#edtechbridge Archive
Building an authentic community of #edtech developers and educators to help create better #edtech. Join our #edtechbridge chat monthly on the 2nd Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. ET!
Wednesday October 5, 2016
Welcome to ! Please introduce yourself, name, location, role and your favorite techy gadget
Niko PYP Coordinator from Bangkok Thailand, my favorite gadget is my chromebook
michelle grezner NJ Third grade is it still cool to like my iphone?
Hi all, Katya, NYC, UX Researcher at , and for fav gadget, it's not unique but i love my iphone
I'm Emily from Elon, NC! I really like iPads
Hi! I'm Jossie a preservice secondary math major at Elon University. Im a big fan of smart boards!
Barb here. Tech Integration Specialist, Comp Educa, Curriculum Developer and Coordinator Florida and St Lucia PreK-Adult
Rachel, T and TI from NY. Checking in after a long absence, but only for a short bit. :(
Shana from metro Atlanta tech coordinator fave gadgets are my phone () and RaspberryPi
I was for a long time but I drank the kool-aid!
My fave gadget is my phone. I can do just about anything with it.
Hey all. Steve from NJ struggling with internet issues but think I'm ok now. Makes me really wonder about access for all
Waiting for the new Google phone to be available from AT&T!!
Fave tech, my phone with unlimited connectivity 😊
So glad to see Elon represent! I've heard wonderful things about the school. I hear it's beautiful!
HI!!! It's been awhile! Hope to connect soon!
haha - yes it's just A-Ron
Steve from NJ - not very happy with my lately - screen wigging out - might switch teams
Q1. What devices are available in your school outside of the computer labs?
Welcome, George! Everyone check out George's product the - super cool!
A1 We have chromebooks (1to1) a few ipads and smartboards. Document cameras
A1: In my school we have tons of chromebooks, a couple of iPad / iPad mini carts, and in my room
A1. Schools I work with mostly have Thinkpad Lenovo laptop carts and they are awful!
A1: Surface tablets, Dell Laptops, iPads, Chromebooks, Android tablets, all the toys in the
A1: My practicum classroom has a Smart Board and its own set of chromebooks
Carolyn from Texas-fav gadget is little lenses that fit on my phone camera
A1: We also have and thanks to research we are doing on in the classroom with
I'm at a 1:1 school with yoga laptop/tablet
A1: Currently have 70 iPads, 80 chromebooks, & 20 Android tablets available for teachers to use daily. We are a BYOD district
Our teachers all have Yoga tablet, but not kids.
Q1: In my practicum classroom, the smart board and document camera are the most used
1:1 iPads, laptops for teachers, a few macs
oh yeah, we have yoga type Chromebooks and Dells as well.
You will have much to offer tonight on the topic of !
A1 we have MacBookAirs, iPads, iPods, Dell laptops, HP Laptops ... we are pretty hooked up
A1: In my practicum classroom, the smart board and document camera are the most used
and MacBook Pros..wow apparently my brain is dead.
Ingrid in LA via Canada. Launching a STEM+soccer after school program for middle school girls in Watts.
HeYYYYYY!!!!! Feel like it's been a while!
A1: also a few Google cardboard viewers
Welcome! Glad you could join us :)
it really has been awhile!
:(
got to demo one a while back and they had them at this weekend but didn't get to try. think i need 1
Your room is the fun room!
Coming soon ... two drones for my TV kids ... I should also mention we support BYOD but our kids no limited by their device
A1 iPads, Chromebooks, Linux desktops, RaspberryPis, Spheros, Ollie's, Apple TVs, cameras,IWB https://t.co/Ym55BgsNFk
Q1. What devices are available in your school outside of the computer labs?
I have a Google Cardboard and VR viewer in my room. We have all the things you need in the CAD lab, too.
It really is - I love it! (and so do the kids) - definitely the cool room! and now with the furniture :)
interesting. What would you recommend instead of what you have?
I've played around with Spheros but curious how they are used in a classroom
Seems like you have a lot of great options!!
just put in for crowd funding grant for a class set of google cardboard
me, the total for the two devices was $22. :)
A1cont. And then we have the design and tech lab...
Damon from NYC & fav' "gadget" right now is ! Cakewalk 4 students 2 set up micro-sites for anything!
Hi all! Melissa from Nebraska, 11-12 ELA. Hanging out during PT Conferences and popping in :)
ooh cakewalk - doing a lot of music creation? what's ?
Thanks for stopping in, buddy :)
Chromebook. No debate for me.
Always interested in why tech fails. Why are they bad? Poor maintenance, not enough PD, no software??
Hi ! Sorry I’m late—phone died and subway woes. -_- Emily from NYC. I work at ! How are we doing today?
A1: I have a Chromebook lab that I'm piloting. The other ELA rooms have laptop labs. Working toward 1:1!
Hi Pretty good - how about you?
we also have Vernier water testing equipment ... do they count as devices?
Not sure if you are all aware of coming next week, but I'm on the production team and absolutely can't wait!
Q2. How should BYOD work? How does it look in your school / district?
Anything with a bigger screen and normal trackpad
Hey buddy, ? and come to think of it where's
Not too shabby, my friend. Just got my flu shot 💪💉so I’m ready for winter (sort of).
how's it going so far? As someone interested in , can you leverage the chromebooks for games?
A2 we don't really do BYOD.
pretty pumped they we offering to buy cameras and I just asked about drones and they said yes ...
Ha! dbl meaning appreciated! = + social network. Easy 2 set up online communities
You bet! This will definitely help perk up my night!
Horrible screen real estate + bad track pad design. And of course clsrms never have mice for laptops at the ready
A2: Great that the question asks how should work - should and does can be entirely different :)
this is brilliant. how can girls in underserved neighborhoods discover that they are gamers WITHOUT GAMES?
ours is going through a district FindItFund grant process ... we'll see what happens.
ah, not the cakewalk for music production :)
A1 Thus far iPads, netbooks, projectors, iwb, spheros, tablets,
A2. Very curious about this as I've yet to work with a BYOD school and I'm not sure of best practices. What are they?
A2: BYOD seems like a great idea in theory, but how can you ensure all your students have the access to do so?
Great question and please let's connect on this and consider a solution!
Are you talking about that Mets game? Because the 7 train was crowded af and that’s why I’m late to ! D: D: D:
A2 Cross platform content is a challenge. Apps are frequently written for one platform or another.
A2: I think it should be encouraged, but what happens in a school where the students may not all have access?
Hi ! Ann from Austin,Texas - Digital Learning Coach. We have iPads, Chromebooks, PCs and MacBooks.
Thanks for the reminder. Should definitely tune in!
Hi Ann. You had me at Austin :)
Somewhat. Works for online games, breakoutEDU Digital. For games that must be downloaded we have to use laptops
currently I adore my Chromebook, but I couldn't survive without my Linux desktop that runs my
A2 I like the concept but it creates unequal learning environment ... in my room they use MacBookAirs and BYOD complements
I think you would have to have some tech available in school. Cannot rely on BYOD to cover all students
so you've also heard winter is coming. I see
A2: Wonder where is for this one - want to know how it should work, all comes down to culture - Glenn is the man!
A2. No BYOD at my schools. Devices are from school and uniformed. For much of Management reasons
I would def recommend schools still have laptop labs to check out
A2 Placing the burden of providing a device on the S is troublesome in terms of finance and choosing a device.
A2: modeling, autonomy, student voice, deep convos, trust/respect, driven to learn new uses-show the good, talk about bad
I really like the choice of "complements" https://t.co/C6Wpp4hh6K
A2 I like the concept but it creates unequal learning environment ... in my room they use MacBookAirs and BYOD complements
A2: We go back and forth on BYOD - At this point - at teacher's discretion - still seems like having phone out is 'bad'
A2: Its a bandaid. It does not work well but our district is huge. There is still a digital divide with BYOD
is now trending in USA, ranking 46
I find BYOD to be a gimmick that lets schools/districts push the tech cost to the parents ... not fair
Agreed! Difficult to assume every device option will be able to do all the the same things https://t.co/ysseveVeow
A2 Placing the burden of providing a device on the S is troublesome in terms of finance and choosing a device.
It's a variant on (a plugin actually). Easy to set up social networks,
it's like and have come alive, programming challenge to make them clear trails and tracks
I think is tricky; I find that it can highlight inequity among students.
definitely and must be discussed in tandem - thank you for bringing it up! https://t.co/5BlA2HohS5
I think is tricky; I find that it can highlight inequity among students.
What Giants game? Oh, you meant the game. ;)
That's where I'm at, Em. https://t.co/v9wtKZqN1b
A2: BYOD seems like a great idea in theory, but how can you ensure all your students have the access to do so?
Your ears must have been ringing : )
Generally not an issue when using GSuite. Some issues on iPads but pretty good otherwise.
Exactly. As an institution, it should be our job to provide the necessity, make equity gap narrower
Q3: What alternative devices are being used in schools? What would you like to incorporate?
A2: we have 1:1 but having that has over time eliminated stigma of Ss also using phone access to do their work-all devices ok
A2: Name the last time everyone in a meeting had the same device? Why standardize it?
Yes, it requires careful planning to ensure balanced outcomes.
Regarding BYOD: Teachers: any luck w/ scan'able worksheets that can then aggregate in the cloud? Similar to 's pages?
Definitely wouldn't have been successful at the high school I attended! So I struggle to see it working
A3. It's not quite alternative, but I love seeing Chromebooks in schools. Now if only there was better wifi...
A2: BYOD it can present a cost saving to district so it would seem like savings if provide for those w/o but still not 'fair'
Question 3 https://t.co/iRkf9WwfK6
Q3: What alternative devices are being used in schools? What would you like to incorporate?
A2: We tried BYOD and failed miserably. Def a lack of PD and planning.
A3: When I think alternate devices, I think of true differentiation and using tools / tech for what it's good for - non trad
are great! I got invested in playing with them. I would have loved to learn about circuits that way
A3 Not sure if this is an alternative, but is doing some neat stuff with repurposing tech into new, usable software
PD and planning so important and often lacking :( https://t.co/3dTuKatNI0
A2: We tried BYOD and failed miserably. Def a lack of PD and planning.
A2: Need to look at long term vivid vision. Need to ensure all Ss have access. DI lessons are needed at first
Noah with Stackup jumping in late. Good evening all!
A2: BYOD can also cause problems when locating resources that may not be universal or as friendly to all devices
I also like BYOD because it encourages Ss to use their everyday device for learning and productivity.
Hey Noah! Thanks for joining us :)
A3: Chromebooks have become popular (maybe not alternative). They require a lot of backend support, though
When done right, BYOD allows students to not have to 'learn' the tech as it is often extension of themselves
SERVE, serve, serve- need Ts &I Ss voice in PD. Don't just hand it off- needs to be TEAM EFFORT!!
Hello . Genise in Birmingham. Excited about joining you.
you can't that's what makes it a bandaid
Amen to this!!! The hours I could gain back of helping students locate a working signal... https://t.co/Eu0LiA15pp
A3. It's not quite alternative, but I love seeing Chromebooks in schools. Now if only there was better wifi...
Ts at conference are 3:1 and schools are STILL TALKING about trying to go 1:1 (or BYOD)
A3 Devices that are inexpensive, easily upgraded after 5yrs, secure, afford Ss options to create applicable apps 2 integrate
find it interesting that we will force kids to wear uniforms but are ok with unequal BYOD
This support can be opportunity for ss leadership...some schools training ss to be tier 1 support for chromebooks
A3: 3D printers are becoming popular at my university! It would be so cool for students to see in a school ($ though)
A2 - 3 leads to bandwidth and throttle issues, makes communication a key to success, need to know multiple ecosystems
It’s neat! I first learned about then a few years ago (2013?) during my EasyBib days. They do good work.
(popping in)I love BYOD. Otherwise, we'd have dittos. Phones are real life in most situations, must teach balance
Yes! Gives a hands on visual thats fun to make https://t.co/Q60qjVHu6A
A3: 3D printers are becoming popular at my university! It would be so cool for students to see in a school ($ though)
A3: does device matter anymore? As long as every1 is on same platform & it supports all? ? PS, real question, welcome answers!
A3: Podcasting technology - used to facilitate student voice and assess understanding
Yes, true. Chromebooks offer convenience and students appreciate them.
A3: Chromebooks provide an affordable alternative, but training Ts and Ss is important as well as infrastructure in schools
Ultimately it comes down to admin& there r A Lot of bad admins-2nd rate replicas
truth https://t.co/ecxtZp1Mh1
Ts at conference are 3:1 and schools are STILL TALKING about trying to go 1:1 (or BYOD)
A3 is recycled smartphones alternative? Seems like there's a lot of "old" tech that isn't old that could be used
we have like 5 on our campus ... but when it takes hours to print is it feasible for all kids to use?
A3: any device or tool that will support S learning; the key is differentiation. What do Ss suggest?.
A3: Would love to look into touchscreen Chromebooks. Wanted to pilot a cart this yr but didn't work out.
money shouldn't be an issue in a crowdfunding world we live in. Overcome the obstacles
We had years of the tech outpacing the infrastructure - very frustrating. now our infrastructure is pretty solid!
Q4. How do schools / districts address in terms devices in and outside of school?
I'm a fan of uniforms actually, as long as there is financial help. Should be same for BYOD
We have several 3D printers! S's love to use them!
A3.1 The HYPE is not ALL that matters. Cool tech underutilized because of ++ limitations is a nightmare for tech specialists
Mobile devices have limitations ... need to have power available to create quality video and music
A4: Very anxious to hear answers for number 4. I feel like we often speak of addressing , but do we really?
in 2016!!! Why do we still say 21st century skills 16 yrs in???
Love the outlook Glenn! We need more people with that attitude in this field
Yes - I definitely encourage and develop cross platform web based apps and content.
and why are so many schools still using office 2003 :)
A4: Inexpensive devices S's can take home (like Chromebooks) help, but can't address internet access disparities.
The device that is easy to use, their personal device.
A4 is there a legit answer that addresses equity that doesn't involve 1:1?
A4: Broad brush strokes in many cases painting over the problem areas w/ weak infrastructure or poor training. $ spent poorly
A4. I talked to a T today who encourages outside class tech work to be done at school in library during free time 4 every stu
A4: I think would agree that internet should be seen as a public utility not a commodity
A4: Intentionality is impt. Love use of hotspots like the Jetpack to ensure ss can connnect AND it can impact whole family
big difference between assisting with $30 in uniforms and $300 device
A4. ❤ the ideas of the wifi buses. and the collaboration w/ digital/cable providers
A4: Crowdfunding, recycling devices, loan out programs, chromebooks, etc... need to look at ur school with empathy
True, I wish there wasn't
A4: Ss in our district are not guaranteed access to a device or tech when they walk thru our doors. Some Ss see tech 1x a wk
A4: Most powerful thing district can do to start addressing is by publicly engaging in honest conversation about
because they are not upgrading ... too much money spent on testing/test prep
do they have access at home? This is frustrating. Wish I could change it for you. https://t.co/aJHV2sY0rB
A4: Ss in our district are not guaranteed access to a device or tech when they walk thru our doors. Some Ss see tech 1x a wk
A4: I honestly think can be addressed by not always using tech. Pencil & paper isn't that bad right?
mentoring is horrible- everyone is afraid to break the silo into the unknown - still factory
I don't ... they're just stuff we should do/know 21st century is a sales pitch
A4: Lack of $ for 1:1 have Ss use their own and offer devices to check out for those who don't have. Best we have.
Yes, this is mostly marketing. :) These are really 20th cent skills.
some do and some don't. That's the part that's unfortunate. 😳
there are other tools that can support their learning besides their personal device; key is to expand!
too often schools look to buy towards the test and not towards student/staff needs.
A4: is one reason I'm pushing for 1:1 Chromebooks next yr. Allows Ss to work on GAFE even if no wifi at home.
or competitive w/ school down the street- buying to buy/ out do them
right, but then is it tech for none? or do we try to find a way to provide for all?
A4: Tech equity is a process. Must continue to invest, share,Internet needs to be faster to fully accommodate digital learning
hence the reason I want to be known as the 22nd century leader. Lol
It is almost universal that people address the concerns that are measured.
Regarding BYOD: Teachers: any luck w/ scan'able worksheets that can then aggregate in your butt? Similar to 's pages?
Q5. What should edtech creators keep in mind about devices, Internet, and in schools?
A5 make content for multiple platforms when possible.
Question 5 https://t.co/WRGzufdece
Q5. What should edtech creators keep in mind about devices, Internet, and in schools?
A5: Feature parity from device to device
A5: Always look for options that work a variety ways across a variety of platforms. Be resourceful.
Q5: Tech is only worthwhile if it's used the right way. Seen too many classrooms that don't
YES! What qualities does a 22nd century leader possess? Need to know!
A5. Not every school has reliable wifi!! This is often assumed to be a given but it's not!
A5 Their devices are not like your devices. Slower processors, slower networks, and smaller screens abound.
As an creator, ThankU for Q5! We're comitted 2 developing easy integration solutions
A4: having a hard time prioritizing over .
ughhhh are the worst!! Always have a backup plan!
A5: Web/cloud based- don't sell their data!
You're in the right place to learn!
RT RT RT https://t.co/LCBlqY138e
A5. Not every school has reliable wifi!! This is often assumed to be a given but it's not!
Awesome! https://t.co/vrulO0Jbt6
As an creator, ThankU for Q5! We're comitted 2 developing easy integration solutions
A5: Provide variety of opyions. Focus on quality not quick roll out, because bugs set things back. Ask Ts and Ss their needs
Let us know 'cause we're building the curriculum into !
A5: Provide variety of options. Focus on quality not quick roll out, because bugs set things back. Ask Ts and Ss their needs
A5 For schools, work with decision makers for high level planning and approaches rather than the quick sale.
A5: that one's a real thinker.. fine line between creating product that is robust and one that is scaled to least common denom
A5. Pricing 4 ALL, Useability by ALL, Upgrade ease & software collaboration with Ss and Tt, Access points like utility poles
A5: moot point. Apple has its proprietary iOS world and others have their own agenda. Can't have it all.
A5: would love to worry about this problem after we ed tech creators demonstrate we address equity issues.
Really appreciating all of your Q5 responses!
could you elaborate on that?
Wondering where ethics of using anonymized data to improve learning outcomes nets? Teachers/Admin how do u feel?
yes!! statistics show Ts are focused on more because Admins are to slow and hesitate because of fear of unknown
We are committed to and yet know there's a lot we don't know, questions we don't know to ask much less answer
Sadly, I think the talk of often appears to be an infinite loop. Lots of talk, little action
Q6. What's one type of technology that schools don't need anymore? Why?
part2: hard to have inclusive convo re: with equity issues unaddressed.
A4 I don't give online homework for the very reason that many of my Ss don't have internet access at home.
A6: filmstrip projector ? overhead projector ? :)
Yes, but must abandon the fear and engage in learning, risk-taking and modeling use.
A6 hmmmmmm.... I am stumped on this one.
sure, so where does the equity discussion start and where does it leave off?
A5: Apps that are friendly to all devices
A6. I'd like to see the disappearance of the computer lab. Tech should be integrated into class spaces and not sequestered
Good point, but nice to have that back up!
A6: Overhead projectors...love the move towards document cameras that I've seen
A6. Printers. Stop cutting down the trees. So much paper wastage in schs, MAKES ME SICK. Put that money to good use
Take a page from the startup playbook. Focus on a limited achievable goal.
good point! our district has done this in many schools. https://t.co/5G9QRgnaVE
A6. I'd like to see the disappearance of the computer lab. Tech should be integrated into class spaces and not sequestered
except... when it provides needed tech for specialty subjects (hard for me to totally agree)
A6: The antiquated overhead projector and printers that run slowly.
YES!!!! Get rid of printers! We like to say we are paperless, but rarely is it the truth.
sure but then it wouldn't be a comp lab. it'd be the AV studio, radio lab, game space, etc . . .
not sure if my class could push in not ready to give in-all for curriculum integration, but don't mess w my lab :)
true - I have always been going for 'studio' and quite honestly, looking to push out some computers to make space
Q6: I'd say printers but i've been musing on reusable polymer paper + soy ink solutions. Think
iDid that for 1/2 a SchoolYr. Surprisingly it bought Ps+Ss closer+⬆️Standardized Test Scores.
A6: some like iPads in lieu of document cameras and interactive whiteboards. Personally I think IWBs are still relevant.
you have a way better space than just a comp lab.
sounds like a great topic for a chat... as long as we are willing to roll up our sleeves
Exactly! I'm all for studio space. But marching down to comp lab to go on brainpop, for example, seems unnecessary
I'm pretty sure still uses filmstrips :)
Why leave anything behind? I'd love to show kids Astrolabes and Slide Rules :)
Q6: What about 86'ing "dedicated use spaces" in general? Comp' Lab, lang' lab, etc .becomes about platform, not PLACE? ?
Or playground :) I'm a fan of associating learning with fun and creativity.
A6: Overhead projectors. Clickers. VHS and DVDs
OUTRO: Name, role, location, and what you'd like to talk about on a future
A6: scantrons. We have digital tools that can do same grading task better, more quickly and offer more data insights
Thanks for the distraction - time for baseball stress
Katya, NYC, UX Researcher.. thanks as always for a great chat!
agreed! But where/when does that happen if higher ed, or PD is always the same-
out: Nathan, super late to chat, English muffin, and topic would be why is so special?
Steve from NJ - I support kids learning to make games, Thanks for a great chat
Hm.. we say we demand immediate results but I know frm seeking $ tht logic models +metrics win every time.
Agree. Now that truly becomes a challenge. The time to advance is now.
Michelle from NJ - great chat! lots to think about. Techequity is a huge hurdle.
Outro: Shana, metro Atlanta, school tech coordinator. Love to talk more about diversifying edtech spaces as well as PD for Ts
🤔Good chat. I lurked as an 😬🍎EduConsultant
I really like the term . Is that coined by the chat this evening?
Love the idea of diversifying EdTech spaces and PD always a good one - you free to moderate next week :)
