#edchat Archive
#Edchat is a hashtag, a movement—it is a weekly organized Twitter discussion of educators and people interested in education that meet virtually from all over the world. #Edchat serves as a conversation thread on Twitter and is also used for organized weekly discussions.
Tuesday March 1, 2016
Focusing on hope sets learners up for future success. An uplifting post: Hope Matters! by
speaks about learners vs students , we are all learners as educators
MT : Today's Topic: Textbooks vs Open Sources on the Internet? Should it be an all or nothing choice?
Hello ! You are only my second Twitter chat! K-5 resource room teacher in MI here :)
. I don't think anything should be all or nothing; have to do what works for Ts & Ss
Textbook and open source isn't the choice. What is it you are trying to teach and what best helps your Ss learn? It will be both.
NOW Topic: Where do you stand on Textbooks vs Open Sources on the Internet? Should it be an all or nothing choice?
I see no reason to buy more textbooks. Paperback fiction & nonfiction are fine. Spend money on laptops for each student
Hello ! I am a student at the University of Wyoming. I'm interested in learning more about teaching!
excited to be able to participate in on this SNOW DAY!!!
Textbooks can't compete with the Internet sources in regard to relevance.
first time in hello everyone!
another good session: "Why Would You Want To Be A Teacher?"
A snow day is a perfect day for a twitter chat!
JOIN Topic: Where do you stand on Textbooks vs Open Sources on the Internet? Should it be an all or nothing choice?
I believe that textbooks should be complimented with open sources I do not believe we are at a point where open source is theend all
I am from Grand Rapids MI this was a surprise snow day and very much needed
or student engagement/interest either!
Textbooks are a thing of the past. Students need access to quality, authentic literature.
IMO, it needn't be all or nothing, - so long as the source promotes engagement & learning. https://t.co/sDUPMhemP2
Today's Topic:
Where do you stand on Textbooks vs Open Sources on the Internet? Should it be an all or nothing choice?
Never used textbooks much when I taught chemistry in the 70s and 80s.
Textbooks can't compete with the Internet for the cost of relevant information.
I agree to an extent. I believe their is a value in a class set of textbooks
I'm in GR on a snow day, too! Using this chat for my PLN for at GVSU
I'm looking for more Open Sources for my elem. classroom!
Educators dominate Twitter. The data is compelling. What will it take to bring more to this platrform? https://t.co/XstccvYOjN
tweet 3 is PD is excellent and ongoing
Textbooks also tend to narrow the curriculum.
Open Source/Internet resources intimidate Ts who need the comfort of textbooks serving up information on a silver platter
It comes down to what resources engage the Ss in meaningful experiences to help them learn. No one right answer.
For teaching math it would be moronic not to utilize the open sources available however a textbook is an excellent resource still
For sure, - there's always that comfort level. Still, if Ts had adequate prep time ... (sigh) https://t.co/JkXhlSENkT
Open Source/Internet resources intimidate Ts who need the comfort of textbooks serving up information on a silver platter
If you have a class set fine. At least they contain some useful graphics and pics. We 1:1 laptops not 1:1 textbooks.
Open sources place more responsibility on teachers to provide curriculum direction, No more following the textbook chapters.
I have seen schools where the text IS the curriculum. Also seen schools with activities with no real purpose. Neither is good.
I have a 1:1 for both textbooks and chrome books. I feel that it is a partnership.
I agree there is no right or wrong answer I think it is important to bring as much resources to teaching as possible
Word, - that's exactly right. It's all about relevance, engagement, and results. https://t.co/ZOJ1toOKVj
I have seen schools where the text IS the curriculum. Also seen schools with activities with no real purpose. Neither is good.
. when in reality everything needs to align to vision & purpose which should boil down to student learning
Open sources can definitely be overwhelming for students who may not know how to find appropriate, accurate information.
How often have you seen students “engaged” in a text book? We will have fewer back problems without them.
How does it make u feel 2 think of as "the subject with one answer"?
Internet sources can be more relevant & responsive, assuming that students are taught how to vet info https://t.co/awZPEuOjqR
JOIN Topic: Where do you stand on Textbooks vs Open Sources on the Internet? Should it be an all or nothing choice?
It has to be a balance of both. There are so many great resources out there, but access to the internet is key.
Using open source solely takes a highly skilled and dedicated T. It can be magical - or not.
good idea to have a combination of both!
Any videos in textbooks you’ve seen?
Open sources on the Internet are up-to-date, whereas textbooks become outdated over time.
Laptops, can be purchased cheaper than some textbooks. Tablets can definitely be cheaper than some bigger anthologies.
And there's the rub, - both Ts & Ss need time/experience in vetting sources. https://t.co/0mpQvAtiUX
Internet sources can be more relevant & responsive, assuming that students are taught how to vet info https://t.co/awZPEuOjqR
JOIN Topic: Where do you stand on Textbooks vs Open Sources on the Internet? Should it be an all or nothing choice?
Agree. Which leads to allowing the Ts choice in the matter because they should know best.
Textbooks and open sources can complement each other. Open sources are up to date, but aren't always accurate/valid.
Nope. Just adding more technology will fix everything.
How many of you use text book for reading instruction? (basles) do you like it?
not advocating for texts. Just saying you have to use the best resources available to best meet your Ss needs.
THE issues is less about Textbooks vs Open Sources on the Internet and ALL ABOUT CONTENT, LEARNING and TEACHING. Do what is best!
Using open sources is a more realistic approach to learning since we don't buy txtbks in real life but we need to continue learning
Agreed! A combination of both along with judgement/expertise of a teacher works well. https://t.co/l8xAoqvOp1
Textbooks and open sources can complement each other. Open sources are up to date, but aren't always accurate/valid.
seems like with kids becoming more tech-literate, that's adding to their strengths!
THE BEST textbook has yet to be written and the perfect open-source n-line content does not exist.
agree this seems to be a problem with our SS text books right now
Try to go with what's most engaging, but still relevant. Teach the kiddos how to find good sources, too!
Exactly Mark - and not all Ss learn the same way. Find what's best for the learners.
No, not unless we also find real usefulness in the technology. For that we need to learn better together, incl. hindsight.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your Twitter banner page. That's what real learning looks like.
the art of teaching is finding what works best for your learners
IMO, students don't know how 2 study and read anymore, but they do know how to do a search on Google. What skill is more important?
No, . Usefulness doesn't matter. We just need more technology.
Hahaha- classic! I agree with . Great photo.
Accurately vetting info was something I really only learned to do in grad school, though now should be taught in K-6 schools and up
learning is fun. If my kids are having fun, they're engaged.
I wouldn’t throw textbooks out. I just wouldn’t purchase any more.
How can they be aligned? A curriculum framework aligned with the text/opensource?
It is a great skill to teach Ss how to find open resources on subject&understand how to use them as well as validity&reliability
this is correct, but what has more functionality? open source for sure
I’ve seen a lot of textbooks and none seem like “great resources” to me.
Thanks Yes, agreed. Not everyone knows how to really vet a source (including some Ts).
Why run with blind faith in the name of technology?
definitely agree, there should be a healthy mix between "real-time" and "consistent" material
Thank you for bringing this back to curriculum. Find the right "stuff" to help Ss learn the right "stuff"
Let’s not forget OPEN TEXTBOOKS -- licensed under an open copyright, and made available online for free use by Ss and Ts
When looking at curriculum, digital options should be a key component.
Textbook sources are limited the day the book is printed. Open sources can be added to or switched to other sources anytime.
technology means nothing if staff doesnt know how to use it effectively
The fact the students need to vet open sources in a plus in my view.
I have a teacher I work with that has kept all the text books since she started teaching in the 70's
How knowledgeable does the tchr need to be for open source? Is there direction from the district? What is the learning curve?
Collaborating with , NYC's Brooklyn Landmark shoots for success in high-poverty Brownsville https://t.co/0ZrDB5hLQ8
Today 3 students thanked me for teaching them. That's
You need to change the pedagogy when you give every kid a laptop.
The racial achievement gap begins with the education system. How can we even the playing field? https://t.co/BEIgJX9Tje
Sounds like you guys have a textbook museum. :)
Is she going to open a museum?
Yes, learning to vet resources is invaluable! We should be teaching that skill as we use open resources.
Can load Smart Notebook files from google drive on a Chromebook and possibly even tablets https://t.co/ScaYkJcU9O .ca
Topic now being discussed:
Where do you stand on Textbooks vs Open Sources on the Internet? Should it be an all or nothing choice?
we just purchased ELA curriculum "Collections" and love it. Many online resources with great texts
she might! I can't believe she still has them AND she still uses them
Students should be expected to look for bias in every source.
What does pedagogy have to do with anything... Just get more technology. It will fix everything.
Yes, lets show technology is less a weapon for dialogue destruction and more a tool for open collaboration.
How many Ts actually use textbooks on a daily basis? More and more teachers are using tech/open source. Textbooks=obsolete soon
You didn't mention the "use them" part before. This borders on malpractice.
I think the textbook people will soon scrap physical books and sell schools online resources.
I can see the benfit of using an online text book they are becoming more interactive witch is very engaging for Ss
"The whole educational and processional training system is a very elaborate filter.." - Noam Chomsky https://t.co/cvnMgZHJsq
Accessibility needs consideration. Include special ed Ts in selection. Don't assume electronic is accessible for all.
isn't that process gradual compared to quick? In our school, it may be up to a year before we comp. change curriculums...
More technology won’t fix poor pedagogy. Found that in my dissertation research.
Online textbooks may make sense for math, science, social studies curriculum, but using real literature should be the focus for ELA.
That is scary. Is that what is really best for kids? How to we support teachers shift? https://t.co/e5BJMa46Z9
I have a teacher I work with that has kept all the text books since she started teaching in the 70's
what a super point. All Ss learn differently!
Yes, even staff need time to learn, be educated in how technology can be useful. Now they often sadly don't :(
Costs? What costs more books, online resources and materials or ignorance…
Have some fun READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY March 2, and share these with older students too! Thks https://t.co/PaiSdNYtd7
agree no reason to waste valuable time just to say you "use tech"-it should also provide real-world learning experiences
Much of which is available online.
They will if only for the financial benefit.
They could be useful as paper weights or door stops. Also handy in some physics exes. :)
If textbooks were to be digital they could be linked to updated open sources regularly giving relevance to textbooks again.
if pedagogy is poor we can just use even more technology to fix it.
Teacher training with new technology is also needed. If Ts don't know how the tech works, how can we use it to teach?
Where does pedagogy fit in? How much is trial & error/discovery/coaching/lecture? Reconceptualizing the learning process?
It won’t be long before they can’t make a profit on physical books. Visit a college books to see what I mean.
I like you you try to play devils advocate...
great point! It needs to be extremely user friendly
maybe I will take them we will be starting a unit on force and motion soon
Excited to have submitted my application to
I think some Ts are relying on Ss to help them become more tech-literate!
Very true. Some really great resources, like Learning Ally, are great uses of tech for ELA.
Back to the question - neither texts or open source teach kids. A skilled and caring T is needed.
Online textbooks contain videos and links to external sources. Can be good.
Tech changes too rapidly to be taught one time in college and expected to last for the length of a career. Relevant PD
I have definitely had moments where my students have taught me about tech!
I have never interacted with an online text book other than discover ed which is different
Yes, technology used right spawns curiosity to learn more, while removing current fixation with the technology itself.
So true! The T in the room makes all the difference. https://t.co/v1UOvLs8Bs
Back to the question - neither texts or open source teach kids. A skilled and caring T is needed.
Agreed. The training has to be on-going to keep up with the changes.
Are you saying that tech is a ? What stats back that up?
nobodies fault. It's gradual because Ts need TIME to learn new curriculum.
A digital text is far less limiting than a printed text.
So true! RT Back to the question - neither texts or open source teach kids. A skilled and caring T is needed.
Mark your calendar early for our next Twitter !: Solving Common PLC/Team Challenges! March 31st, from 3:15-4:15.
I use mostly open resources
the human element will always be the key ingredient
Sounds as if you've "been there, done that" and understand there are NO .
Don’t forget friction, acceleration due to gravity, the the parabolic paths objects follow thanks to gravity
Research shows that students who have an adult at school who cares about them are more likely to attend: https://t.co/GSIJZ90omB
Sometimes you have to disagree just disagree since Twitter chats are just echo chambers of empty rhetoric.
I’m saying tech is not a panacea. Pedagogy needs to change too.
I need research that supports not advancing a student a grade level in math at the elementary level. Can anyone help?
There are no magic bullets. Some of our bullets are better than others.
I believe most math textbooks are becoming increasingly more digital at least those we were reviewing for the textbook adoption
her heart is there and she really enjoys what she does I wish she would be open to use open sources too
There is some empty rhetoric mixed in with some good ideas. Sort for yourself.
I disagree. IMO, curriculum is ever changing. Teachers are never experts. We learn new tips/tricks/curric daily
THERE IS NO SHORTAGE of good educational content. We do however need better usage of the content we have… how to do that?
Have you asked yourself, “What is is lite to be a student in my class?” lately? Would your teaching change if you did?
Not for me, I strive to at least try and add meaning to every one of my tweets. Hard, but yet possible.
Have you asked yourself, “What is is like to be a student in my class?” lately? Would your teaching change if you did?
If she loves her S and they are learning it doesn't matter. All roads that lead to S learning are good.
Costs: Spreadsheets/budgets RULE ALL DECISIONS in the educational arena. Bean counters ignorant to the big picture
seems like a good intro class for students to learn how to build & design!
see, that's pedagogy to me. WHAT I'm teaching is different than HOW i teach it.
very true! thats the end goal what do you do? on or the other or combination?
Imagine if the money from textbook budgets could be freed up and shifted to other needs. Open sources could make that viable.
Awesome. Glad empty rhetoric is so fulfilling.
absolutely, the amount of resources to help foster a math class is endless. It is getting Ts to embrace open sources
Sean: you are either one jaded dude or pulling our legs. Which?
Reflection is a key component of teaching that many don't take/have the time for. https://t.co/HPejvB5Uqm
Have you asked yourself, “What is is like to be a student in my class?” lately? Would your teaching change if you did?
The JOB DESCRIPTION for tchrs is being because of Internet, societal challenges. Too many choices.
agree we all have to teach the same curriculum but HOW we do it is different.
Agreed! We encourage our students to self-reflect on their own learning. We should do the same with our teaching.
I think it’s possible to build reflection into your lessons. I know teachers that do.
Wearing the best basketball shoes won't make me an NBA all-star. It still comes down to the Ts dedication and pedagogical knowledge
Yes, tchrs are flying the plane&rebuilding it at the same time.So many crashes=poor test scores
Most important thing is the relationships with the students.
this is something that separates the best from the rest- there should always be periods of reflection to improve
Bingo...she's speaks the truth!
if you dont have a relationship Ss wont learn
Go with your passion and don’t try to outguess the job market 4 yrs down the road.
One more option... the more the better for teachers and students...
I see the same, exact, debate going on here in Sweden to. A global education issue as I see it.
Depends on what you need/want to accomplish... One of many options.
Don't miss GEOshow this week. Virtual Field Trips, Photos, Videos and more. Live from Mexico! https://t.co/zG1RdYqv3F
this should be lesson one
Thanks Rick... any downsides?
University of Phoenix Opens Center for Learning Analytics Research: A new University of Phoenix resear... https://t.co/9ZZgbhqD30
Her comfort zone! What does admin say?How do Ss& parents react? Help her set one tech goal. What can you learn from her
reflection matters, what happens after reflecting matters more...
Drawback to open sources is that it is open to manipulating objectivity if not coupled w/critical thinking skills. Txtbks are vetted.
We introduced our Ts to OER last week. Upside is that you can download & add material to fit your class.
. made an appearance at ROMO's Tet Festival! Read on to find out who else joined the celebration ➟ https://t.co/Z0Vk2N65KN
Imagine if ignorance eliminated... costs effects of ignorance reduced,money shifted to other education related endeavors
just changed my life! For the better!
shouldn't even be imagining anymore. Should be happening. is shifting money.
Thanks Rick... I believe part of the problem is that tech too disconnected from real needs of Ts and Ss...
... but, alas while it may be happening in a few instances, not yet happening widespread...
Fact, those lessons need to be taken from the mind & applied to the work, definitely a challenge for some
Relying on textbooks in school is antiquated but using texts is essential-let technology open up new avenues for student learning!
exactly. Sadly that is absolutely true.
Admin need to encourage Ts to set tech goals and to change their teaching. Courageous Leadership is key
Thanks for participating in — your topics, your chat. See you tonight at 7:00 PM EST
It may be time to start directing students toward open source learning while we phase out costly, irrelevant and limited textbooks.
Sending Ts into the "wild" 4 OER is overwhelming. Districts need to help find the best for them
. stay tuned. . . is tonight, right before
How do we prepare educators for the change? the loss? the angst?
yep... need approaches that reduce teacher's load and increase instructional power/effect
Tell me how you got your start with your professional learning network on Twitter?
When I moved Ts to a tech-infused school in 1989 we studied the stages of grief and eventually accepted the loss.
Once upon a time my admin removed ALL OLD TEXTS over the summer.
I have worked with school that had a mock funeral for the loss of what used to be. Ceremony is important.
Inspiration that inspires action. Wishing without action is dreaming only.
{Flashback}: Tackling the Infamous Research Paper: 4 Tips to Help Struggling Students Succeed https://t.co/vlltcid1Xa
Talk about jumping in the deep end! https://t.co/k4nPryA5S3
Once upon a time my admin removed ALL OLD TEXTS over the summer.
Thanks to our moderator and my friend Mark Weston Thanks too to all who participated in our discussion.
That's how my dad taught me to swim - tossed me out of the rowboat. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger??
I ask every T in a school to tweet one success of the day with a common hashtag before they go home. POWERFUL.
Happy Birthday to co founder Steven Anderson
Vetting! Sounds as if we are INVENTING a whole new CIVILIZATION. Like , long,slow,painful process W NO guarantees
Full disclosure - he was a champion swimmer, Navy vet, and former lifeguard. I was never in danger.
