#DITCHbook was created by Ditch That Textbook author Matt Miller. The chat focuses on innovative teaching ideas and disrupting standard textbook education.
Hello! Hello! Hello!
It is time for #DitchBook Chat!
(Probably the greatest edu twitter chat of all time.)
Let's start with introductions.
@KarlyMoura@jmattmiller
Hi! Haven't been to one in a while, Elizabeth McCartney, 2nd grade teachers & tech model teacher from Davenport, IA! Can't wait for tonight! #ditchbook
Hey everyone! Co-Moderator for tonight w/ @KarlyMoura
My name is Sean, I'm a former classroom educator and currently an Innovative Learning Specialist w/ @Five_StarTech where I get to help Ts make awesome learning opportunities for Ss
#ditchbook
Gooooood evening, #ditchbook friends near and far! Evan Mosier, Tech Integrationist Lead teacher from Davenport, IA. Excited for the chat this evening! @SEANJFAHEY@KarlyMoura - Let's roll!
Hello! Hello! Hello!
It is time for #DitchBook Chat!
(Probably the greatest edu twitter chat of all time.)
Let's start with introductions.
@KarlyMoura@jmattmiller
Wooohooo!!! Nice to see you, Abbi!! Thanks for "flexing" your time to fit #ditchbook in your schedule!! See?! Get it?! Get it?!
I know.....Lame humor. :-)
A1 Templates give us a place to begin. Staring at a blank computer screen or a blank sheet of paper can be daunting. It's nice to have a guide. #ditchbook
A1: Templates are GREAT starting places for Ts & Ss alike! A well designed template as a starting place means your work load is lighter, your output should be better quality, and your turnaround much quicker. Ideally, it also sparks those creative juices. #DitchBook
Hey #ditchbook friends! Julie here, edprof at @ConverseCollege - just got in from a long day. Still have my work gear on! But, coffee in hand, I’m ready to chat.
A1: Templates allow students to focus cognitively on the academic task at hand without needing to spend additional time learning the format of the assignment. This is especially helpful for young learners. #ditchbook
A1 Templates are recipes, which can be followed as is or varied to taste. They can be launchpads for differentiation, including option to bypass template for alternative approaches. #ditchbook
Hey #ditchbook friends! You're in capable hands with @KarlyMoura and @seanjfahey tonight.
I'm not here because I'm on family vacation! At, among other places, Red Rock Canyon at Las Vegas! I'll catch you on next week's #ditchbook chat!
A1: Templates can help provide a "security blanket" to help hesitant Ss (or Ts) get started with a project and help them go in the right direction. #ditchbook
A1: I think they’re so helpful because it gives a starting point. Even if you want to veer off a bit, it is great to have something to go from! #ditchbook
Shout-Out right back at ya, @KarlyMoura! This is awesome! I love your post. And I love the idea of the 5th C: Curation. But you know, the more I think about it... that is a HUGE aspect of Instruction and Instructional Tech right now. #21stCenturySkills#DitchBook
🚨New post🚨
The 5th C: Teaching the art 🎨 of curation with @wakelet 👍
💥The latest tool causing a buzz in the world of educational technology is Wakelet. Check out what it is and how you can use it in your classroom.
https://t.co/KuzVlFk432#ditchbook#TheHumansAreComing
Q1: Okay, so this is new for me- haven’t heard anything on templates before (I’m a senior edu major). So I’m interested to find out how I could use them in the classroom 🤔 #ditchbook
A1 (again): Templates can also be a time-saver; Instead of wasting a class period formatting and waiting for everyone to set their assignment up means that we can all get right to work focusing on what's more important - the content! #ditchbook
Hey #ditchbook friends! You're in capable hands with @KarlyMoura and @seanjfahey tonight.
I'm not here because I'm on family vacation! At, among other places, Red Rock Canyon at Las Vegas! I'll catch you on next week's #ditchbook chat!
A2- Templates allow students to be creative. It provides them with a starting place then they can grow from that. I love using templates because it provides students with a"yes and" moment! #DitchBook
A2 I find that I am more creative when I start with a template. I always change and adapt but it gives me a springboard into what I want to create.
#ditchbook
A1: I WAS THAT STUDENT. I was the one that sat in the back of the room with little-to-NO creative bone in my body. Having teachers utilize templates helped set the framework to almost guarantee that I'd be successful with the rest of the actual critical thinking.... #ditchbook
A2: Not true! A template jump starts my creative flow! Templates are a potential idea 💡 makers, and from there I can build, tweak, and create as needed to make the awesomeness happen! #DitchBook
A2: I would agree with this IF that’s the only option. If Ss or Ts are allowed to use it as a starting point then make it their own I wouldn’t say it stifles creativity! #ditchbook
A2: Templates could have a tendency to bring about even further creativity with Ss. Allowing them a basic format to compose ideas and designs is great! #ditchbook
Hi!!!! It was so amazing to finally meet you in person @ #MOREnet2018 this week! :) My Teen Leaders are starting their latest #CaptionThisEDU activity on Monday! Thx for the great #ditchbook session!!
A2: If a template is created well, there is plenty of room for creativity with the opportunity for open-ended responses ranging various ability levels. The more open ended, the more naturally personalized the task. #ditchbook
A2. When I think of templates like @creativeedtech has made, it connects student learning to format and platforms the students are used to. This helps to build engagement and motivation.
#ditchbook
Perhaps it is old school fear driving that argument. ?? I find starting with a template offers those students who struggle (ME) getting started that place to jump in. #DitchBook
A2 #DitchBook
Templates ALLOW freedom and creativity within a set of guidelines to keep students on track!
If used correctly with a template you won't get 25 of the exact same answer or project.
A1 much like graphic organizers, templates help the user organize content in a meaningful way
Mazano and Hattie agree with effect sizes to prove it. https://t.co/XiTDaKKkVm#ditchbook
A2: Yes and no. It depends on if you require then to "stay inside the lines" of the template. Also they are a great way to scaffold towards not needing them later #ditchbook
A2: creativity thrives with constraints. It’s how the brain works. It like to solve problems!
Templates open possibilities and show ways to modify things to achieve a new result
#ditchbook
A1: Also... on the other side of the topic.... (like I saw @alicekeeler mention via a tweet) ... we need to be careful with templates, and not fully take away the creative process from the students. Just GIVING them a template isn't always the best idea. #ditchbook
A2: who says that if we use a template for an assignment that it is the only option? Let templates be a starting point, but allow for Ss to be creative if they choose to do so #DitchBook
In reply to
@SEANJFAHEY, @KarlyMoura, @jmattmiller
A2 - Interesting point. For SEN/EAL students templates can give students confidence in what they’re writing. For others, it could channel their creativity in a certain direct. #ditchbook
In reply to
@SEANJFAHEY, @KarlyMoura, @jmattmiller
Templates are just the beginning, it gets the juices flowing and can lead to bigger better ideas.... but can also serve as a reminder of where I need to end up. #ditchbook
A2 I'm with @KatGoyette: Depends on template. Many worksheets are templates that quash creativity. Some templates set up frameworks whose constraints foster creativity. #ditchbook
A2 - Interesting point. For SEN/EAL students templates can give students confidence in what they’re writing. For others, it could channel their creativity in a certain direct. #ditchbook
In reply to
@SEANJFAHEY, @KarlyMoura, @jmattmiller
A2: I find that my students always want to change up whatever template I give them. They want to make it their own to share their thoughts and ideas. So I think it sparks their creativity because they want to be outside the box! #ditchbook
A2: I use my same reason for A1: Templates are a "security blanket". Too much of them can keep students from going outside of their comfort zone or from taking risks. Life doesn't come with a template (one def. didn't come with my kids! Ha! ;) Why should our classwork? #ditchbook
A1: I think of the Inquiry graphic. The Internet almost makes it necessary for my Ss. There is so much content out there. Without a structure it’s like throwing everyone in the deep end. #ditchbook
Q3 #ditchbook
What templates do you use or have created?
(I'm so giddy! We can't wait for what goodies you all are gonna be sharing!)
@KarlyMoura@jmattmiller
10 Terrific Templates You Can Use in Class Tomorrow
➕Plus ideas 💡 for using them with your students 👍
✅Invoice
🗒Resume
🚀Flipgrid Grid Template
💡HyperDocs
and MORE!
#ditchbook#tosachat#edtech#HyperDocs#FlipgridFever
A2: yes templates show possibilities. Kids will tinker and break things - then rebuild. Good templates teach!
This video is from a template I created. So my kids can alter and make it into anything. About anything.
#ditchbook
A2: I use my same reason for A1: Templates are a "security blanket". Too much of them can keep students from going outside of their comfort zone or from taking risks. Life doesn't come with a template (one def. didn't come with my kids! Ha! ;) Why should our classwork? #ditchbook
A1: I LOVE templates for academic writing. I will champion the book They Say/I Say to anyone who will listen. Templates help ELL and other Ss become part of the conversation. We show them the tools required for academic writing. #ditchbook
A3: Those fluctuate for me, but here’s some starting places:
🔥@ShakeUpLearning ‘s Book is full of great templates!
🔥#Eduprotocols (website & book)by @jcorippo & @mhebern have tons of templates too!
🔥#HyperDocs girls and website have tons of templates!
🔥 #DitchBook PLN!
A2. They can if too formulaic or prescribed. If template is the awesomeness then yes
But if what Ss create within the framework is the focus them no. Template frees S to work on the creation, not the package. #DitchBook
A2: What I mentioned in my previous A1 tweet.... we don't want to take away the entire creativity process from the S's. Sometimes, rather than a template, provide students with Digital/NonDigital Choice Boards/Menus to foster creativity while still giving direction #ditchbook
A3: I have created quite a few templates for primary students. Here is an example for sentence writing for kindergarten and first graders, complete with gifs. View more: https://t.co/LkyIfXwMJ3#ditchbook
A3.b I'm a HUGE fan of templates for HyperDoc creation. This is one that has been adapted from the Explore-Explain-Apply template to include tools and resources for getting started.
https://t.co/uS0qkUzRzg#ditchbook
A2: I think it's the opposite (though not always). Obviously they need to be used less over time. But there can be creativity through restriction sometimes. Templates allow folks who wouldn't be able to be creative the initial success that allows for creativity later. #ditchbook
In reply to
@SEANJFAHEY, @KarlyMoura, @jmattmiller
Oh, agreed...there is a time and place to use and not to use them. I use them plenty myself, but also try not to overuse them so Ss don't become dependent. #ditchbook
A4: When I use #CaptionThisEDU, #Eduprotocols 8 parts/Blended writing, or a graphic design type/yearbook page design assignment, I start Ss off with a template. I teach them to use the template as “rough draft” that leads to something great! #DitchBook
Was going to say same. Needed a quick research project done. Set up small Slides template as to streamline production choice so Ss could focus solely on content. Sheets can be a template maker too #ditchbook
A4. Have you used @Canva's templates before? SOOOO many great templates to use with students!
Two of my favorites are their invoice and resume templates.
✅ Check them out!
20 ways to use Canva's templates with your students.
https://t.co/o5WTavNpHn#ditchbook
A3/4b: I start every single graphic I make with an awesome @AdobeSpark template. No weaning me, and my stuff isn’t lacking creativity generally. Just saying. 😄😄 #DitchBook. Template wasn’t as cool👇🏻
A4: like many have said tonight, templates are a great starting point for Ss. Just make sure to include student choice within the template. Don’t restrict the creative process #ditchbook
In reply to
@SEANJFAHEY, @KarlyMoura, @jmattmiller
Self proclaimed Slide-o-phile because of her and @jmattmiller podcast. Use Slides all the time but not sure Ss have ever stood in front and 'presented' from one. So much more they can do. Swiss army knife indeed #ditchbook
In reply to
@emosier3, @ShakeUpLearning, @jmattmiller
A4: Many students today were using the layout templates in @GoogleForEdu Sites as they created digital portfolios. Others opted to not use the layouts. #ditchbook
Ss love social media, but aren't allowed to use it at school (or have touble using appropriately at school), so using "look-alike" templates to "post" their work (digitally or analog) help enage students! #ditchbook
I used @ericcurts Build a Snowman template with my students! Such a fun and creative writing activity. #DitchBook
I believe he has a few others how there now and others have taken off with this idea and created their own.
https://t.co/u8pbh5E5t0
A4 #DitchBook
So many of my favs already listed. These have been out there awhile, but I still will fall back on Eric Curts Google Drawing Graphic organizers. https://t.co/g7cDrLEPn0
Yep! I like using social media type templates. Its a great opportunity for student to create something they may already be familiar with and brings into their learning. And you don't have to have the app for the experience.
#DitchBook
Ss love social media, but aren't allowed to use it at school (or have touble using appropriately at school), so using "look-alike" templates to "post" their work (digitally or analog) help enage students! #ditchbook
A4: It helps them as much as us! A great starting point and a good way for Ts know they’re getting the types of results they need while still allowing creativity. #ditchbook
Well... its time to say good bye #DitchBook (*sniff* *sniff*)
Thanks for join @KarlyMoura & I for another stellar chat. You all brought it tonight!
With all the great sharing, I'd be on the lookout for the chat curation that will be posted sometime tomorrow :)
@jmattmiller
