#WVEdChat Archive
The goal of #wvedchat is to provide educators an opportunity to connect, share, and learn from others by engaging in conversations around issues and topics in education.
Tuesday January 26, 2016
Welcome to the statewide edchat for West Virginia. I've got the game on TV & on Tweetdeck. Q1 coming up at 8:07.
Welcome to the statewide edchat for West Virginia. I've got the game on TV & on Tweetdeck. Q1 coming up at 8:07.
I opened it too. I like it so far.
Testing out new Twitter Chat platform tonight with our
Intro urself so we can all connect & learn from each other. We may get some newbies tonight.
Randy - Huntington. TIS, TSS, Blogger, & EdTech Consultant
Howdy, Jason-teacher/TIS/norm disrupter in Huntington, WV w/ currently
Derek, Math T. N my last week of coursework for leadership cert. Serving for over 2 years now.
Derek, Math T. N my last week of coursework for leadership cert. Serving for over 2 years now.
Amber- Kindergarten Teacher- KCS I hope everyone has a warm fuzzy blanket. :o)
For any lrkng or new edus joining, we'll follow a Q1, Q2: A1, A2 format. If u include A1, A2 n ur respnse it hlps read the archve.
Thanks Coleen! Glad ur here.
Nathan Smith, Summers County. APUSH Teacher, TIS, Librarian, Distance Learning Facilitator.
Rachel, Hampshire Co, TIS for SES & CBMS PS no school again tmrw, :D
Glad ur here Nathan! Good to have you! My wife is also a librarian & distance learning facilitator.
Snowed in over there Rachel!? Glad ur here again!
Nicole, Hampshire County, RES, Sp.Ed.
Brandi, 5th grade teacher, Kanawha Co.
Jeni from Hedgesville high, Berkeley county... First time participating in
Gina, IEP Specialist from Morgantown.
Topic is teacher collaboration... for the most part :) Q1 in about 2 minutes.
Jessica Salfia, Spring Mills High, AP English 11, Eng 11, Mythology
I may be able to chime in later, folks. Having internet issues. I know that's a shocker.
checking in. WVU winning and driveway clear! Hedgesville High
Awesome! Glad ur here Jenifer!
In KCS, we have 68 schools. All have parking lots that have to be cleared. Just got started on elem. schools this pm.
Had no school since Friday... County is mostly back roads
Hey ! Dropping in for a few. Karla from Martinsburg.
you really need that public funded broadband network to happen!
kathygerau@kathygerau, teacher Marion
I didn't turn it on till about 2 mins left n 1st half. Is in full force?!
Hello ! Julie, HS & public librarian at Wirt County HS
Technology Integration Specialist and STEM teacher - Wood County
Hey Kevin, thanks for joining!
Hi Nathan! Awesome to see you here!
A1: I learned everything I know about good teaching from good teachers.
A1) Truth! Some of my best lessons are seeds I gathered from other great teachers--like 😉
A1: Truth. Except some Ts are really stubborn about doing things their own way!
A1 totally agree with cavet that you need to look further than your own building or county
A1: Why live on a deserted island when you can enjoy the resort?
Hello everyone! I deliver and PD in Pgh
A1: Why not work smarter instead of harder?
Right back at ya' sister & a poetic way of putting it https://t.co/g3HO8DetNa
A1) Truth! Some of my best lessons are seeds I gathered from other great teachers--like 😉
A1: says "I consider it educational malpractice to limit Ss opportunity based on what we refuse to learn."
A1: Collaboration is part of learning. Won't learn much in isolation.
Sorry forgot intro Sandra, Adult Education WVLearns facilitator computer geek
A1 Modeling r8 comes from experiencing other teacher ideas-collab that we expect in Ss 4 our growth
A1: learning from expert veteran teachers and learning with those of us newbies has made my teaching what it is now. Need it!
A1: says to make ur Ts more like ur best Ts. Won't happen w/o quality collaboration.
A1. Grateful for those great teachers next to me. Helped me survive!
A1: T collaboration is learning from each other in a way that betters instructional practices & S learning. It's food for the soul
A1: Have loved this quote ever since we used it for motto. Wouldn't b here without collaboration. https://t.co/UFb3yyi8iG
A1 wouldn't be where I am today without my colleagues
Glad to have you tonight Beth! Thanks for joining
A1 We learn so much from those around us. Now, w/social media we learn from teachers everywhere. Together each achieves more-TEAM.
Sometimes the newbies too! https://t.co/Q4TEb4LPrP
A1: learning from expert veteran teachers and learning with those of us newbies has made my teaching what it is now. Need it!
Why make the same mistakes the veteran teachers made? Speak to them, they are experienced! Also, encourage the new teachers!
Hardest part is getting them to see the importance of trusting others and letting them in to work together!
without collaboration with teachers of all levels and experience, it is difficult, if not impossible to grow.
A1: The smartest person in the room is the room. Too often Ts try to solve probs in isolation.
A1: (gotta be mushy here) i'm thankful to have my favorite collaborator under the same roof with me daily!
I'm supposedly being transferred next year and really hope to go into a specific position to collaborate with
environment & school culture play a huge roll in Ts willingness to take risk...
Nathan Calvert here from Beckley, WV... Elementary music teacher. Sorry I'm late!
Awwww! https://t.co/6MevHu6W3W
A1: (gotta be mushy here) i'm thankful to have my favorite collaborator under the same roof with me daily!
A1: so grateful for the many ways to collaborate today I sought by constructive feedback from FB group
Yes! My co-T share ideas, & I'm always amazed how takes an idea and refines it & makes it better!
You bet!!! We'll chat about that :)
A1: My greatest teachers have been my peers.
A1:cont, social media is a great tool for collab oration across space and time
Till she posts her ice cream addiction to the Voxer group ;)
Yes! Or distorting collaboration by making it abt filling in paper work vs. sharing info & best practies
A2: Reddit, Twitter, FB teacher groups
A2 Taking other POV, criticism, ideas, from other Ts while seeing the gr8 work they do. Oh, & that thing 2!
classroom position, teaching SS
A2: Collaboration w/ students is just as important. Speak with students & ask how they like to learn. What's good & what's boring.
A2: I thought I was a good T, doing exctly what my middle schl Ts did. Wasn't till I lookd BEYOND via SM till I saw the light.
hahhaa Just for the record, i was attempting to ask which vanilla someone else wanted lol
A2: quality prof dev expand the classroom for Ts&Ss
It is so important to bring many points of view. The only way to be aware of many points of view is to be open and listen to many
A2: I talk to my kids & teachers (and myself). S reflections & T reflections help me see a situation from all angles.
A2: bringing in experience of others, guest speakers, and Twitter to direct Ss to interesting info
I wouldn't be the teacher I am today without the collaboration experience & guidance of my master teacher friends and colleagues
A2 If I feel my head swelling just a bit, I go to to bow down to the brains in that community. AWESOME! Lots to learn.
I agree! Social media allows Ts to connect & share when the physical environment may be limited!
I am getting finger fumbled....wvedUchat......wvedchat......same difference..... *facepalm*
A2) integrating a more multiculturally, socially, and economically diverse literary canon is a great way to provide perspective
Sometimes we are blinded by what we want to be the path when the way is completely different. https://t.co/JDrkSq5nxf
It is so important to bring many points of view. The only way to be aware of many points of view is to be open and listen to many
A2: This isn't the only thing, but I like looking through the student lens often!
A2: I seek opportunities to grow and learn outside classroom on my own time, hear others POV from around the world
A2: and conferences where I can connect and learn best practices
This was imp to me too Sandra. Or maybe it was evidence of how poor the collab was earlier n my career. https://t.co/gaswIfM4PD
A2: I seek opportunities to grow and learn outside classroom on my own time, hear others POV from around the world
I agree! I always try to get Ss opinions/feedback before proceeding. Their engagement is key to my & their success!
A2: Little late because of class, but that's my ans. to Q2, working on my Ed.D. has given me lots of lenses to look through
A2 network w/other Ts; attend pd, conferences, read prof. Books & articles
A2: I try to make myself vulnerable and available to Ss...try to take instructional risks often
Bingo! Think of the learning & sharing that occurs on social media way outside classroom walls. https://t.co/Cd3hkfxiDA
A2: I seek opportunities to grow and learn outside classroom on my own time, hear others POV from around the world
The fact that you are willing to search for growth says so much about you as a teacher. Need more w/ that ability!
I've got 50 min commute this year. Listened to every & video on Youtube. Podcasts with 2.
A2) also providing out Ss ample opportunity to reflect, critique, & respond to their experience in our class is critical.
a2: Ss need experiences beyond classroom too - field trips are important
Love that word: vulnerable! Critical to growth!
A2: Invite administrators and even board members and directors into your classroom. Usually they are very honest about your class
Absolutely! & we can all learn from each other. tell my assistant daily that our 2 brains r way better than my own!
A2) Learning is not bound by 4 walls. Watch other Ts in ur building. TEDTalks, Teaching Channel, Edutopia, Twitter, Zoom
Yes! I learn so much from my Ss & encouraging reflection allows them to learn abt themselves!
I see my admins often. I'd love to see the others. They're like big foot :) https://t.co/HBaWOyLI5t
A2: Invite administrators and even board members and directors into your classroom. Usually they are very honest about your class
And hopefully open to new techinques of teaching! https://t.co/2SDADhfxIn
A2: Invite administrators and even board members and directors into your classroom. Usually they are very honest about your class
I have been really enjoying lately. It takes some time, but it's some excellent DIY PD. 😊
I would love to see admin share their teaching with educators. Take a day & run a classroom. https://t.co/ceWDj9uVY5
A2: Invite administrators and even board members and directors into your classroom. Usually they are very honest about your class
Invite others into your classroom. Experts, demo teachers, coaches, etc. Work with them and see new ideas unfold before your eyes.
I think I'm ready to jump in for as long as I can stay connected.
Yes! Ss need to opportunities to experience life outside their current situation. Esp Ss from low SES!!!
Q3: Consider the value of T collaboration at your school. What would improve the value of that collaboration time?
I think in my county teachers in board office have to sub in classroom at least 2 or 3 times a year
In Mercer County, several of our BOE admin have to sub for three days in any of our schools every school year.
Somebody is sleeping on the couch tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! not lens view I was looking for!
A2: Engage in professional conversations. Challenge one another respectfully. Consider other perspectives. Always learn!
Great point Jenifer! Evidence of the priorities at Hedgesville :)
A2: cont. Ts can observe other Ts in their building- this can encourage collaboration & trust between Ts.
I have heard that from several, but it’s subbing-no sharing of ideas w/ Ts. https://t.co/8wwfV661dJ
I think in my county teachers in board office have to sub in classroom at least 2 or 3 times a year
https://t.co/9MgV2Ii3NQ
Q3: Consider the value of T collaboration at your school. What would improve the value of that collaboration time?
A3: Time built in for Ts to meet to plan for collab instead of just throwing them together
A3: REMOVE the clock from the wall!
A3: build in real time to collaborate and push for it, not just make it look that way on the schedule
A3) TIME! There is NEVER enough time for adequate collaboration!
A3: First, eliminate or flip non-essential conversation that could occur elsewhere during time Ts DO get together.
I'm not sure that trying to specify how to collaborate would improve anything, the key to collaboration is building relationships
A3: From Stephen Covey: Keep the main thing the main thing.
A3: I agree with my principal that collaboration is more effective when it happens naturally.Give teachers an idea & let them run
Words right outta my mouth 😉 https://t.co/0GelIRSR9V
A3) TIME! There is NEVER enough time for adequate collaboration!
A3: All Ts need ownership of the collaboration. No one-sided, talking at Ts. It's abt sharing info btw Ts to transform instruction
Peer observations are powerful. Both teachers learn. Share a feedback focus. Observe. Collaborate.
Happens all the time....off topic convo https://t.co/2Wf8xGXhkG
A3: From Stephen Covey: Keep the main thing the main thing.
A3 We have 30 minutes weekly built in for team meetings and collaboration. Some teams use it better than others.
Q3: I teach AP... Would like more time to collab with other ap teachers. Most of my teacher time happens after 3 and on weekends
Just got in. Sorry I'm late pln peeps
WOW one of the best we've had in a while. GREAT job everyone. Transcript is going to be GOLD.
A3: If we really trusted each other enough to be seen as less than perfect. If Ss were the goal not reputation.
Teacher PD choice time Ts like to learn about what is important to them
A3: We never seem to have enough time to fully establish group dynamics -- storming & norming to REALLY get to business
A3 Tough 1-make sure Ts have ideas to share (not a daily meet) & guide the collab like this chat, keep on task.
Time would be set aside for this collab. & protected. Ts encouraged to visit other classrooms.Admins use Twitter for communication
Yes! Collaboration is more than completing paperwork. That can be done on Google Docs or thru email.
A3: Admins attending collab and getting INVOLVED with it as well. When Ts see them involved they are more likely to do same
A3: We have such limited collab time within schl calndr. Ts MUST embrace digital tools to carve out more time. Or get left behind.
Second time tonight I have messed up on tag..... jacked up on prednisone, cough stuff, and antibiotics.... lol
A3: also, I find my best collaboration is when I'm working with other Ts with similar styles and time availability .
a3: it is a 2 way street Ts need to ask and be receptive to collaboration
A3: Share student artifacts. Use structured protocols for "Looking at Student Work" Stay focused on S learning.
Yes! & don't take away from teaching prep time for class. Collaboration should be built-in wo taking from Ts.
A3: A good dose of vulnerability would improve collab time I've had n schl. Rarely is convo abt learning.
A3 pt 2: Plus, many T's don't want to work off the clock w/ school peers so school time has to really be made to count
I agree. Most of my collab. happens on my own time. While I'm ok w/ that, it would be better/more often w/more time!
A3 Establishing a goal/outcome for collaboration should be established prior to-then like others, time, time, time to achieve it!
Perfect fit for technology to assist
https://t.co/dJd88Izq44
A3: We have such limited collab time within schl calndr. Ts MUST embrace digital tools to carve out more time. Or get left behind.
Def. And back in my "newer" teacher days I was on a block schedule...90 minutes was gold
Or discussing student x, procedures, fire drill, etc. https://t.co/bHUWyIbtKC
Yes! Collaboration is more than completing paperwork. That can be done on Google Docs or thru email.
Time is too precious not to maximize. Set goals. Hold one another accountable.
TRUTH: Convos that occur in edchats are years ahead of convos that occur in schools.
Share time in PD session- lessons, learning targets, what works well, what didn't work well, constantly bounce ideas & improve
A3: in adult ed collaboration has to take place virtually as many of us are "lone wolfs" in a classroom/building all by ourselves
True....if both involved are not receptive, it lessens the value of the collaboration
Nail on the head...collaboration must be focused on student learning. Woo woo
Great Ts that want to learn do! How do we instill that in others? https://t.co/OtoWDsUK6J
A3 pt 2: Plus, many T's don't want to work off the clock w/ school peers so school time has to really be made to count
Yes! It's a discussion w/ equal exchanges. No one-sided agenda w/ talking pts AT Ts. Talk WITH Ts.
Q4: How do Ts at your school share successes/failures in an effort to improve teaching & learning?
time helps but it is also a mindset which has not been developed in Ts.
I love the bouncing ideas part. That is missing in most in T collaborations.
You mean failure happens???? https://t.co/iqyonUIDeb
Q4: How do Ts at your school share successes/failures in an effort to improve teaching & learning?
Can't blame them for not wanting to work off the clock...just means gotta put all the on clock time to good use!
In most cases, decades… https://t.co/45c80eRVRA
TRUTH: Convos that occur in edchats are years ahead of convos that occur in schools.
Excellent point. From a statewide POV, if I want Ss to do more of something, I stroke 'em! Gotta teach em. https://t.co/CpFQh3HkJ4
Great Ts that want to learn do! How do we instill that in others? https://t.co/OtoWDsUK6J
A3 pt 2: Plus, many T's don't want to work off the clock w/ school peers so school time has to really be made to count
Twitter, Facebook, other social media, face-to-face
Having a great mentor helps, but Ts gotta have certain about of wanna
A4: Usually my students share my failures in class long before I get the chance to! The key is to learn, laugh, and improve!
Or discussions that could take place in an email w/ one person doing all the talking.
I agree. Reflection & revision is needed to improve. A lot of Ts don't know wonderful things happening around them.
A4: Successes are easily shared. Failures not so much; usually confided only to trusted Ts for many
A4: I think we hear of successes but not so much for the failures
I find it very difficult to give it away for free any more. It's got to be on the clock.
Sometimes, you have to show people the value in change-some are very resistant and without evidence of effectiveness, they won't.
Exactly - our rep is on the line to admit failure https://t.co/KFBGDqiD5t
A4: Successes are easily shared. Failures not so much; usually confided only to trusted Ts for many
YES! Don’t take a collab time to discuss upcoming schools events that can be put on a flyer. https://t.co/h6sDsYMx1y
Or discussions that could take place in an email w/ one person doing all the talking.
A4: Start every team meeting with a celebration of student learning. Share artifacts. What are Ss learning? How do you know?
A4: During monthly PLCs, but honestly- not often enough. More time is needed to share ideas w/ Ts.
a4: shared in small private conversations.
A4 Twitter, Facebook, other social media, face-to-face.
A4: trying, failing, chatting with peers, trying again until something works in the way that benefits my students
A3 I think during team meetings we must stay focused. Time is important.
A4:My principal does a great job listing classroom successes in her newsletter. Students are the best at sharing successes though.
Love this! You've dev. trust w/ ur learners for them to feel comfortable telling you! Ss are the best critics!
A4) generally shouting to each other with joy or weeping in defeat during the 5 minutes we have between classes
A4: FAIL - First Attempt In Learning
A4: I freely discuss my failures w/students & hopefully provide an environment where failing is okay.
Q5: Respond to the following image from Think beyond Twitter if the format is intimidating. https://t.co/zhBo9NbvxR
Create an agenda. Stay focused on teaching and learning.
intrigued by schools that have instructional coaches, teacher leadership, anyone have this at your school
A4- We have unique situation in grade level common planning. Ts find it easier to share when using same lessons.
A4 It is so refreshing to hear Ts reflecting on their lessons. The Good, The Bad, The Ugly!
I agree with you totally. It's okay for students to see that teachers fail sometimes.I haven't graded papers in a week!
A4: Share with Ss, too. Praise when things went well; When they don't, elicit their help to figure out why
a4 I also point out my mistakes when they happen & we laugh at the spectacular ones. Some classes have kept track w/tally marks.
A5: think of what the parents could read about their Ss day!
A5) I feel like a lot of great schools are already doing this or attempting at least...
A4 Did project with 8th ELA. Got feedback from a class for improv for next year & what to change.
Common planning is vital. Be creative with schedules. It can be done!
In pockets within the school? or entire schools? That's amazing!
I worked in MD for several years. Tons of T leadership. Generally, a good thing.
Definitely build more of a togetherness and since of pride
A4:Ts must have a growth mindset & let Ss know mistakes are part of learning. We don't harness the power of mistakes in Ss work.
A5: I love this! I use Twitter to brag abt my Ss & the cool things they do in the classroom. This would be great!
some are with FB https://t.co/hDNOjOfQVE
A5) I feel like a lot of great schools are already doing this or attempting at least...
A5: Would be a good idea, but getting all Ts on board with something like this is a whole other story...
Yes, and have each participate own part of the discussion! Every has something to offer!
Share some FB lnks if u can. Love to see. Startd FB page ths yr at RiHS but sharing is nonexistent.
A5: I agree & think it's interesting. But we've got to remember to get our hands dirty, too.
I think to move forward, we need to get rid of the negativity centered around the word "fail"
sorry for missing out there for a bit, it was bedtime at the Black household
A5- This would work and be so beneficial.
A5 I can truly attest that I slack on tweeting daily, but do try to read tweets often. Has made huge impact on me & my library.
As well as the negative connotation associated with edus who openly share
A5) does your school have a Twitter feed?
been there buddy. We somehow made it before 8 tonight.
Reminds me of Sheryl Crow's song "Favorite Mistake"
A5: love this idea! Best practices in the palm of your hand everyday!
A5 I immediately think of positive social media for Ss, Ts, school - what a great Plus motivation 4 more!
I think it is always difficult to get all ts onboard.
A5: I like to show off my students on Twitter. Like tweeting points of brilliance after Socratic seminar. They love it :)
I think a lot is limited to successes of sports teams...but its a start https://t.co/Jfi6VNyIxO
Share some FB lnks if u can. Love to see. Startd FB page ths yr at RiHS but sharing is nonexistent.
a5: by writing or tweeting it would cement the reflection process & the sharing would encourage all
A5: Think of those Ts who want to ask for great ideas, but are reluctant. What a great way to see what others are doing
love this idea for the regional managers!
Even getting a majority on board might be hard. I work in schools where social media PLN stuff is not heard of
A5 Wow, I don't know, but you've got me wanting to try it and see!
A5: For this to work, twitter must be unblocked at our schools! I believe this could have a huge impact!
There is a great video on TchChnl about this!
https://t.co/nBNE01WiNn
Reminds me of Sheryl Crow's song "Favorite Mistake"
Sore topic w/me. SM not valued at my school. Done in another way it would end up being one more thing 2 do https://t.co/sZ2A3Ite9C
Q5: Respond to the following image from Think beyond Twitter if the format is intimidating. https://t.co/zhBo9NbvxR
Sometimes most teachers work. We do have different styles.
Def. sharing of athletics is typically where they strt. To open doors, knock down walls of classroom, that's taboo.
Check out . A relatively new account but going in excellent direction
A5: success would be multiplied exponentially!
Q6: If time is the biggest enemy of collaboration, how can Ts leverage technology to help carve out extra time?
Twitter is blocked at your school? Not for us in Cabell.
Yes! The Ss like to see the global impact of their learning. Kids like knowing that their work matters!
I agree. I sometimes feel like if I (or others) & share too much, the whispers begin. Work hard & take risks
A5 what a powerful tool that would be...would lead to an engaged staff that is constantly refining their craft!
Good point. Have to frame it correctly. Value is n the learning that wld occur. Same ppl wld complain abt lack of PD 2.
https://t.co/cILiuhOm21
I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying. -Michael Jordan
A5 you never can share and reflect to much. An error is only an mistake if not corrected
A6: I've grown into this yr. Gr8 tool for collaboration.
a6: my teacher friends and I send each other messages via Pinterest when we find ideas we want to share
A6: Ts need to be willing to learn new tech first & give it a try before shooting it down
A5 just as Ss not all Ts can PBL the same way. 1 size does not fit all!
I can tell you from talks with some WVDE people, it is not blocked by them
I will be looking into it again if we ever go back to school!
A6 is leveraging technology! or the next big 1 to learn
A6: Shared docs to create a plan, stick to the plan. Flip faculty meetings full of info dissemination. Utilize video
It was blocked in Boone for a while. It's unblocked now but any links in tweets are blocked.
A6: for technology 2 work they have 2 use it 2 save time! Just like they won't go somewhere for PD or do online PD or try a MOOC
Or lack of non-traditional PD measured in seat time. https://t.co/9kGbMyHfEa
Good point. Have to frame it correctly. Value is n the learning that wld occur. Same ppl wld complain abt lack of PD 2.
A6 There is no extra - there is different. Out with the old time wasters… grading worksheets
In KCS, we're looking at using Flipboard to share pics, ideas, etc. w/in our district.
I know ppl handwriting grades n the book AND inputting them digitally, but they complain abt lack of time...?
I don't see time as the biggest enemy. Tech takes away time as an issue. It's changing our thinking. A6 https://t.co/fJsmfj4bjK
Q6: If time is the biggest enemy of collaboration, how can Ts leverage technology to help carve out extra time?
A6: Definitely all the tech, Twitter especially, but send an email, a link, share something that worked...reach out.
Love the flipped faculty meeting!
In addition to ? Or just trying something else? I credit u guys for trying.
A6: Google! A school in my county engaged in a collaborative convo today via Google Classroom... On a snow day!
A6: Office365 provides lots of tools to increase collaboration but you have to dig in and USE it
What does your block screen look like? The WVDE one is very distinctive.
A6: Where is the question??? I can't find it! :(
I foresee a topic coming up on CULTURE. Lots of quality culture influencers in this chat.
Not sure honestly. Our folks said, more or less, hey guys send us your awesome stuff, and it was a go!
I get the google domain error. It isn't the black screen of doom! I have tried on other browsers also.
loves
Gr8 tool for videoconferencing up to 25 people for free. https://t.co/v9ULjjSfyq
A6: Shared docs to create a plan, stick to the plan. Flip faculty meetings full of info dissemination. Utilize video
