#TMchat Archive
Current and relevant education discussions are held every Tuesday in #TMchat. A weekly guest moderator, considered an expert on the the week's topic, joins @conniehamilton to guide the one hour chat and actively engage with participants. Founder and moderator @conniehamilton supplies her responses to the week's questions visually in Thinking Maps.
Tuesday June 21, 2016
Jenna, ESL Resource teacher in the Chicago suburbs, joining in!
Welcome to . Our topic tonight is Making Global Connetions. Please follow my guest moderator https://t.co/q90tq0jbkA
Hi Jenna. Glad to have you back in
I'm Connie Hamilton. Lisa Dabbs and I are your moderators tonight. Let the introductions begin. https://t.co/hJGnrxH1p7
I am so excited about tonight's topic. I am Terry, 3rd gr T in Florida. Love globally connecting.
Allison Hargroves, teacher Mesquite ISD, TX
you're excited about it b/c you're sooo connected!
Hi Allie. Welcome back to
Everyone should jump over and join Such an important topic tonight - global connections! Meredith joining from Florida
Our format will include 7 questions. Use A1 to respond to Q1 & remember to include hashtag in all tweets. https://t.co/MCm1ufCy2F
Kimberly, Reading specialist from north TX here for
Awesome! Love this pic, Mark.
Thanks for joining , Eric.
Monica, Special Education teacher, Texas.
Hi All! Lisa from So Cal. Hanging out with for this fun !
Sue EL teacher from Minnesota.especially interested in Q5
Great to be here, my friend!
Great to see you here, Monica.
Dennis -- Middle School Principal -- Long Island, NY
hi I'm Sara - a kindergarten teacher in North Lake Tahoe, NV
Hello, ! Bethany, elem lead learner from Arkansas jumping in for a bit (in two chats) :)
Hey Are you free for a little bit? is on!//twitter.com/conniehamilton/status/745421081196920832
Q1:Why is it important to connect with educators beyond our classroom walls?
Kellie 1st grade Teacher, Deerfield, IL excited to be here!
All is well, my friend! Enjoying the summer!
A1 To get beyond that feeling of isolation and encourage a . https://t.co/bWDuWISJgw
Q1:Why is it important to connect with educators beyond our classroom walls?
A2) To share ideas, receive support, steal best practices, reflect, and keep learning!
Retweeting Q1. https://t.co/77hpRP67ZD
Q1:Why is it important to connect with educators beyond our classroom walls?
A1: It's important for us, as well as our students, to be introduced to new perspectives.
How does being connected help you feel less isolated?
A1: Our kids can't afford for us to live on an island or within our own buildings. We must see what others have to offer!
Hey jumping in from Disneyland tonight in Reno Nv
A1: We get some many ideas from each other. Without Twitter, I would not be the professional that I am today.
Oops...should have been A1)
I'm always stealing... stole your blog for topic a couple weeks ago!
A1: We are teaching to the Ss future, we need to allow them to see the ease. Connect them, give them voice.
So important to remember we're modeling for our kids. https://t.co/GKaqsVEPaM
A1: It's important for us, as well as our students, to be introduced to new perspectives.
Having a wonderful time? So dedicated you are to jump in for a few!! https://t.co/AGVNEQzvDp
Hey jumping in from Disneyland tonight in Reno Nv
Going beyond Brick and Mortar... you must have a MEME for that Bethany. https://t.co/AeFMdpBU03
A1: Our kids can't afford for us to live on an island or within our own buildings. We must see what others have to offer!
You know you're not alone. There's someone out there working hard just like you.
A1 the smartest person in the room is the room-more input equals more ideas equals more knowledge https://t.co/kRFwik4Uqv
Q1:Why is it important to connect with educators beyond our classroom walls?
Gosh, where to begin?! We live in a big wide world and our Ss deserve to learn how to live in it 1st hand https://t.co/pbQ4b2mfLV
Q1:Why is it important to connect with educators beyond our classroom walls?
A1: Way to move beyond the confines of what we know to grow! You'd be surprised how many edus in other countries share our issues.
A1: Oops, I connect because it is where I learn, where I am stretched, where I find inspiration.
A1: we can learn from others in diff places who have diff perspectives and they can learn from us.
WOW... vs. Disneyland? And you're jumping in???
A1: it provides opportunities to get ideas, collaborate, and GROW outside your school and district https://t.co/wv5JqYXwqf
Q1:Why is it important to connect with educators beyond our classroom walls?
Going global reduces our tendencies to play it safe and embrace the echo chamber in education. It creates new habits.
A1: We need to expand beyond our geographical boundaries in order to see what options there are for kids. We owe it to them.
Am the only Reading Specialist on my campus and it helps to connect to other Rdg sp. & get their perspective.
woohoo! Ben's here! You guys love Disneyland! Are you there for the same wedding/event as ? https://t.co/rgbj0Hrv9D
Hey jumping in from Disneyland tonight in Reno Nv
A1: It pushes me forward and helps to connect with like minded Ts. Build on strengths.
A1: Our education does not stop at the door. We need to share our experiences in order to grow as an educator!
A1: It's easy to have "blinders" and remain focused on your school. It's important to learn and emulate the great work of others
Looking forward to hearing your examples when we get to Q7, Chad.
Robert from Los Angeles jumping in.
Chillin at ESPNzonre right now & I couldn't miss jumping in to https://t.co/eTwGy1ADPH
WOW... vs. Disneyland? And you're jumping in???
I totally agree! I was looking on a teacher friend's pinterest board today -- I learn so much from social media!
A1: It is where I have found possibilities. I am doing things I never thought possible.
Hey friend. Hope you are well. *speaking of connecting*
Echo chamber... very relevant analogy. https://t.co/dxtooBKNQU
Going global reduces our tendencies to play it safe and embrace the echo chamber in education. It creates new habits.
Hanging with some friends for college graduation https://t.co/czsu7mHqQX
woohoo! Ben's here! You guys love Disneyland! Are you there for the same wedding/event as ? https://t.co/rgbj0Hrv9D
Hey jumping in from Disneyland tonight in Reno Nv
Especially true for people from small districts or w/unique job titles. https://t.co/Ah1J0QBePx
Am the only Reading Specialist on my campus and it helps to connect to other Rdg sp. & get their perspective.
Hi . Missed you. We've got some planning to do.
Q2: What are the differences to learning only in the classroom vs. learning directly from/with people around the globe?
Hey Robert, and I are in your area. !
A2: In the classroom, you're learning from 25 people. Around the globe, the number is limitless.
Yes Indeed!! https://t.co/4nEezw7uEt
A2: In the classroom, you're learning from 25 people. Around the globe, the number is limitless.
A2: Getting a different perspective and seeing what works for others. It makes me reflect on my practice.
A2 Lrning from people around the globe can help correct misconceptions Ts and Ss have about others. https://t.co/ddXyCGga0n
Q2: What are the differences to learning only in the classroom vs. learning directly from/with people around the globe?
A2: It engages and motivates. I have brought in people who can share/teach not only my Ss, but me as well. See how alike we are.
A2) Opens your world to diverse ideas, experiences, and people. Challenges you to move from your comfort level.
A1 An expansive perspective brings fresh insight & balance. Also knowing that other Ts share the same struggles helps!
A2 new perspectives provide different viewpoint we sometimes miss-standing outside provides different ideas https://t.co/SzCPT5HjXR
Q2: What are the differences to learning only in the classroom vs. learning directly from/with people around the globe?
Retweet Q2. https://t.co/xvvfyPQPHx
Q2: What are the differences to learning only in the classroom vs. learning directly from/with people around the globe?
lurker from BC, Canada here :)
A2: Real world application can become cliche, but it's imperative. Expanding education beyond the four walls brings learning alive
A2: Learning from people all over the world broadens perspective and keeps us from getting comfortable in our own setting.
Global learning will give my Ss their own authentic pln and context for their learning https://t.co/n5wcS3JZ7L
Q2: What are the differences to learning only in the classroom vs. learning directly from/with people around the globe?
A2 Validation. What they are learning IS relevant, not just something they have to do. It's what everyone does.
A2.I remember sitting in SS class in 7th gr./learning about the world - wow! has it even changed - we should be reflecting on change
A2 No matter how big your school is, there's always more smart people on the outside, than on the inside, of your school.
Hello! I'm Nikki, I'm late (sorry), but lurkin', lovin', and learning.
Yes-when we move from our backyard a whole world opens up -it's same for Ss https://t.co/pYydBJYAJn
A2) Opens your world to diverse ideas, experiences, and people. Challenges you to move from your comfort level.
It helps that your open to those other perspectives. https://t.co/gw9uGlnMut
A2: Getting a different perspective and seeing what works for others. It makes me reflect on my practice.
different perspectives and learning that the world is bigger than just our backyards
What are your thoughts about how we are using what we have learned? https://t.co/CXDsICHhEi
different perspectives and learning that the world is bigger than just our backyards
A2: My Ss love to connect with others. They say it challenges them and they learn more with others.
A2 I often say that Ts must take back control of the edu conversation. A global community sets the stage for teacher empowerment.
Yes comfort can equal complacency-we need o be pushed in new directions for growth https://t.co/LM26VWKfjo
A2: Learning from people all over the world broadens perspective and keeps us from getting comfortable in our own setting.
Q2 global connections help us learn more about others AND about ourselves through reflection about similarities and differences
Does empowerment at a global level excite you? In what ways? https://t.co/2Qj4bLLcoj
A2 I often say that Ts must take back control of the edu conversation. A global community sets the stage for teacher empowerment.
So well said! Love your thinking.
I noticed others were doing and creating more. Ss were having fun. Needed to add that in my rm.
A1-collaboration, gain new perspectives & ideas for teaching
Sometimes, the focus is test scores that we forget to have fun. I saw that and it made a huge impact.
Q3: How can we be sure that we include our students in this connection process?
Ah yes, what if all of us never "plugged into" being connected with so many people in Twitterland? Such a sad thought.
A2 Many of our issues are not local but global-gain more perspective
A2-Learning ONLY in classroom is very limiting...learning globally is limitLESS!!
I love 's posters and quotes
Retweet Q3. https://t.co/Ljm1RGSfr6
Q3: How can we be sure that we include our students in this connection process?
A2: With tools like Skype&Google Groups, you can join hands with students around the world. This broadens our students' perspectives
A3Waiting to hear others answers on this one!
A3: Involving them, we would ask and answer questions of the classrooms we were connected to on Twitter
I believe teachers all over are the true experts, not pundits, politicians, or textbook/testing companies. https://t.co/wOBjYsWDrj
Does empowerment at a global level excite you? In what ways? https://t.co/2Qj4bLLcoj
A2 I often say that Ts must take back control of the edu conversation. A global community sets the stage for teacher empowerment.
A3. Perhaps it would be most beneficial if Ss developed relationships w/ those across the world & then we moved 4ward?
A2: Are we willing to attempt to understand others and fully accept our own beliefs as well? https://t.co/THWAdg4YdE
It helps that your open to those other perspectives. https://t.co/gw9uGlnMut
A2: Getting a different perspective and seeing what works for others. It makes me reflect on my practice.
My world opened up when I found my -so much power in this amazing group https://t.co/YSs8LCRVLk
Ah yes, what if all of us never "plugged into" being connected with so many people in Twitterland? Such a sad thought.
. Hey... we have a lot of Frenches in tonight.
A3: We model and practice with them. Create a class twitter acct. for Ss to post. Connect with others using GHO and Skype.
Q3 teach tech skills and give access to technology to all
A3: Think about what you gain...and begin to imagine what they can gain through collaboration.
A3: Ask them how they want to participate! Skype, GHO, Pen Pals, Blogging, tons of ways to let kids take charge.
A3: build a culture of trust with Ss. Give them a voice and value. Set the culture
A3: i try through skype, art exchange. show them the tools we use to connect
Great places to start. https://t.co/T3MkQ1xqiB
A3: We model and practice with them. Create a class twitter acct. for Ss to post. Connect with others using GHO and Skype.
A3we need to show Ss and families the power of being interconnected with world-this is where our Ss live https://t.co/8JsJjTfJzK
Q3: How can we be sure that we include our students in this connection process?
I am excited because I realize good/ innovative/ engaging practice is universal
So proud of . She's open to new ideas like pre-scheduling tweets for so we can fully engage with people in chat.
I just got some info on . I'm excited to do this with my kinders in October! https://t.co/DS4sJz4uBw
Q3: How can we be sure that we include our students in this connection process?
A3 We must first empower Ss with voice, articulation, & eloquence so the ideas & passions they share w/ the world are truly valued.
I can't disagree, but must ask: Who are they taking it back from? Great teachers own it from beginning.
A3: I have learned to seek out opportunity, and do no limit what we can do.
A3: Before we create the conduit to connect Ss, we need to ensure the relationships are in place so that they want to connect
I need to do that more. I'm behind!
Kathy dropping in and out tonight
A3 we need to not fear connecting out Ss to world but teach them right ways to interact-admit they are already there
A3-Through modeling. Perhaps try classroom account & have class chats.
A3About 5 yrs ago told a large group of families they could share photos of their Ss accomplishments w/ others from school web site,
relationships are key to all learning :)
A3: By making sure what we learn from our network is transferred into our classroom practices. https://t.co/tZCHVl16AX
A3: it also gives Ss perspective beyond. was a great way to connect/ show math problem solving https://t.co/7mgtVhzADq
Q3: How can we be sure that we include our students in this connection process?
Those relationships are so important! Trust each other, be confident in yourself, be willing to converse. https://t.co/9gGcmhA3ym
A3: Before we create the conduit to connect Ss, we need to ensure the relationships are in place so that they want to connect
what do you mean? Can't relationships be fostered through connections? I've "met" dozens of people.
A3. Most were from different counties and loved the fact that they could connect w/ others they loved about their children.
We still own it, but we let the conversation slip thru our hands long ago. Think salary, autonomy, respect https://t.co/nD2Oh7Mohv
I can't disagree, but must ask: Who are they taking it back from? Great teachers own it from beginning.
A3. We posted all of their award ceremonies/ special events/concerts/you name it and it built global connections
A3 PBL, focus on a global issue, Hangouts,Skype,create class Twitter,blog, post related to project.
:-( sorry to run on so about it :-(
Q4: What could some of the obstacles be to making global connections?
me, too. I "know" many people in the virtual world, but never meet face-2-face
A4: The timezone differences with Skype in the Classroom is a major barrier. It's hard to connect overseas sometimes.
Late to the party...Kelly, lurking from TX! Glad I stumbled on the chat!
A4: TIME...time in the day and different time zones
A4: Some have fear to begin. Takes time, planning, collaboration. But don't let any of that stop you. Reward is worth it.
A4: Finding classrooms that want to connect
A4) Need support with technology, devices, applications, modeling, training, visioning, mentoring.
Not so many decades ago if we couldn't go there, we couldn't make a connection - we sure never used the phone to connect - BIG $$
Q4 languages, different technologies, time
A4: internet problems, language differences and my biggest pet peeve when trying to connect students TIME ZONES
Sorry to bail but I really want to ride space mountain right now -go be awesome
Time zone- no joke! Still adjusting to PST this week. Had to get up at 5am local time for chat https://t.co/llmN8aYmbE
A4: TIME...time in the day and different time zones
A4: Some of the obstacles have been poor internet connections, language barriers, time constraints.
What are some ways you have overcome language barriers? https://t.co/V2PsfqivB4
A4: Some of the obstacles have been poor internet connections, language barriers, time constraints.
And during the summer??!! Way to go!!
A4: Global art projects are great when there is language differences.
oh man, I remember! over $2/ minute to call friends in Mexico now it's free with messenger and whatsapp
Agree with others, time zone. But can be done! Our first graders Skyped with a school in Uganda. Plan, Make it happen
A4: fixed mindset / local bias / lack of awareness - https://t.co/cZP4BDkViT
Q4: What could some of the obstacles be to making global connections?
A4 I think a major obstacle is fear amongst people who are resistant to try global learning.
for sure. time zones sometimes hinder me from enticing looking twitter chats! Ts must have flexibility within day
Just rushing home from school to join chats that begin at 4pm PST is a challenge! https://t.co/NgkAMTT4yx
Time zone- no joke! Still adjusting to PST this week. Had to get up at 5am local time for chat https://t.co/llmN8aYmbE
A4: TIME...time in the day and different time zones
Fear of what? https://t.co/Vy2zT4T8Ff
A4 I think a major obstacle is fear amongst people who are resistant to try global learning.
Knowing that modeling & training takes vision & time is huge, Mark! Not surprised that you contributed that https://t.co/F0m8JjEfDn
A4) Need support with technology, devices, applications, modeling, training, visioning, mentoring.
I bet. That's why is later.
Used easier books, added simple text, pictures, spoke slower with breaks to allow for translation.
Jumping in late. Jenny here. Instructional Coach in a k-8 district near Chicago.
There are so many who would love to connect! I have some resources I will tweet at the end of the chat.
Fear is usually the only real obstacle to innovation.
I know, right! no way I can be home in time and I don't want to stay late at work!
Thank you! I would love to see those!
Yes, we relied on video messages using Skype to help. Played slow Mystery Skype.
A4: It can be difficult to find experts to connect and collaborate with.
Q5: What are some tech tools/apps that we can use to faciltate global connections?
Use to drive 2 hours each day so 2 youngest sons could grow up in a college town with Ss of diverse backgrounds=life preparation
Good question! I would love to know!
You do what you gotta do!
A5. Not sure .. ready to learn from all of you ...
Retweet Q5. https://t.co/uZQKHyjCka
Q5: What are some tech tools/apps that we can use to faciltate global connections?
Good news is, those of us privileged to work with kids know, each day is an opportunity to start fresh.
A5: Twitter, Facebook, Periscope, Skype, etc ...
Q5 all the virtual field trips can allow students to experience different places
A5: Twitter, Skype, Voxer, Padlet, any type of discussion board website.
A5) TouchCast, Skype, Google Hangout, podcasts, YouTube, Twitter, Voxer, Periscope, Facebook.
IDK TouchCast... what's that? https://t.co/oN3m2qKEzI
A5) TouchCast, Skype, Google Hangout, podcasts, YouTube, Twitter, Voxer, Periscope, Facebook.
Connected with a school in Poland that had different school schedule throughout the wk.
a5: skype, google hangouts, facebook messenger video chat, Facetime, twitter, any blog platform
Great app for creating videos, sharing them, and viewing what others have created.
I will be trying out periscope from
I also love to use and ready to use more
I use for my personal classroom. How do you use it globally?
I also made a book using with a class in Iowa.
What are some good starter resources for global learning?
A5: Google+ communities: Connected Classroom and Google Hangouts for Education. Twitter, GHO, and voxer are great connection tools
Hmmm... sounds like fixed mindset. What do we teach kids about "failure"?
how are folks using padlet? I am not very familiar with it
Those fresh starts are golden, Dennis. They saved my early career. Now 1 yr is not enough w/ my fabulous Ss! https://t.co/mp62W18OXb
Good news is, those of us privileged to work with kids know, each day is an opportunity to start fresh.
I use Padlet during staff meetings and pd sessions to gain input from others.
I'm busted! ran out of time. I started to make a circle map and thought... bet there's one on Google images. https://t.co/Nn7L7CM6zl
Glad to have you here. We're on Q5.
Q6:What kinds of resources are available to us to make the process of global connecting easier?
That's being resourceful!
A5: We have used , , , Skype and GHO.
A5 Following on Google+ can give ideas for experts, global projects. MIndshift, Edutopia, Teaching Tolerance. Connect with any tool
I have it on if you would like to see it. It was awesome. They interviewed each other to make it https://t.co/OJ1GtvXMzi
was referencing the fear of failure piece more than buy-in.
S buy-in is about relevance, right ?
I like for virtual field trips and to connect class with experts.
Just saw a sign in Culver City, CA with all its sister cities. We should all have SISTER SCHOOLS & signs outside w/ names & distance
I thought about but I have not used it myself!
Padlet has been completely revised. Very user friendly. Lots of uses at conferences. Accessible on the web to anyone.
not really school, but this reminds me of when my son uses facetime to play card games with far away friends:)
A6: Start with coming up in October. Great place to begin.
It was the best. I loved that Ss learned how to ask questions and to respond. I loved listening to them.
Our students love Padlet. We use during staff meetings too. Great tool.
oh, I LOVE this idea and i am totally borrowing it. - what a great idea
To brainstorm ideas with adults and students or put a graphic organizer as the background
oh I love this! Definitely what I hope to do with my Ss next year! Thanks for the inspiration https://t.co/bvS1CxXeAj
We love it. We connect with Parents and other classes. Ss love to share their work and it's easy.
A6: Edcamp Global is coming up July 29-30! Meet some international friends!
100%. And not just S buy in, T buy in too. If it's not relevant to life, why do it?
teacher friend has her students read to far away buddies via skype, so great
I also did reading buddies with using GHO as well. My Ss were mentors to her 1st graders. https://t.co/2cLayXjnrX
oh I love this! Definitely what I hope to do with my Ss next year! Thanks for the inspiration https://t.co/bvS1CxXeAj
I'd like to use more. I've seen some cool projects with it.
Yep! Can't wait. :) https://t.co/aMuBceUR8m
A6: Edcamp Global is coming up July 29-30! Meet some international friends!
Will you be attending? If so, please share on Twitter what u see and learn - would love to learn from you. https://t.co/qfRiUc6kKk
A6: Edcamp Global is coming up July 29-30! Meet some international friends!
A6 community volunteers can bring global connections
Yes! I will be attending! I will for sure share :)
Yes, any class did Reader's Theater together that way. one of my first connections. https://t.co/gIoqIGK4oj
teacher friend has her students read to far away buddies via skype, so great
What a wonderful leader you are!! Many thanks! https://t.co/t5LD9Eozhf
Yes! I will be attending! I will for sure share :)
You can come too! It's on Twitter :)
Q7:Share one success story. How has been globally connected helped you?
A7: It changed me, changed my classroom, It is a happy place, engaged Ss and it makes me excited to see what is next.
A6: is great for connections in math application
A7 Looking to become globally connected this coming year.
Q7: It gave me the courage to start two Twitter chats!
Connected HS Ss w/ elementary Spanish Ss; opportunities to read, write, speak and listen. Shared culture respectfully
A7: Connecting w/other across countries has taught we can share strengths and weaknesses. We can learn from each other
A7) I incorporated using Smore to communicate with staff last year. Stole that from another principal in my PLN.
used twitter,connected with and we started a art exchange, will be at at
A7: It has renewed me. I am so lucky to have connected with friends who inspire and push me.. - I'm talking about you.
A7Exposure to many cultures around the world changed adult lives of the sons I spoke about earlier. Ripples https://t.co/asXAdqM1mY
As someone said, together we are better! https://t.co/HhU2RGIGjG
A7: It has renewed me. I am so lucky to have connected with friends who inspire and push me.. - I'm talking about you.
A7: being globally connected has made me a better teacher, leading to new position with re-energized me!
A7: Connecting globally has shown me we are all fighting similar problems in education and collaboration is key.
Absolutely!! https://t.co/FmaVFZvlhJ
A7: Connecting globally has shown me we are all fighting similar problems in education and collaboration is key.
Thank you for a wonderful chat! I'm very inspired to get connected!
Thank you! Great topic and moderating.
Thanks for an inspiring chat.
EVERYBODY follow Jenna. Help her grow her PLN and get more connected. https://t.co/ZtjluhEdQ4
Thank you for a wonderful chat! I'm very inspired to get connected!
haha thanks Connie! And if you have a classroom handle I'd love to connect for the fall!
