An informal learning community for educators worldwide. Our passion for learning and connected learning experiences help us to improve our teaching practices. #txeduchat features guest moderators every week.
A1: Many districts in Region 11 use TEKS-RS digital materials for planning. TexGuides are coming out that will also link resources for activities within the LPs of TEKS-RS! #txeduchat
#txeduchat I’ve seen districts give families a choice of digital or hardcover. Based on internet and home access, they choose what their kid will use better. But, I appreciate your insight about “comfort” zone of teachers, too.
A2: My former district calibrated all instructional materials, so anything we used outside of curriculum took a long time to be vetted. I often used T-created resources 4 planning classroom activities and discussions. I love https://t.co/5XrBGHyzOL by @susangbarber! #txeduchat
When we have a choice, we typically go hardcover. The time difference between getting a laptop, powering it up, logging in, signing into the book vs. walking 10 ft. to a shelf and opening the hardcover is significant. #TXEduChat
My biggest struggle when I was in the classroom was taking the time to vet quality. Sometimes you’re so desperate for the resource you go with what’s in the top few on TPT! #TXEduchat
A2: We use TPT a good amount, but we'll typically put our own spin on the activities (Make them part of a larger activity such as an escape room, etc.) or use to review concepts #TXEduChat
A3: I heard from a colleague that technology should make your work/instruction easier. Digital IMs like graphic organizers, interactive activities that pair w/ multiple modes of learning, etc. help scaffold and support struggling students. #txeduchat
#txeduchat I love this! What a great way to capitalize on creativity of other teachers, within an inquiry-based task you have designed for your students.
A2: We use TPT a good amount, but we'll typically put our own spin on the activities (Make them part of a larger activity such as an escape room, etc.) or use to review concepts #TXEduChat
A3: I heard from a colleague that technology should make your work/instruction easier. Digital IMs like graphic organizers, interactive activities that pair w/ multiple modes of learning, etc. help scaffold and support struggling students. #txeduchat
I’m going to apologize in advance for prescheduling my answers. I thought I was being smart so I could focus on interacting with others...but my timing is WAY OFF #txeduchat
I’m going to apologize in advance for prescheduling my answers. I thought I was being smart so I could focus on interacting with others...but my timing is WAY OFF #txeduchat
A4: I think the biggest struggle is alignment. With so many digital materials calibrated to Common Core, it's so important to vet and analyze IMs to ensure alignment with the TEKS. But this takes time, which most of us do not have! #txeduchat
#txeduchat Yes. The time component makes downloading resources and lessons so enticing for teachers. I’ve also had friends who created a ton and sold a bunch because they had such content knowledge.
A4: I think the biggest struggle is alignment. With so many digital materials calibrated to Common Core, it's so important to vet and analyze IMs to ensure alignment with the TEKS. But this takes time, which most of us do not have! #txeduchat
#txeduchat A4: I think we’ve all talked about the alignment issues and vetting processes. Cost would be another, as well as the tech side that Chris mentioned. Access to tech and WiFi impacts this.
A5: In my former district, it was usually a campus by campus decision. Teachers would show the resource to their administration and request approval. #txeduchat
A5: In my former district, it was usually a campus by campus decision. Teachers would show the resource to their administration and request approval. #txeduchat
A5: It will go to our campus IT person then to the District for review. Costs go through Admin after District approval. It's a thorough process, but we have a well-documented list of approvals that work district-wide. #TXEduchat
A5: It will go to our campus IT person then to the District for review. Costs go through Admin after District approval. It's a thorough process, but we have a well-documented list of approvals that work district-wide. #TXEduchat
Yes! The district also tells us what parent permissions we need and what types of logins we can create (identifiable vs. non-identifiable) which makes it even easier. #TXEduchat
A6: TexGuides are created by teachers who can give feedback when IMs work well for them. At the regional level, I can see that many great IMs have been added to the TexGuides. As a teacher, I always want to know that a resource being promoted has been teacher approved. #txeduchat
Yes! The district also tells us what parent permissions we need and what types of logins we can create (identifiable vs. non-identifiable) which makes it even easier. #TXEduchat
#txeduchat A6: With “multimodal texts” being included in the new K-12 ELAR TEKS, I can see more focus on integrating digital instructional materials in curriculum. From a district perspective, I’d like all teachers to have access to high-quality, aligned, digital materials.
