#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 April 5, 2016
Hello! Derek, math teacher at Ripley High.
No surprise to anyone, but slow internet may keep me from the chat.
Welcome to ! Link your blog :) I know you have one!
Booo... Hate that plagues too many in WV.
Hi all! Jason w/ Reg Mgr for WV tonight in Wheeling for meeting
No worries :) You can always catch up later!
Angie Milliman Hedgesville High AP
Welcome! Glad to see you back!
Grab any good food this evening Jason?
Glad to see you again tonight!
Hello, - Nicole, special ed teacher, Hampshire County
Joe Gonzalez 5th Grade Teacher Kanawha Co
Hello fellow Hampshire county educator! Glad to see you!
I have w/me too. She is fighting her phone.
:) Does that mean I get to pick on her Thursday about it?
Great to see you here again You guys are awesome!
Hey, ! Rebecca Recco, K-5 art, Kanawha County.
Question 1 coming up shortly! Remember to answer with A1, A2, etc and tag
When were up for , we tried Pickles... We struck out lol.
Hey Rebecca! Good to see you!
Q1: What is blogging? Why should teachers blog?
Tia from Logan Co. Computer is being difficult tonight.
Glad you could join us though!
I'm stoked about tonight's topic. I try to blog, but can't keep up.
A1: It is reflection with outside accountability.
It can be tough :) I like to shoot for 1 post every 1 or two weeks and try to blog in advance if possible
A1 Sharing & reflecting on experiences w/the world-tough to bring Ts into due to time.
A1 Blogs are a great resource for everyone! Love to follow... But I crash when it comes to keeping up!
Crashing/keeping up seems to be common. Ideas for combating this?
A1: ironically, my initial intention was to provide a hub of communication w/ Ss and Ps. I didn't have an LMS 4 years ago.
For teachers a place to share and find ideas and community!
A1: It's ironic b/c my blog has really never served that purpose.
I like the purpose of your blog now though :)
A1 never blogged but have used multiple formats online seeking help
Same here Angie. I know RSS readers can help. I really only subscribe to 3. Read others on the fly.
RSS Readers are a big help for me when it comes to keeping up with blogs https://t.co/XculkgcX10
Same here Angie. I know RSS readers can help. I really only subscribe to 3. Read others on the fly.
A1: to share ideas, experiences, resources, best practices
That's excellent Joe. It's really about the attitude of support & learning. You've got it in my opinion!
A1- count me in with the crashers. I get many of my best ideas from art teacher blogs, though.
-- I wish blogs could work like social media. Microblogging!
Seeking help online is good though too
Tumblr actually attempts to do that :)
A1: a method to convey your thoughts and reflect in the classroom. Should do it to note/track education. I need to start doing.
No worries. Glad you could join us!
Great point... If you're here, you're sharing the spirit of blogging.
Question 2 coming up shortly!
No time like the present! and I can help you if you need it!
A1 blogging allows for self reflection and growth
Right! It's great for documentation :)
Hey Ben! I like tracking my lrng, providing evidence. I didn't care to do so till I develped a passion for ldrship
Q2: Why should educators read other blogs of interest?
reading others blogs gives us ideas, sense of community, feeling of "unaloneness"
I don't know about others, but I feel more connected when I'm blogging and talking to others about it https://t.co/b4O1UNFt0A
reading others blogs gives us ideas, sense of community, feeling of "unaloneness"
Interesting point. I've been toying with the idea of starting one for my internship work this quarter
now if I can take my own advice and "just do it"
A2 the more you read, the more you know! I've learned more about in 3 months just by following him on twitter!
A2: It goes unnoticed too often but it's a great way to connect, bld relationships w/ othrs. We all shld b n relatnship business!
And even if no one comments, it's often being read! I track my views with Google Analytics
A2 there are some grt ideas floating out there...the internet makes the world smaller
A2 -- teacher blogs share ideas and life hacks that are informal but brilliant!
Everyone has different perspectives. But common dilemmas and successes. Seeking perspective strengthens growth
Yes it does! Don't forget to tag your posts with :)
A2: networking, finding likeminded folks, ideas, resources, sense of community. I also follow people I know to support them.
A2: Because I'm not creative enough on my own and to know that I'm not alone. Same reasons I ❤️ Twitter!
brothers don't shake hands, brothers gotta hug!
What are you interning for Nicole?
q2 cont'd -- a good problem solver is sometimes as meaningful as anything you would learn in a formal training.
A2 Life-wide learning & personal PD are the big 1s for me. on a phone is challenging.
Because teachers always get it right on the first try ;)
thank you! Was having technical difficulty and forgot.
Q3 coming up in about 3 minutes....
Checking in for a few minutes...Michelle Burk, Tech Facilitator, Kanawha County
Excellent Tia! https://t.co/m3V3EJxm45
A2: Because I'm not creative enough on my own and to know that I'm not alone. Same reasons I ❤️ Twitter!
Glad you could stop by tonight, if only for a few!
-- I bet you are creative!!! We all need inspiration, though!
principal cert, this quarter's internship is themed leadership, the next -tech, works for both,
thanks for stepping up to moderate chat tonight
Sometimes I find inspiration for a new blog post by reading what others write
Sorry I'm late I'm John Milliman special Ed director at the WVSDB
Nice! I just completed my cert last month. Looking for the right leadership position now.
Hey everyone! Sorry I'm late! Magnet School of Music performance was tonight at the Cultural Center!
:) Glad to help out. has been wanting me to do one for awhile
No worries. Just glad you could join us
Yes! Thanks so much Rachel! Got a really awesome idea from last night. May try it next time.
Looks like an awesome event!
My problem is enormous class load/ minimal time. I want a class blog, but just not enough time.
You're gonna use their chat topic from last night? :)
Q3: #3 If you’re not a blogger currently, why should you start one? If you are one, what’s 1 reason others should start?
A2: Blogs let Ts peak into other classrooms. See what works or doesn't.
If it's a class blog shouldn't the Ss do it? https://t.co/k5ldCKjX5h
My problem is enormous class load/ minimal time. I want a class blog, but just not enough time.
I thought about it. Were you there?!
No, but I have their chat in my tweetdeck list :)
I've tried student blogging the last two years. Still not a great success. Work in progress.
Just in case you missed question 3 earlier... :) https://t.co/iC5MyNjdh2
Q3: #3 If you’re not a blogger currently, why should you start one? If you are one, what’s 1 reason others should start?
-- exactly! But I have my students 30 min 1x week/every other week. No time. 😔
I did it yrs ago...need to start again https://t.co/NaaHT7jMOb
I've tried student blogging the last two years. Still not a great success. Work in progress.
A3 everyone has a unique journey through education... Everyone has much to offer.
A3: Blogs/Vlogs are great ways to extend PD, network, & incorporate publishing into instructional strategies!
A3 Time, which is not a reason but an excuse. I want it to be successful immediately
A million times this! https://t.co/9Hln90gp80
A3: Blogs/Vlogs are great ways to extend PD, network, & incorporate publishing into instructional strategies!
A3 cont reflection is the best method for growth
A3: Don't sell urself short. U have things to offer othrs. Don't let fact that u don't have to stop you from pursuing greatness :)
I totally agree
https://t.co/yRbJpna5rH
A3 Time, which is not a reason but an excuse. I want it to be successful immediately
A3: Blogs would be a great way to communicate statewide to parents
Really just trying to learn something new and speaks to self learning or incident learning which is how we learn most everything.
A3 to help better my teaching and learn from others
I've heard of Ts doing that, sometimes even putting students in charge of posting (with moderation)
Have done S blogging on small scale, trying it with one class all year next year
Blogging/blogging is accessible to everyone and less intimidating than some other forums
I got tired of being "lowest scores in the county..." & refused to let my efforts to improve go in vain https://t.co/wuBFWayciQ
A3-- it's a great way for students to share what they learn/ are passionate about, and to connect with experts.
Did you see what I did with that link? ;)
Hate it that I missed !! See everyone next time!!
You can still stick around! There's still a 1/2 hour to go!
with a state school it sometimes is difficult to disseminate information quickly, a blog could address that
Heading out of restaurant since we have been here w/ for 2 hours. I'll catch transcript later. Sorry to miss it!
Exactly! Twitter is another way that schools get the info out quickly
A3: Consider myself a reflective teacher, but it's all informal, jotted notes, etc. Want a more formal platform
No worries! See you on Thursday!
Can't sit arnd & complain abt legislature, mandates, changes, etc. & not tell the gr8 stories coming from ur classrm. That's poor.
A blog will definitely help you with that. Everything gets put in one place
Blogging/vlogging also shows progress and not only an end product!
Like Twitter... Non-threatening PD without boundaries
Q4 is coming up shortly...
Jump in if you'd like Rebecca. No pressure, just drop out if it's not working for ya.
Indeed! It also charts the failures and fixes along the way. Shows a Ts human side!
This is going to be a valuable transcript!
A3: I think would be cathartic and would provide an outlet.
I'm really surprised at the turnout :) I was thinking there wouldn't be much response!
Writing can be very soothing for the soul :)
That's right! I dropped this Macbook Air right off the couch!
Yes! Failure and friction breed change and success! Why not show the growth?
I was cautiously optimistic. :) Great job.
It's also a good model to share with our students.
Q4 What are some topics you would be interested in seeing blogs about?
Glad it's your MacBook and not mine! 😂😂😂
No problem! I always like to get new folks on board with blogging if I can!
I'm starting to become aware of that. I hope to eventually find time to blog.
A4: EVERYTHING! Like Twitter, find YOUR tribe! If it interests you, then there is SOMEONE out there that is interested too!
Sometimes it can take a few rough starts. I had that myself. Don't worry if that happens!
A4 digital citizenship, student engagement, admin collaboration teacher retention
Love it! https://t.co/UyrpumXueY
A4: EVERYTHING! Like Twitter, find YOUR tribe! If it interests you, then there is SOMEONE out there that is interested too!
A4-- I really love blogs by art teachers who write about lesson ideas but also the art teacher lifestyle and how to make it work.
A4: classroom management not involving sending students to the main office...
An admin one would be a great read!
Dude, you nailed my passion! If it concerns those topics, I read it/ listen to it.
I hope you have favorites, because a later question involves sharing blogs you love
A4: I could get into a teacher humor blog. I love hearing all the funny stuff kids say and do!
A4 cont'd -- huge classloads, classroom life hacks, assessment ideas, exhibiting work, how to get glitter out of car upholstery 😂
It's why more bloggers are always needed. Only HS teacher I follow is an ELA T who does comic blogs on his work
I have a few comic ones I can share with you later!
It's just important to write and share ideas, collaboration in rural settings is hard for some teachers, blogs would address it
Q5 coming up in a few minutes!
"glitter out of car upholstery"
Best. Response. Ever.
It's very hard to collab in rural school districts...especially if schools are far apart https://t.co/OwUsyo3xaV
It's just important to write and share ideas, collaboration in rural settings is hard for some teachers, blogs would address it
A4: I'd like to see ways to get teachers to use technology and Twitter and to make a PLN
Very true. No one has to be an expert. Only need a desire to share and grow oneself
I have a presentation on building a PLN from last year at
Q5: If you were to start your own blog, what kind of support would you want to help you keep at it?
Still new to Twitter, but we should create a hashtag for that? https://t.co/CtY4T5RuNn
A4: I could get into a teacher humor blog. I love hearing all the funny stuff kids say and do!
There is a great course on WVLearns about Creating Your PLN...hint, hint https://t.co/KzrjFjEohu
A4: I'd like to see ways to get teachers to use technology and Twitter and to make a PLN
That's becoming a more popular topic n our state, little by little. That's a great thng. https://t.co/ThbazSomBk
A4: I'd like to see ways to get teachers to use technology and Twitter and to make a PLN
Yes, take course! I haven't taken it, but I know it's good! https://t.co/3wxkBpzOZu
There is a great course on WVLearns about Creating Your PLN...hint, hint https://t.co/KzrjFjEohu
A4: I'd like to see ways to get teachers to use technology and Twitter and to make a PLN
I agree. I would love to see more Ts do so... but many feel "it's just one more thing". :/
Feedback. Tips on format. Suggestions in general...
A5: feedback, immediate feedback otherwise you feel like your are shouting at the stars
A5: I would want a community of passionate edus to lean on! is a PRO at this!
That can be done in the Yammer group we have for blogging. You can always post for feedback and such there
A5 Feedback + reflection = growth for me and anyone who would read it
Yes it is a very good class. I am surprised that so many teachers have not taken advantage of it.
I'm taking a WVLearns PLN class now and I love it! It has really opened my mind!
Unfortunately, depending on platform one chooses, you may not get many comments. Doesn't mean it isn't being read!
A5: Feedback...our students want it, we need it...
If you use Yammer, we have a blogging group on their that would love to give feedback and help/tips.
There r some tips I've learned from other gr8 bloggers to gain visibility, get noticed, etc.
Helps if I use the correct grammar... Sheesh *there https://t.co/Q2KbSc7kgS
If you use Yammer, we have a blogging group on their that would love to give feedback and help/tips.
A5 -- I do have one, but it's not up to date. I would love tips on getting students involved in blogging and keeping it going.
Or better yet, do a blog post on it!
That may be better. 140 characters not enough for that one :)
our tech dept is trying to get everyone on board with yammer ...many trainings .. Little use 🙁
... And there's your next post idea! That's how easy it can be, folks! https://t.co/iyTI7bHEUs
That may be better. 140 characters not enough for that one :)
Yammer can be hard to get into. I admit it's not something I check all the time like my RSS feed or Twitter.
LOL yams should be the new verb for it!
it's important to be able to standout but meaningfully
Using Twitter to advertise your posts with hashtags can help get the word out :)
I've noticed that there isn't much action on Yammer. Ts resistant to change unfortunately
Q6: Share-out: If you read blogs, name some that others should read!
Most of the action is by Twitter users... Hmmmm :)
I don't know if it's resistant or media overload
It's the same group mostly but we need to help build it https://t.co/jr8cyUiN6V
I've noticed that there isn't much action on Yammer. Ts resistant to change unfortunately
I'm tagging edus, lnks n their profles.
A6: I follow some of the blogs done by CPI
May want to expand to all schools for deaf and blind
Yeah never thought about that.
A6: I need to make his "humble plug" here...
been gr8 gotta run sub notes to finish for 2morrow - going to NASA training!
Have fun! Let me know how it goes!
That convo takes more than 140 characters but one more of us need to have.
lots of information... Everyone tries.. I try to encourage!
Best math blog, makes me think
He was supposed to do that during intros, but didn't follow instructions!
We need cheerleaders always!
All right everyone. Chat is winding down. Thanks for coming! I tried to reply to most everything I could :)
I blog about leadrship, assessment practices, blding relationships w/hard to reach Ss, Fam&Com engagement: https://t.co/TY5JuIykXm
Glad you finally followed directions :P
my final reflection on blogging is that is for your own personal use and allows you to document your work and will be available fo
Does anyone here use a blog as primary form of staff newsletter?
