#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.
Good morning everyone and welcome to another #whatisschool chat. Don't hold back today. We want to know what you love and what you cannot stand about tech tools in education. Please start by introducing yourselves to everyone by statement your name, location and role
Rachel, Teacher and Tech Integrator from NY. I teach AP Gov, Economics, US History, DigCit and a GSuite course. Excited to talk tech tonight on #whatisschool
A1: For me, I think tech tools that can be used across any grade and any subject are the best tools to use. The students should be able to focus on non-tech skills while using the tech tool. #whatisschool
A1: For me, a good tech tool allows us to accomplish something we've not been able to do previously, or it allows for a connection not possible before, or it gives voice to someone who didn't have one before. I find most at EdCamps of Twiter! #whatisschool
A1 a good tech tool is one that can easily be incorporated to the subject area, easy to use esp for kids and for us we donβt have email for kids so something that can b shared via link or google drive #whatisschool
A1: I also like it when I find a tech tool that gives students more choice in how they interact with it. For example, the Chrome WebStore allows for so many different extensions to be downloaded so Ss can choose what works for them. #whatisschool
A1) I think the tool must support the learning outcome/objective, it has to. The tech tool is there to support learning, rather than be the focal of a lesson. Then it must be manageable by all, and suited to the S age. #whatisschool
A1: it enhances S learning but doesn't get in the way. What the S can do with it. It's never about "learning the tool" it's about how the tool can help students show their learning in a new way. #whatisschool
A1: I find the best tools by talking with my PLN both online and in person - I learn from others and find the right tool to fit the right learning experience #whatisschool
A1) simple tools for Ss & Ts, but yet transformational in terms of achieve learning goals. I find them on my go-to learning sources like twitter (something thatβs tried by others) & https://t.co/cu1I9vzd5w (through their new courses email) #whatisschool
A1 Tech that seamlessly integrates with others, enables and promotes creative and unorthodox use, isn't limited by proprietary file forms #whatisschool
A1: We try to empower student voice so they can learn new tools and share them with others - if they love it they will use it to support their own learning - WIN! #whatisschool
A1 like any tool, a good one is one that gets the job done ethically, effectively, and efficiently. I find tech tools online, often stumbling across them in articles, on websites, or in great twitter chats like --> #whatisschool
A1) simple tools for Ss & Ts, but yet transformational in terms of achieving learning goal. I find them on my go-to learning sources like twitter (something thatβs tried by others) & https://t.co/cu1I9vzd5w (through their new courses email) #whatisschool
A2: Any tech tool that takes far to long to learn how to use and understand could stop students thinking about the real reason they are using the tool and make them focus on the tool itself. #whatisschool
A2 I shouldn't have to say this, but the most frustrating thing is the lack of correctness. I've seen issues in low level math, for which there are really no excuses. #WhatIsSchool
A2. "Is the juice worth the squeeze?" Is what you're getting from the tool worth the time and effort it takes to learn how to use the tool? #whatisschool
A2: I think if the tool can only serve one purpose, one age grade, one semester, then it needs reconsidering. Also if you have to spend too much time on training up both Ts and Ss, then it may not be for you. #whatisschool
A2 In so-called learning apps developers understanding of how people learn is very narrow and based on just their own experience, resulting a behavioristic drill app, kills curiosity and understanding, flirts with edutainment #whatisschool
A2: Platforms that are not intuitive and have no collaborative potential. Basically, digital worksheets that restrict creative thought and imagination... #whatisschool
A2: Often they are difficult, clunky, slow or don't provide instant feedback or gratification -
everything for our learners needs to be fast, efficient and it needs to do something that isn't available elsewhere #whatisschool
A2: Also, and we all are thinking of it, the elephant in the room - it has to be cost effective, it's initial cost as well as it's running costs/maintenance. #whatisschool
A2: Note to any content providers: if you are going to offer something for free, then make it truly free. No strings attached! If your product is good, I will find a way to purchase. #whatisschool
A2: Also, and we all are thinking of it, the elephant in the room - it has to be cost effective, it's initial cost as well as it's running costs/maintenance. #whatisschool
A1 Unfortunately tech is now reserved for a digital application when there is actually a boarder spectrum associated with technology which includes: techniques, skills, methods etc... #whatisschool
It depends on where the challenge is though....overload when you are trying to learn hard content AND figure out how to use tool to learn it #whatisschool
A2 Like using computers & a VLE supplied by the organisation - Ss usually have far superior hard ware, their SMART phone, & more reliable apps #whatisschool
A3: I love creation based tools. Hardware and Software: Tools like #Keynote, @BookCreatorApp, @DoInkTweets, iMovie etc for Software, but also hardware like projectors that can showcase learning in creative ways. #whatisschool
A3: It always depends on how the tool is used. OK, shameless plug -- #Gsuiteedu tools. Nearpod, Newsela, Adobe Spark, the list goes on. DM me! #whatisschool
A3. Although I haven't used it myself (and I have serious concerns about their 'brand ambassador' program), what I've heard about @Seesaw sounds pretty good! #whatisschool
A3: Any device or tool that helps students express themselves, create something new or share their learning is valuable. If it can't be done with paper and pencil, then it is valuable! #whatisschool
A3: I do like the bots. They get the Ss thinking, problem solving, working in a team, designing/creating. They can be very versatile, and can be used across the whole school. Ss pick up some great life skills when using them #whatisschool
I agree. And these can all be used through the age grades and in most subjects. They also tools that have no limit in the sense that Ss can really push their creativity skills. #whatisschool
In reply to
@ATorrens84, @BookCreatorApp, @DoInkTweets
A2: Our school is going bonkers (yeah, I said bonkers) for podcasting. Beautiful Audio Editor chrome extension. Podomatic host site #whatisschool
whatisschool
A3) Personally my favourite is Adobe Creative suite - for robust & infinite possibilities for creativity in all areas for anyone (recent Adobe CC 2018 version support editing VR content too). I love Apple iOS and MacOS apps, Adobe mobile apps for its simplicity #whatisschool
A3 But if done with paper/pencil one can take a digital photo and share what one has done with the world. One doesn't have to go to a museum to view an original piece of art. #whatisschool
#WhatIsSchool Easy to use. Lots of easy to access information. Asking colleagues gives me a lot of the tech tools I use. Librarian & Technology Specialist for our school as well.
A4: Think about what the main objectives of the lessons are, not just the content or the tool. Do the students need to learn a particular skill like #Collaboration, #Communication or #Research. Or should the students need to be able to reflect on their learning. #whatisschool
Welllll.... a little plug, BUT we are partnered with @nearpod so you can create a fundraiser in seconds. Also, we have ZERO platform fees. So literally, you keep what you raise. :) weβd love to chat more privately if you wish! #whatisschool
A1: Just in my program I have been introduced to so many tech tools, I think what makes a tech tool a good one is one that engages the students, just because it is new doesn't mean it will be great! Also a tool that enhances the learning is awesome! #whatisschool
This Friday in #stucentclass it is all about seeing what students need from us as teachers to be successful. Join us 'Stranger Things' themed-quotes and all- for #stucentclass 8:00CST its going to be fun & fast-paced promise!
A4: Think about what the main objectives of the lessons are, not just the content or the tool. Do the students need to learn a particular skill like #Collaboration, #Communication or #Research. Or should the students need to be able to reflect on their learning. #whatisschool
A4: The lesson objectives! Iβve had Ts ask me to βcome in & teach my kids some tech stuff.β Nope - letβs chat about your objective and discuss things that might facilitate content learning! #WhatIsSchool
A4: Ensure that the tool ADDS value to improve student learning - student learning must ALWAYS be at the forefront of ALL decision making #whatisschool
A4: Learning outcome/objective. If this is not met, then something else needs to be considered. Then upskilling time, both Ts and Ss. The old "is it worth it" saying. #whatisschool
#whatisschool Efficiency, purpose & relevance. Technology is a great tool when used purposefully. Hands on can often be more effective & engaging #makerspace
A4: The lesson objectives! Iβve had Ts ask me to βcome in & teach my kids some tech stuff.β Nope - letβs chat about your objective and discuss things that might facilitate content learning! #WhatIsSchool
A4: Simply put...think about as robust & seamless an integration of technology as possible...should not be an add-on, a frill or an extra. #whatisschool
The digital ones are great! Agreed! Some Microsoft @OneNoteEDU users have gotten creative with locking Notebook sections in a gamified breakout format, too! #whatisschool
I always ask my students βdigits or digital?β More often than not they say digits- 2 hands and some play-doh can be very creative & meaingful #whatisschool
A strategy that Iβm fond of in the classroom for anything... determine the goal first, then work back to structure the lesson. Really helps determine the relevancy of materials / experiences! #whatisschool
I always ask my students βdigits or digital?β More often than not they say digits- 2 hands and some play-doh can be very creative & meaingful #whatisschool
A5: Right now I think the hottest tech tools are coding and robotic tools. Tools that allow students to solve real world problems in creative ways. @LEGO_Group are doing amazing things with creativity and education. #whatisschool
A4: Never start with the tech piece. Always w/ "what do you want the Ss to learn" and build from there. & can't separate good teaching from tech. #whatisschool
A5 Chromebooks seem to be doing pretty well, and also other 1:1 computing devices. But putting tech in students or teachers hands isn't a magic bullet. #WhatIsSchool
A5: VR and AR are the buzz at the moment. VR is great, I am still working on AR and how we can productively use it in the classroom (although it's great fun!)
But the introduction of tablets over the last 5 years has really changed the game. #whatisschool
Iβm liking AR over VR these days. The whole viewer thing is expensive, hard to get enough for all, & can be a little uncomfortable. AR is evolving... #whatisschool
One of the issues I have with VR and a lot of AR is the requirement for special hardware. I like to remove as many impediments to access as possible, and provide for BYOD environments. #WhatIsSchool
A5 Then of course augment with reality! Nothing can replace puffing up a #mountain with rain and wind hitting you in your face - real magic π#whatisschool
A6: Using #Keynote to create menus for videos are helping students structure their video reflections and give the audience clarity into student thinking. Just placing their Keynote into @DoInkTweets transforms a short video into another learning experience #whatisschool
I am thinking more like personal engagement instead of classroom, students running their own @MinecraftEdu server, Podcasting and Video smashups etc #whatisschool
In reply to
@msbmcneil, @ATorrens84, @MinecraftEdu
Sorry, not able join for the rest of the chat. Bit of morning chaos at home. Will catchup later with archives. Thanks Craig, Adam everyone at #whatisschool
A6: We gave students the opportunity to share about their favorite Social Media tools with their parents - the results were incredible - read more here https://t.co/tZG9yvMX5q#whatisschool
A6: We used #3D modeling and printing in HS Math to help Ss understand how a 2D shape looks when you revolve it on an axis. Huge aha for kids. Very difficult to visualize without seeing the rotation #whatisschool
A6 Introduced a robotics program to integrate mt, sci and ICT. So glad that it also promoted collaboration and interest even with struggling Ss. #whatisschool@FirstEduspecInc
#whatisschool Having a virtual lab of frog dissection before the actual dissection. This gave them confidence in and insight into the anatomy before we went live. Made for a more efficient & purposeful lab day.
A6: Have you ever tried @tes_teach ? Drop all kinds of learning activities using various/multiple tech tools into an interactive grid = self-paced, T-created units of awesomeness! #whatisschool
A6: My students brainstormed what philanthropy is then used @TodaysMeet to share of example of their personal experiences with volunteering #whatisschool
A6: Mystery Skype changes the way we teach about the world & teach students questioning, collaboration and communication skills https://t.co/BQtO8w8k2Z#whatisschool
So sad that I missed today's #whatisschool chat! Just finished a meeting! @mrkempnz, do you do recaps of your chat?! Would love to check out the resources!
A6: Did a #skypeascientist yesterday in HS Science with a scientist researching whale entanglement in fishing nets, Great to speak with an expert #whatisschool
A6: I'm a huge fan of video making for an assessment as opposed to an essay or test. More thought put into how the material is presented and less chance for plagiarism #whatisschool
Thank you so much joining today. Before you take off remember to add to your PLN on Twitter and follow some of these amazing educators from today's chat. #whatisschool
A6. Students grasped more about ratios, coordinate planes, and number systems with Math Snacks games integrated into traditional curriculum than with traditional curriculum alone, in a large-scale study in a low-income school district. #whatisschool#gblhttps://t.co/jd8Rz1pFhD
A6: My Kinder Ss have begun to #Skype to create global connections. We recently connected w a student on extended holiday. Formulated questions that centered around whether, time change, and when we could chat again. #whatisschool
