CatholicEdChat is a twitter chat. Topics focus on discussions around educational issues for Catholic Educators and topics beneficial to Catholic Schools. We look forward to continuing to connect Catholic Educators online to discuss education and teaching with faith in our schools. The chat takes place on Saturday mornings. Time 9am EST.
Teachers try to send one positive message home per day via @RemindHQ. It can be short and simple, but provides parents with a glimpse into the small triumphs and successes of each day. #catholicedchat#CathEdSocial#techedchat
Good morning, #CatholicEdChat. Only have a few minutes this morning, but checking in from Providence, RI. Looking forward to some communication #tech tips this morning!
Great idea! We use @RemindHQ internally at @SMMschoolOmaha to cut down on intercom announcements. It really cuts down on interruptions during the day. #CatholicEdChat
In reply to
@mr_p_SPV, @RemindHQ, @RemindHQ, @SMMschoolOmaha
#CatholicEdChat Tech tools and apps we use the MOST are @padcaster for video equipment and @TouchCastEdu@TouchCast App for recording/greenscreen/lower thirds/interactivity Another favorite app is @ReflectorApp which allows you to MIRROR your device wirelessly to the big screen!
In reply to
@BarbInNebraska, @padcaster, @TouchCastEdu, @TouchCast, @ReflectorApp
A! At our back to School Night, a week in, I showed them our classroom website, Twitter account, and gave directions on how to access @Edmodo#catholicedchat
Q1: Parents had my cell number. Only 1 inappropriate call in 25 years. At HS level, I always told Ps I would speak with student first before giving an answer or plan. Often, the issue was helping S find a way to tell me what was of concern to them. #CatholicEdchat
Thank you for your response! I really need to look into that cool case for your iPad. I was sharing, with some 8th graders, about using a green screen yesterday. #CatholicEdChat
In reply to
@magistrazee, @padcaster, @TouchCastEdu, @TouchCast, @ReflectorApp
I’m so bummed I missed this year! We were celebrating Chuseok at my school and then had our diocese wide mass, so I was running all day! But I always look forward to this particular project of yours! #catholicedchat
A1 Communicate: InDepth weekly newsletter every Thursday (emailed); @RedikerSoftware Plus Portals for grade & class homebase; GClassroom orother sites by individual classes (covered in back to school night activities) (Cont...) #catholicedchat
A1: #catholicedchat We communicate through e-mail mostly & also post information to our classroom websites. Also-conferences throughout the year and make phone calls as well. We also have a system to send notices to parents as a group for important news. Also have a newsletter..
A1 (cont)... Twitter feeds various; @BrebeufJesuit App for schedule, daily calendar. Have a lot of communication tools... biggest challenge is not overwhelming incoming families. Prioritize app, Portals, and newsletter. Then build out according to student need. #catholicedchat
A1: I explained that I’ll be in contact through email mainly and by sharing our classroom stories through a classroom Facebook page. Student stories need to be shared. #catholicedchat
A1 - For direct comm I prefer email as starting place. In general, I have class instagram (because the answer to what did you do in math today is never nothing!). Have school site for general announcements, hw, online grades, newsletter, etc. Also GC for kids. #catholicedchat
A1: We utilize @FACTSRenWeb for much of our communication with parents. It’s a user-friendly system that allows us to centralize everything from grades, lunch orders, field trip permission & payment, and much more. #CatholicEdChat
#CatholicEdChat Yes, the @padcaster makes it great for filming video with an iPad also PORTABLE - so you can take the show on the Road. They have a back to school special on their STUDIO kit. https://t.co/xfeq669uMO LOVE it!
In reply to
@BarbInNebraska, @padcaster, @TouchCastEdu, @TouchCast, @ReflectorApp, @padcaster
A1 (2/2) I also created a Google sites for parents that shared info and automatically mirrors our GC (since parents can't get into it without the kids login). #CatholicEdChat
So inspired by you teachers who regularly share pictures with parents. It’s a real weakness of mine. I always forget when I’m in the moment, but as a mom I know I’d love to get them! #catholicedchat
Q2 - I prefer email as a starting place but so many have my cell phone number now (no landline here). A few stop by or chat during carline as well. #CatholicEdChat
A2 Direct communication is done through email or phone call. Contact information is post in class syllabus on LMS, directory on school website, or through receptionist. #catholicedchat
A2: they know email is best...I told them that I would reply if they email me by 8:30-9pm...after that I need my time to unwind. My work email is sent straight to my phone, so it’s like texting me. #CatholicEdChat
I have seen so many great uses of @Seesaw for this. I guess it's a mind shift for me. 'What would I like to see' Also, I always have my cell phone handy! #CatholicEdChat
A2: I hate to admit that the best way to contact me is via email, but it’s true! I don’t spend much time at my desk during the day, but I do try to catch up on emails each afternoon. I always find the most effective communications happen face to face. #CatholicEdchat
A2: I had an in-depth 1:1 meeting w/each family before school started. We looked at many options: cell, portal, email. At HS level, constant expectation that S (even with support) would be point-of-contact. Coached parent to say: I will help you draft an email. #CatholicEdChat
I also coordinate the school's Twitter feed so LOTS of pics there too. BTW - met the nicest and most helpful church social media coordinator yesterday at #scdministrydays. Check out @ChurchSocialTip for TONS of great ideas. I am refreshed and renewed! #catholicedchat
Even our HS parents like seeing Twitter or Instagram posts of the activities in the classrooms (parents can opt student out of photography and posting). #catholicedchat
Q2 email daily:
*don’t put my child on the bus today
*why did my child earn a C?
*we are going to Florida next week & my child will miss school
*my child is sick with a fever #CatholicEdChat
A2: (2/2) I’ve also started using Google Classroom more frequently. It allows students to leave comments on assignments if they have questions. In my experience, students often also share what’s posted on the Classroom with their parents. #CatholicEdchat
A2. I put together a weekly student showcase to help families see all the amazing things that their kids are doing at @OConnellHS. Provides a human touch and a powerful insight into why and how we do what we do! https://t.co/uXVsem0WSO#CatholicEdChat#CathEdSocial
@SeeSaw is really popular with elementary schools. @AbGreer children go to a school where they use it. Her daughter can share what she is learning with a video for mom and dad! #CatholicEdChat
In reply to
@40ishoracle, @cupcake_savant, @Seesaw, @Seesaw, @AbGreer
I shared w Ss and parents that I get alerts on my phone when an email arrives. Since I try to reply right away, they might get a reply after 3pm from the frozen food aisle in Walmart or a baseball field. Please excuse the brevity and typos! :) #CatholicEdChat
A3 Get back to parents asap. It was important to them to contact you, it has to be just as important to respond in a timely manner. This builds mutual respect. #catholicedchat
She's so knowledgeable and very nice to talk with. Looking forward to following her advice. Spent an hour last night reading her blogs and setting up October tweets. #refreshed#renewed#CatholicEdChat
In reply to
@AJCattapan, @BarbInNebraska, @ChurchSocialTip, @C3TechConf
I love the interaction that happens in @GoogleForEdu Classroom. I had my Ss in one for summer reading, so I got to "know" them before the year started! #edtechteam#CatholicEdchat
A2: (2/2) I’ve also started using Google Classroom more frequently. It allows students to leave comments on assignments if they have questions. In my experience, students often also share what’s posted on the Classroom with their parents. #CatholicEdchat
A3: “Thank you. I want to give this the serious thought it deserves. I will be back in touch in ____ days.” Useful when a little time might help. Always copy your principal if you use this technique in an email. #CatholicEdChat
Left out the word ‘not’ ‘I hope parents don’t think I’m rude if I just answer some emails with, Thank you for the heads up!’ Since I need to get back to grading or planning. #CatholicEdChat
A3. Monday Memo weekly. I use S'more and edit it throughout the week. Adding 3-5 photos is key. And with Pro version, I can attach .pdf files from groups, recruiting high schools, etc.Also, tweet weekly. Emails as necessary. #CatholicEdChat
So inspired by you teachers who regularly share pictures with parents. It’s a real weakness of mine. I always forget when I’m in the moment, but as a mom I know I’d love to get them! #catholicedchat
A3 I respond to parents day of email (or first thing in morning). As admin - I respond asap even with a "let me check on that and get back to you" if I don't have answer. I reflect each time on is this an email reply or a phone call.
Often a phone call is best. #catholicedchat
A3. Can’t overemphasize the power of being your own best advocate. Get photos and video of what’s happening in your class. Then share it with the families of your students! SO POWERFUL to help them see the process in action. @Mags_Carroll703#CatholicEdChat#CathEdSocial
A3. I am social media coordinator so I try to facebook post on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday around 4pm. This is our highest contact times according to Analytics.#CatholicEdChat
A3: I think this meant online communication, but my best comm tip is to open any in person serious talk with a prayer for the student and all stake holders. It immediately centers the convo, prevents heated feelings, and reminds us why we are there. #CatholicEdchat
Yes, many US Catholic School Educators do wish society was more supportive of our schools. This graphic shows that we do quite a bit with the support we do get! @NCEATALK@USCCBCatholicEd#ELPS411
A3: #CatholicEdChat I post information for parents on my Classroom Website - we use Google Sites. At open house or curriculum night, try to meet and connect with as many parents as possible at the start of the school year.
Excellent tweet! It does take time to answer some emails thoughtfully and completely. I also add my principal and support team(if needed) #CatholicEdChat
A3: “Thank you. I want to give this the serious thought it deserves. I will be back in touch in ____ days.” Useful when a little time might help. Always copy your principal if you use this technique in an email. #CatholicEdChat
I had big plans for each S to have a digital portfolio via Google sites this year but my class got cut a few weeks before school started. (sniff) #catholicedchat
A3: When I was a principal, I gave parents written guidance on what was an emergency and what was not, and ideas on how to best communicate with the school. It worked well. #CatholicEdChat
Q4 How do you decide which to use - face to face vs. online communications? How do you share individual student decisions or needs, evaluations, or assessments #catholicedchat#catholicedchat
A3: I think this meant online communication, but my best comm tip is to open any in person serious talk with a prayer for the student and all stake holders. It immediately centers the convo, prevents heated feelings, and reminds us why we are there. #CatholicEdchat
Oh yes! Builds relationship. Plus all those important nonverbals! I had to learn this though... impersonal email can appear easier option in moment especially as an introvert. #hardlessonslearned#CatholicEdChat
A4 It is generally a mutual decision. If a parent asks to see me when they drop off in the morning, I see them. If they email me, I answer it. Assessments, etc. are done in conferences with other staff/principal in attendance. #catholicedchat
Q4 How do you decide which to use - face to face vs. online communications? How do you share individual student decisions or needs, evaluations, or assessments #catholicedchat#catholicedchat
A4: #catholicedchat We hold scheduled conferences TWICE a year in the fall and Spring to connect with parents F2F and go over TEST scores/concerns/successes and Parents can also request additional times to meet or talk.
A4 It really depends on the need. Sometime you need the face to face talk, but routine questions can be handles via email or FAQ on website. #catholicedchat
A3. Can’t overemphasize the power of being your own best advocate. Get photos and video of what’s happening in your class. Then share it with the families of your students! SO POWERFUL to help them see the process in action. @Mags_Carroll703#CatholicEdChat#CathEdSocial
A4 Online info always general & proud moment sharing (think prospective family interest/current family brag). Individual student issue - do I need a record of the communication? What is best first communication and then needed followup? How sensitive is topic? #catholicedchat
A 4. I prefer face to face but email is a must. I send testing results home in a homework folder and then face to face at conferences only a few will need extra conferences over the year.#CatholicEdChat
A4. Online is my first channel of communication. Getting ahead of things before they go sour is a great way to work w/ families & let them know we’re all here for their kids. I include short “here’s a family discussion idea” in my weekly newsletter. #CatholicEdChat#CathEdSocial
A4: I let parent choose as much as possible. I love to document with email if we cannot seem to come to a resolution. “I am sending a quick email about our conversation just to be sure I have captured your concerns and my thoughts.” #CatholicEdChat
Q5 Tool time! How many different online tools do you use for parent communications? What do you use most? What is your favorite feature? #catholicedchat
It's so important to respond to parents. If you value the parents as your partners in education, your response demonstrates your respect for them. It's all about relationships. #CatholicEdChat
Excellent tweet! It does take time to answer some emails thoughtfully and completely. I also add my principal and support team(if needed) #CatholicEdChat
A3: “Thank you. I want to give this the serious thought it deserves. I will be back in touch in ____ days.” Useful when a little time might help. Always copy your principal if you use this technique in an email. #CatholicEdChat
A4: Just wanted say that many of my parents were more comfortable using another language. Essential to ask them directly how they want to communicate. I speak Spanish and Sign well-enough for parent meetings, but important to ask, not assume. #CatholicEdChat
A5: #catholicedchat We use a schoolwide FB page, have messaging for parents through OptionC (our gradebook program)(Principal sends a Monday Morning Message - for the week's activities), Google Sites for teacher webpages along with school website and Teacher to Parent e-mail.
A5: How we communicate: Instagram - @pieland6th if you’re interested! @Seesaw@GoogleForEdu Classroom and when I really need to make sure that everyone sees a message - email. :)
You’re a rockstar! It’s week 4 and I’m still trying to keep my head above water! Maybe some year I’ll teach the same thing twice! #CathEdSocial#catholicedchat
In reply to
@MeehanEDU, @Twitter, @Flipgrid, @EquityMaps, @YouTube, @remind
I’ve been surprised how few teachers use Twitter when I’ve spoken at @C3TechConf. I think I will propose a session on using Twitter for teachers next year. #CatholicEdChat
A6: Love sharing what we are up to on Twitter when I remember. BONUS: gif of my amazing kiddos from last year in one of our mindfulness movies! #CatholicEdchat
A6... well social media is a core learning objective of the course I teach so yes! My personal/professional feed may have a few things shared as well #catholicedchat
A6. Teachers should absolutely be using social media to share the incredible work going on in Catholic schools around the country every day. There is so much negative out there - WE have the power to be God’s eyes & ears by sharing the good news! #catholicedchat#CathEdSocial
Yeah... I am always surprised how many parents and past students will like a tweet I post on this account. I appreciate they think topics I tweet about are worthwhile. #CatholicEdChat
