#whatisschool is an award winning edchat space where people can express an unbiased response to questions about schooling, where educators have a voice in shaping the future through their experience, recommendations and interests. Join us Thursdays 7pm ET / 11pm GMT / Friday 7am SGT/WA (Perth) / Friday 9am AEDT / Friday 11am NZT.
#whatisschool At least now when our Bureau of Meteorology describes the weather it is ever so literary.
Heulwen here in Melbourne Australia where it's safe to say sweating is a statewide occupation.
Q1: Teachers should consider the resources available to the students inside and outside of the school. Also, does the technology based goal integrate other content areas? How is the goal relevant to the learner? #whatisschool
I know this may sound like the antithesis to the desired response ... learning is my goal NOT technology. When I am thinking about learning I don't start with what tools I will use and then go from there. #whatisschool
#whatisschool a1 @JayThompsonEdu called it. You need to know what learning outcomes are before #edtech. However, you also need decent wifi speed. It used to take so much time to upload or download .mov or .mp4 any video content really
A2 I’ve seen how technology also helps students with different learning needs engage with other students. Technology helps give each one a “voice” inside the classroom #whatisschool
Having a clear understanding of the training necessary for staff and making the time allocation for that to happen, a timeline and always coming back to the main focus: how is this going to improve student learning? #whatisschool
If adequate boundaries are in place, technology can level the playing field for students. Students with disabilities understand technology. This allows for expression on their own terms. #whatisschool
A2. I love seeing how technology can level the playing field, making learning more accessible and relevant for all students. On demand, targeted, just in time learning. #whatisschool
Once a learning target is planned ... I see what tools are available that will complement what is happening ... is it a learning vehicle (hardware) that is needed ... a flavor enhancer that will create a better learning experience (software) ... #whatisschool
A2: Teachers can use technology to impact student learning by giving students a variety of ways to learn and demonstrate their understanding of the material taught. #whatisschool
A2: We tend to think technology equals immediate results and this is not always the case. So, a well-paced timeline is good, one which includes trial, error and reflection. Also, get feedback from the students! #whatisschool
technology creates opportunity ... how we use that opportunity is key ... are we using computers as search machines or are we building something with it? #whatisschool
2. With technology, learning can be differentiated, and extended beyond the classroom.
It can also make learning accessible to everyone in an inclusive learning environment. #whatisschool
A2 when we think about technology in the classroom, it should always be about getting students to engage, consume, produce and create action from their learning. Tech should bridge the gap bet. learning and action #whatisschool
2 - Personalising the educational experiences for students through software / hardware. Differentiated learning techniques can also be implemented, alongside your usual choice of platform options, etc. #whatisschool
It's funny but I can film myself and have students watch and they'll ne hyperfocused. When I'm signing live there is all sorts of distractions going on. Flipping learning material has been a boon. Plus you can read it slower or freeze.
#whatisschool a2
A3: My main concern when incorporating new technology into my classroom is: Do I fully understand how to use this so that I can use it appropriately in my room? #whatisschool
#whatisschool A2 We have used technology to bring experts into the classroom to interact with our students. Students can ask questions and hear the stories that textbooks cannot provide. Some of our speakers over the past years.
A3 another concern is, are my students ready to try out a new app? I did this once in a class I never handled, there was frustration in the air. #whatisschool
3 - whether its software / hardware, it needs decent user testing. Unfortunately you can't do that without trying with your own class in the setting its meant to be. So sometimes it works and sometimes it fails. Just have to keep backup ! #whatisschool
Ensuring all staff utilizing the technology is properly trained, that the technology is truly relevant for the students, that is has been vetted by our county tech people and not just "another new thing" that will gather dust. #whatisschool
A3: That it has to contribute a new way of learning, if it's the same learning via another platform then it's not going to be very effective #whatisschool
#whatisschool a3 Once had this amazing app that had vocabulary around food technology. Then the app was not updated and we lost a major #edtech tool. Students were so frustrated. It really impacted on us.
A1: What is the purpose of this tech-based goal? Is it meaningful or am I simple ticking off tech checkboxes? Is the #tech age appropriate for my Ss? #whatisschool
A3 I go back to the SAMR model and use that as a guide. Might be dated but I have to ensure that tech in the classroom serves a purpose and not a distraction #whatisschool
A2: I think the most meaningful way we can leverage #tech in the classroom is to connect our Ss with Ss around the world! Last year my Grade 2 class in #Beijing wrote a spooky Halloween story with a Grade 2 class in #Japan! It was such an exciting experience! #whatisschool
A3: Teachers and Ss should understand the optimal use of technology inside their classroom, as only presence of technology doesn't transform the learning.
#whatisschool
I'm not afraid of new technology ... or even old technology. Whether or not it works in your environment is something that needs to be verified before you actually let the kids use it during class time. #whatisschool
A3: As an #OutdoorLearning advocate I am worried cause most Ss already have far too much screen time each and every day. I like my classroom to be a bit of an oasis from that, but at the same time realize I need to teach meaningful #tech! #whatisschool
A4: I think overusing anything can get old quickly. Make sure the use of technology is meaningful, serves a purpose, and will enhance student learning and achievement. #whatisschool
A4 #whatisschool As a CS teacher I'd say always choose the right tool for the job, if a discussion suits the lesson do it, mini-whiteboards are often quickest etc. Simply don't shoe horn tech where its not needed....
A4 space it out. Don't think that just because you have apps it should be used ALL the time. Students get tired too so give them a break from using tech all the time. #whatisschool
A4) students have access to tech quite a lot outside school too. So will look out to balance with more hands learning with sensory experiences #whatisschool
A1 Consider the student learning outcomes (SLOs). Will the tech enhance the pathway to learning? Will it be a distraction? If the latter, choose another tech or method. #whatisschool
A4: Perhaps spreading them out throughout the year. Once a month, get Ss involved in the decision making, assign tech agents/captains & rotate the roles so everyone has a go at reporting back to the class. Every month work w/ one tech tool and try it. Just an idea #whatisschool
4 - We had a really good programme at a set time each week called DEAR (Drop Everything And Read). Students bring a book and read for 30mins straight, no devices. Combination of hands-on activities along with using tech will be ideal. #whatisschool
A3 With new tech vet the tech. You can enlist Ss to help you. Be sure that it serves the purpose and does not engulf Ss in a learning curve. #whatisschool
Technology should be one of many told in an educator's toolbox. Instruction should be differentiated which means utilizing the right tools for the right student. #whatisschool
A4: I teach little ones so its easy to control #tech intake, but I like to remember that Ss seriously need fine motor skills best developed through pen/paper writing, drawing and craft work. Those tend to be a priority for me! Teachers can forget those skills! #whatisschool
A4 To avoid excessive tech determine find the #swissarmyknife version. Be sure attention on tech is minimal. Avoid a learning curve blockade. #whatisschool
A4: A common understanding of when to use technology in learning, SAMR Model, and regular discussions with Ts can support appropriate use of technology. #whatisschool
A5 book creator and seesaw. I want my students to start creating resources they can use in the future and also for the school as an exemplar. Seesaw because I want students to start documenting their learning #whatisschool
5 - I learnt more about #VirtualReality over the summer break and keen to run some programmes on that. I didn't realise you can create content on HTML websites and don't need expensive graphics cards to create content. #whatisschool
A5 if we become an IB school, I can’t wait to try out managebac and see how it will help me administrate the program better.
Onwards to IB verification. #whatisschool
A5 Don't know if it's an introduction or a fall back, but want to use more synchronous webinars with @zoom_us and should also do more @padlet wall boards for Ss. #whatisschool
#whatisschool A5 Also, check out the @GooglePlus community Connected Classrooms Workshop. Ts and classes throughout the US and World 🌎. Nothing better than connecting and sharing culture with others.
A6 sharing this to PH educators. The PH education system is still toxic to innovation and digital learning. If we can make tech appealing and friendly to them then we can start the basics of tech integration #whatisschool
A6 Tech goals for 2019 include: try new tech and review PLN suggestions. Decide what works to retain. Avoid unnecessary redundancy when introducing the new. #whatisschool
Q5: I'm looking forward to introducing my Ss to and using @Flipgrid in my class this year. Just interviewed @Sean4d on my new #teaching#podcast about the very topic! #whatisschool Looks like a fun and creative way to connect with Ss all over the world!
Thank you to everyone who participated in today's chat. Please help me that @JegsAUS for helping host today. Be sure to join #whatisschool this time next week as @mrkempnz will be back!!! Thank you again #whatisschool
6 - Goal is to learn something new and give away some old resources to someone who needs it most #whatisschool thanks @JegsAUS and @ATorrens84 for the session.
Q5: I work with a teacher that is trained on using Hummingbird robotic kits. The students use SketchUp to create their projects. I would like to learn more about SketchUp in order to help my students better. #whatisschool
a6 #whatisschool#captions and yes I know @MSAUedu et al can do voice to #captions but I need to english caption sign language, which is of course silent.
#edtech wise I would like to be able to have better language patterning apps too #esol
