.
> I don't want to change.
> I'm overwhelmed by lots of techy stuff.
#DitchBook
All the answer tend to settle around we know what is best for kids and they're throwing barriers in the kids way. It's a core value thing for us. That gives me hope for our future #ditchbook
A2: They're saying, "Don't put something else on my already-
heaping plate." We respond by providing options that save time w/ auto-grading & data collection. #DitchBook
A2: I think there's two sides to this ...
- The BIGGEST felt need by teachers is time. It's a real issue.
- We make time for what we value, so "I don't have time" can mean "I won't make time."
#DitchBook
Some people are just so overwhelmed. It’s easy to go with option 1 and say, “they just don’t want to learn!” They do!!! But we have to slow the pace down for them. #ditchbook
A2: I'm afraid they're saying, "This is the way I've always done it, and it works, so why try something new?" We can support by showing the engagement and learning that can increase when Ss are immersed in a tech-integrated classroom. #DitchBook
A1 I think teachers who say that are secretly challenging us to show them why they should care... why they should take a risk and try something new! #ditchbook
A2: Either I don't even know where to start (too overwhelming) or I'm bogged down by all the other "stuff" thrown at us. Sounds selfish, but starting with things that benefit the T and makes things quicker for them may be the right road #Ditchbook
#DitchBook A2. If a teacher "doesn't have the time" they don't think it's a priority. We have to convince them that it is. Also, we have to convince them that it's not in addition to other stuff, it's an upgrade to it.
Q2: They don’t want to change their way of teaching or their mindset. They need to realize it’s not what is best for them, but what is best for the Ss. I always invite Ts into my room so they can see my Ss using tech and how engaged they are. #DitchBook
A2: I ask them if they want me to email the info, that way they can look at it on their time. Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't. Sometimes something will happen and they might just come back to ask on their own again later... #ditchbook
This is more along the lines of "I don't want to learn, I'm fine with what I have". Here, talk is cheap, bring the proof of something awesome #ditchbook
A2c: I also like to use the “this will make your job easier approach” sometimes the way in has nothing to do with instruction but will pay off in the end #ditchbook
A2: “I’m overwhelmed and have too much to do.” We can show Ts that tech not only enhances learning experience for Ss, but also makes our lives easier as Ts #DitchBook
A2: They're saying, "Don't put something else on my already-
heaping plate." We respond by providing options that save time w/ auto-grading & data collection. #DitchBook
#DitchBook A2. If a teacher "doesn't have the time" they don't think it's a priority. We have to convince them that it is. Also, we have to convince them that it's not in addition to other stuff, it's an upgrade to it.
A2: then: “I’m running myself crazy with all of these tasks and standards that I have to teach! I don’t have time or energy.” Us: “Not every tech tool is for everyone. Just come and watch it in my class and see what you think! I’ll help you.” #ditchbook
I wonder if there is also a lot of not wanting to feel stupid and that can be a powerful motivator. I'd like to assume positive intentions first #ditchbook
A2: they are saying “I’m not sure how to use this and don’t want to look silly.” We can help by meeting them where they are at and sharing that we struggle too sometimes. #DitchBook
I love this Heidi! It does make me wonder if some would see your kiddos engaged with tech and thing, "Wow, that's amazing. I could never do that." #DitchBook
#DitchBook A2 - It seems that they always have time to learn the newest gadget in their world. We want the kids to embrace learning. More powerful to see than to be told.
Hi sorry I'm late, Lauren here from Chapman in SoCal. A1: They are saying they do not know how to use technology. We can respond with tech workshops! #ditchbook
I challenge the "it works" part - It seems to work less and less every year - I hear more and more frustrated teachers lounge conversations - "Why don't these kids just learn like we did?" #ditchbook
#DitchBook Going back to A1 - it's like kids saying "I'm not a math person." There's a fear of falling on their face so it's convenient to just blow it off with a laugh.
YES. Totally agree with this, Dave. Time is a finite resource and we can't do everything. Saying "yes" to something often means saying "no" to something else. Well put. #DitchBook
It's not selfish. If Ts can work more efficiently or have less stress, they have time to play. Otherwise they're under neurological overload just like many Ss #ditchbook
It is. I've gotten that one plenty. I see past it and then try to show them how they can do it and how it benefits kids. Lots of positive reinforcement. #DitchBook.
Absolutely! That illustrated the point of doing things the way we've always done them getting the results we've always gotten very nicely! I couldn't agree more. #DitchBook
A2 This comment is based on the assumption that teaching with tech is something extra - the project at the end of the unit - gravy - Many can't imagine replacing traditional activities with tech-laden ones #ditchbook
A3: It didn't go the way I thought... tech didn't solve all the edu problems like it should... Respond by encouraging them to keep going and to be realistic about tech just being a tool in the hand of the expert Tchr #DitchBook
Quality integration requires some level of buy-in from the teacher, which requires convincing. It's not different from students who don't care about learning. Forcing them to do the HW doesn't yield the result making them *want* to learn does. #DitchBook
Especially in sessions I present to beginners, I use a lot of jokes and humor to lighten the mood and make the tech fun, whether this is right or not, don't know, but it's been alright so far #ditchbook
In reply to
@holtspeak, @mathkaveli, @SEANJFAHEY, @sdemichele, @jmattmiller, @KarlyMoura, @rachelmarker, @sandyrotto, @craigklement, @emosier3, @rlfreedm
A3: it didn’t go smooth & revert back! Help by easing transition & remember not everything works perfect the first time. Offer in class support #DitchBook
A3: To me, "the kids resisted" sometimes means this:
Change takes time. Changing culture takes even more time. Making worthwhile change means being persistent over time. #DitchBook
A3 who is the professional educator that knows the best pedagogy?
Ss are going to resist b/c task using tech requires Ss to THINK, instead of doing easy, mindless wksheets! #ditchbook
A3: I wonder what happened in the lesson - the teaching. Being introspective is key with this job. Maybe offer a simple, how can I help or would you mind sharing your lesson with me? #ditchbook
#DitchBook A3. "I'm not comfortable with change and I've [unintentionally] trained my students to not be comfortable with it either." *or* "There was a tiny amount of uncertainty and I was afraid to push through it." Help them see the value in persevering!
A3 Haven't heard this one much. It is usually a result of the T feeling uncomfortable, but we grow the most when we put ourselves in uncomfortable situations. #DitchBook
Been there, all of us, it didn't go perfectly, so its easy to give up. Give an example of a time when the tech totally fell on it's face but you dove right back in #ditchbook
A3b: And remind them that sometimes it is b/c the Ss have nvr experienced this in a classroom before. They may be pioneering the tech right along with the T too #Ditchbook
A3.1 We had a good talk about how big the task was and to maybe put it in smaller chunks for the kids. Better results with @Flipgrid 2nd round. #DitchBook
Yet, the choice is ultimately theirs, right? I can't influence, but not to get all @willrich45, the learner ultimately decides he or she learns. #ditchbook
In reply to
@JakeMillerTech, @rlfreedm, @willrich45
A3: They are looking for the easy out. We need to show long term benefits AND be honest with our own struggles to help them persist. Many kids resist math or writing too and we don't abandon those! =) #DitchBook
A3: It didn't go the way I thought... tech didn't solve all the edu problems like it should... Respond by encouraging them to keep going and to be realistic about tech just being a tool in the hand of the expert Tchr #DitchBook
A3: Change is a very difficult subject for any teacher. We have to respond by insisting that they can't let that one misstep guide their direction for future tech-integrated lessons. #DitchBook
A3: They are really saying, “I wasn’t excited enough when I taught the lesson.” When you show excitement, the students will love the lesson no matter what! The students effort is a direct result of the teacher! #Ditchbook
A3: “I tried something new that I didn’t show passion for and I bored the students to death! I don’t want to look or fail in front of my kids.” Response: “How can we expect kids to take challenges if we cannot do that? Why not ask them WHY they didn’t like it?” #DitchBook
A3: They are saying “that didn’t quite go as I thought it would in my head.” I think we can reassure them that we’ve all been there and perseverance is the key. I also like to get feedback from my Ss as to why it didn’t go as planned. #DitchBook
A3: They are really saying, “I wasn’t excited enough when I taught the lesson.” When you show excitement, the students will love the lesson no matter what! The students effort is a direct result of the teacher! #Ditchbook
A3- They're saying it didn't work. I ask for a run down. Typically hear a bunch of teacher control and not much student voice and choice. We have to be comfortable to release some control. #DitchBook
Yes. Ss have been train that learning happens one way. We must be willing to step out and start the process of making changes and disrupt the cycle. #DitchBook
Would have given up on playing hockey, fly fishing, and porters and stouts a long time ago if it was based just on the first couple of tries #ditchbook
A3: Got sidetracked! Ss and adults don't like change necessarily, but that should not stop progress. If it's good for Ss, then keep pushing them. Comfort zone must broaden, adapt, and grow. #DitchBook
A3: It didn’t go as planned. I would encourage them to reflect on what went well, what could be changed, and what they learned. If at first you don’t succeed, try again. It’s a First Attempt in Learning (FAIL). #DitchBook
A4: They're saying, "Nothing I do will make a difference." We say, "Let's try to make it more engaging and interactive for them. Here are some options from other Ts." #DitchBook
A4 #DitchBook Question them about *WHY* the students would want to finish their HW and what benefit it has. And help them see... maybe the tech would engage & inspire motivation!
I ask them before the lesson how they would like me to support in class. From me modeling the lesson to just being a safety net to get things back on track #DitchBook
A4- Students won't complete what I want them to do, why should I allow to do something they want to do. Because your work isn't meaningful to them. It has to be relevant for them! #DitchBook
A3 there a thought that “this will pass” and “it’s just another agenda” ... when things don’t go as planned in your class, what do you do... you problem solve.
#DitchBook
A3 Maybe it's that adding tech wasn't the answer, but actually changing pedagogy to allow students to explore and create #nodigitalworksheets#ditchbook
A4: It is the KIDS fault! or Not my problem??? Guide and show how the HW being given probably isn't useful to Ss or Ts but can be meaningful via certain tech avenues #ditchbook
A4: They still just see it as an addition to teaching. We can encourage them to use tech to get Ss more engaged and maybe the HW or assignments will get done #ditchbook
A4: “Homework is more important than in class learning. Just because I have this many students not doing homework, I’m going to punish the whole class!” AND they’re saying, “technology is just for fun.” Is: “technology is a way to hook resistant learners. Here’s how!” #ditchbook
A4: Sometimes Ss see the homework as busywork or not engaging. Tech can be transformational in the hands of great Ts. It allows for student voice and thinking to be visible. Take a risk and let the Ss show you what they know if a different manner. #DitchBook
A4: It doesn’t matter what I do Ss don’t care. Remind them Ss need choices & opportunities to find what they like & to find what works. Never will if we don’t give them opportunity #DitchBook
A4: First, question the HW. Tech can increase engagement, but only if wielded properly. It's a tool not a learning outcome. Change the thinking on HW so Ss will want to do it. #DitchBook
A4: They are saying,”my Ss don’t see the value in what I clearly value; so why should I see value in something they like.” I would figure out a polite way to make sure they know we are teaching for the future not the past. #DitchBook
A4: Try ditching the homework and find some activities that make YOU excited about teaching -- try those with the kids in the classroom! Ss will *want* to do more then (typically). #ditchbook
A4: "Why worry about the student?" Maybe they don't see the benefits or are worried that Ss won't have access to tech... Try it a few times, give it a chance #ditchbook#edt5334
A4: Sometimes Ss see the homework as busywork or not engaging. Tech can be transformational in the hands of great Ts. It allows for student voice and thinking to be visible. Take a risk and let the Ss show you what they know if a different manner. #DitchBook
A4: We should say, they don't complete it because the format of the HW is outdated, boring, etc. etc. We R working w/ digital natives - they respond w/ technology #ditchbook
A4.1 #DitchBook I would also say it could mean "I want to control the environment and if they won't do what I want, they don't get to do cool stuff either."
#DitchBook A4- Honestly, the task was boring. Schools have tech, but are so concerned what will happen if you push it. Like buying a corvette and never going above 50. Corvettes need to be driven!
