#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.
Hi everyone and thanks for having me again as your cohost. My name is Adam and I am a Digital Learning Leader at SAIS in Singapore. Excited for today's chat and I hope you all take something away today! #whatisschool
Hello everyone. George from Japan - where I teach secondary English. I also write a blog at https://t.co/HVCqyGmhNd. I'm excited to join you all in learning this morning. #whatisschool.
Hi my name is Shane Zumwalt and I am a Senior at the University of Oklahoma. I want to become a Spanish teacher! This is my first Twitter Chat #whatisschool
A2 #WhatIsSchool Consumer apps like @readingeggs allow children to work through a gradual reading scheme at at their own pace, allows children to get individual practice and support #educhat#reading
A2 #WhatIsSchool Consumer apps like @mathletics3PL are still highly useful where children just need to learn a simple mathematical function and then have a lot of practice at getting better at it #educhat#maths
A1: I feel like those who are new to tech more often go towards consumption apps bc they tend to be more in their comfort zone. I.E, I have a list of 200 platforms that people shy away from bc they don't know how to use most of them. Let the Ss learn & show you! #whatisschool
A1: I think it's that there is more structure to consumption based apps which almost limits children's creativity, although they are good for consolidation #whatisschool
I think that's a really good point, as allowing children to lead the learning is so powerful and helps teachers to broaden their skillset. #whatisschool
A1: Creation based apps allow for more student creativity & engagement because they are actively designing, building, exploring, etc. Consumption apps have their place, but I prefer creation. #whatisschool
A1)Consumer based apps - Ss are passive,
Creation based apps -Ss are actively engaged and create and express their thinking/ learning via various mediums like videos, animations,images, coding or even teach someone. #whatisschool
A1: I see creation based apps as being able to make something new or change something to be different. Consumption based apps are often games that require no creation or next steps #whatisschool
A4 #WhatIsSchool Depending on the age of the children I prefer them to have more ways of solving a problem, so they start to think about not only the work but the most appropriate way of doing that work #educhat#choice
A1 I’d say comfort level with tech is a big factor. And for twens/teens,consumption apps let them feel part of the social dynamic even if they are struggling with real life connections #whatisschool
I agree that creation based apps allow for more creativity, and that it is very important to allow students to be creative and engage themselves in their work. #WhatIsSchool
A1: creation apps allow kids to design their learning while consumption apps are limited to their own barriers. Depending on the consumption type of app some are better than others. #whatisschool
A1. Consumer based apps help us complete certain tasks and save us time while creation apps can be more personal with more specific goals. #whatisschool
A1 - creative apps involve higher order thinking skills and knowledge construction compared to consumer apps. Lots of consumer apps I see in classrooms are "busy work/play/keep children quiet" apps. #whatisschool
A1: As a school we put a focus on Creation based apps over consumption based apps so our kids have the opportunity to make, create and inquire deeper into the WHY of learning #whatisschool
A1. Creation based apps are more powerful if you want to enhance students' creativity. On the other hand consumer based apps offer us many possibilities. The teacher's job is to know what kind of tools we have to use in each case.
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A1: Creation apps also allow students to show their learning in a way that is meaningful to them. I love when I wind up with 30 different projects! No one likes grading 30 of the same project! #whatisschool
I’m Lainey from Hong Kong! I’m excited about this chat, but will only be in and out as I’m prepping for Ss soon! I will make sure to thoroughly catch up later. I’m excited to learn this morning #whatisschool
A1: Well they both have a valid intent. One intends to build the knowledge (consumption) that leads to appilication and better informed design. I don’t prefer one or the other as I think both are important. Sometimes, the creation based apps are more fun! #whatisschool
A1. I think that consumer based apps would require less critical thinking & problem solving. Whereas creation based apps allow for students to explore, problem solve, and express themselves at their own level #whatisschool
#whatisschool A1: I agree with everyone here on the diff. Content apps benefit S as even if they show a little attempt, you can see the challenge. Consumption is the brain dump for when have nothing left.
A2: It was stated earlier by someone that consumption based apps can be used to build knowledge. Something like News360 can help students research a topic & learn more about it. #whatisschool
A2: I think consumption based apps have a place with the practising of skills with subjects like Mathematics where answers are often right or wrong ..... #whatisschool
A2)creativity is a continuous cycle of critical consumption , inspiration & creation, as per @spencerideas “if you watch people engaged in creative work, they are often critical consumers of the same type of work they create.” Consumer apps has or place in learning #whatisschool
A1: Consumer based apps often give one prescribed method of learning and deter students away from being creative whereas creation based apps encourage student creativity, innovative thinking and collaboration. Our classroom motto is BE the CREATOR not the CONSUMER. #whatisschool
A2: One of our teachers yesterday requested a math app on just one student’s device so that he can try to spend some independent time practicing math concepts to help improve his mental math. Would love some thoughts on this. #whatisschool
A2 I believe all different kinds of apps have a place in education if they are used appropriately. They can benefit students by expanding their creativity and content knowledge. #WhatIsSchool
This is differentiating the learning for a child's learning needs. I think that anything that is targeting specific skills for certain students is positive #whatisschool
A2: I think consumption based apps allow kids to participate peripherally in a social context and to practice and build skills (in specific areas) #whatisschool
A2.Our pupils forget most of what we teach them.They will however remember us their teachers forever.Lets be good and kind to them.A kind word can last a lifetime and I know #whatisschool
A2. I think that consumption based apps have a place in subjects like #math where there’s a definite answer. My students love using @MathleticsUK and are excited to practice their skills. #whatisschool
A2: Consumption based apps are great for skill-building and reinforcement. If they are done well, they can keep a students interest while helping them acquire skills and content without them even realizing they are learning. #whatisschool
A2: Consumption based apps are used for subjects that are looking for a specific answer like math. It allows them to continue to practice and develop new skills in those subjects #whatisschool
I agree. At the same time we introduced our students to creation based VR apps and we have seen a lot more engagement from students creating VR art galleries to VR tours of model houses and one student even managed to put users inside his iPhone #whatisschool
A2. Some can be used in languages at a beginner level to get some vocabulary, but there’s interaction and creation needed after to build understanding and learning #whatisschool
A3: Talk to kids, talk to teachers, talk to parents but don't allow a free for all. Have a matrix or rubric for what apps should have. Be consistent and thoughtful as to the value they add to student learning outcomes #whatisschool
A3: We need to look at the ‘why' before we think about the ‘what’ It makes no sense the other way around. It needs to be learning focussed. How will this improve student learning? #whatisschool
A3: I'm a big believer in pilot programs. Allow a teacher to test something out with students. She it if works. Have other Ts observe the class. Do they feel like it would work? Once you have some Ts & Ss talking about it, ask where is fits within the whole school. #whatisschool
#whatisschool a1 Watching basketball you'll gain / practice analytical skills but playing basketball is the other hand where you create and make skills happen. Is the 2 hands of consumption and creation.
#apps
A3.There must be a real need to have the app to make things easier or to accomplish something that could not be done without that app, it needs to have a real impact on learning #whatisschool
A3: For me it comes down to your education why. What value will it add for students? If a teacher can share that with me, I support them if I can. #whatisschool
A3: I think you should use something like the SAMR model + backwards planning. What are the desired outcomes/assessments? Then go backwards from there. #whatisschool
True. But some apps are for specific situations. Not all will be suitable across the whole school. Fit the App to the purpose. Ask yourself “what problem am I trying to solve?” #whatisschool
A3 - learners cannot add apps, teachers can request apps that they think would be beneficial for their class. eTeam make the final decision. We have currently culled a lot of apps and are building back up with what teachers USE and think ENHANCE learning for Ss #whatisschool
A3: I think to determine an app in a classroom we need to ask the questions of how will it be beneficial to our students? What ways can they grow as learners when using these apps? #whatisschool
A3. In our innovation department we are working on the validation of a questionnaire that allows us to identify the ideal apps, depending on their security, creativity promotion, teamwork options, content, accessibility, offline options, etc.
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A3: This depends on many different variables. We need to allow a certain level of experimentation with new apps while making sure to provide a variety of known effective apps. There should be some limitations but also testing before greenlighting on a large scale. #whatisschool
I agree with you Clare! I think another question that could be asked is how can my students continue to grow academically if they are using this app #whatisschool
A3: there are great options for differentiation and inclusion - it’s definitely not always a one size fits all. Having flexibility to support student need is important #whatisschool
#whatisschool a2 Consumption apps are the reading of #learning. They bring much language to learning. And then we can bring that to our writing anon...
Your answer aligns with what we do at our school. Our 8 year old students had over 150 apps on their iPad and our goal for next year is less than 40, that have a strong purpose and that allows students to gain transferable skills #whatisschool
A3. I think schools should do a lot of research on apps before introducing them to students. We need to make sure these apps are adding value to student learning in schools. #whatisschool
A4. Every student learns differently so there should be multiple apps to address different learning styles and also allows students to feel independent. #whatisschool
A4: i think this goes back to what you need to successfully deliver the curriculum or lesson. More apps are not necessarily better if only 1 or two good ones are effective #whatisschool
#whatisschool A2: I just found Question 2! this is a fast tweet. B/c I see Ss only 5 days/mo, I tend to make Fridays "fun Friday"where there is more choice of Consumption; I do model content ones Ss then tend to try them out.
A4 how many coloured pencils is the right number in a pencil case? Students need to know why they need to app? how it will support their learning? If it is the best tool for the task - is it efficient and effective? #criticalthinking#whatisschool
A4: I think it is more important that the students learn about each app and what it is for and use each one before putting so many apps on their devices. #whatisschool
A4: Here are the major creation based apps we use at @SAISSingapore with our Lower Elementary students - KG2-Grade 2 (graphic created by @ATorrens84) #whatisschool
A4: As many as they need. Some work for certain situations and some will be used all the time. I use MS Word and Keynote every day, others only occasionally. #whatisschool
A4: Tough question! I personally think less, but they need to be great and able to be used in many different ways. But tech is changing so fast we need to make sure we always have the best. That's where Adam and Craig come in!#whatisschool
A4: I think it probably depends on the student but I think that having more apps for creativity is good because it allows students to create something that is meaningful/unique to them and not feel restricted to having to use a certain app. #whatisschool
A4) Depends on age - for young one less is more. Having less helps to focus on learning something deeper than a clutter of Appa’s and not using it to full potential #whatisschool
A4: Here are the major creation based apps we use at @SAISSingapore with our Upper Elementary students - Grade 3-5 (graphic created by @ATorrens84) #whatisschool
A4: In my opinion, sometimes less is more. I’d prefer for kids to develop advanced creative skills on 10-15 apps than develop basic skills on 30. If you can add in some effective, consumption apps for each discipline, you are giving Ss and Ts just what they need. #whatisschool
A4) Depends on age - for young one less is more. Having less helps to focus on learning something deeper than a clutter of Apps and not using it to full potential #whatisschool
A4. There should be a balance, students need to have options to develop their creative skills but with some scaffolding and organization. #whatisschool
A little push back....what if they have one app that does three things, but they have the two other apps too? I fear they could lose efficiency, direction, organization, etc.
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A4: introduce Ss to the key apps but allow them the freedom to choose too IMO, find out what they can create independently and teach others #whatisschool
A5: For me this has to be @joinbubble THE best app I've seen and worked with for teaching #digcit but also for integrating cross curricular ideas into a safe social media platform for under 13s. #whatisschool
Fair point. Some students love Pages. I prefer Word. For some tasks we do, Word works while Pages doesn’t. I want the students to be adaptable and I talking HS context rather than junior school. #whatisschool
A5 - We LOVE @BookCreatorApp - this is used at all levels of learning at our school. Our year 1-4 students use @Seesaw to share their learning with families. @googledrive and google apps are a staple on our iPads too #whatisschool
#whatisschool a4 #edtech choice is like jam buying. Too many and ppl get bogged in decision. Too little and it's no choice, square peg in round hole.
I'm of the thought though that less is more.
A5: Any subject is a tough one for me. In English I will just flat out say I prefer books and text to every app out there. If I had to choose one universal app, I might go with @Flipgrid or @padlet because they are so useful in so many settings. #whatisschool
A5: I hate to be the one to say it, but Google Docs. Between hyperlinks, sharing, and the ability to draw things....it's the Dodge Minivan of apps
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A5: The standalone Apps on the Mac work a treat for almost anything, but I like use any number of things. At the moment, I’m loving @MetaverseApp and @nearpod and just starting to play with @cospaces_edu#whatisschool
It's new and I think a real game changer for educating young people about social media. Users are verified by schools, it's completely free and all content is moderated #whatisschool
a5 Is there a similar #app graphic for lower elementary apps valued by @SAISSingapore singapore or as I like to think of them, the littlies
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In reply to
@mrkempnz, @SAISSingapore, @ATorrens84, @SAISSingapore
A6 #whatisschool if you are looking for creation based AR and VR apps you can’t go past https://t.co/KYAVBxnNxl plus an area where teachers and students can submit examples for the world to see. All non profit
A6: Super proud of the #SAISrocks staff! Follow our @SAISSingapore school hashtag and the amazing teachers to see the best applications in their classrooms #whatisschool
A6: Oh gosh there are so many great educators to follow and many of them are RIGHT HERE. I would say to follow the hashtag #ipaded as well for ideas etc. Also follow @jessicarose325@feetetweet#whatisschool
A6: I think people should follow the Apple Distinguished Educators because they expose you to new apps and provide tips with how to use certain apps in the classroom. #whatisschool
Thank you so much to everyone for making this a great chat. The ideas were valuable and helpful and can't wait to start up again in 2019! Thank you again! #whatisschool
A4: Less is better. We need to carefully choose apps that deliver max learning value to kids. The apps I use most often in my classroom are: @AppleEDU@SeeSaw@Flipgrid#whatisschool
Thank you all so much for a great first Twitter Chat! I cannot wait to come back and talk with all of you again. Thank you @mrkempnz@ATorrens84 Hope everyone has a great night/day!! #whatisschool
A5 apps that facilitate collaborative working like g suite apps. great way to keep group work on track and an opportunity for students to model examples that provide scaffolding for others. really helps students to achieve high standards (with the right guidance) #whatisschool
