#ClasskickChat Archive
Classkick is hyper-focused on one goal: increase student learning. To achieve this, they listen to educators to truly understand how technology can assist in the learning process.
Tuesday December 29, 2015
Hello, and welcome everyone to this week's chat! As we are getting started, please take a moment to introduce yourself.
. Laura here, former middle school Math teacher and instructional coach from Chicago.
Peter here, ed tech developer from
Shane here, Special Services teacher at TF South High School
My name is Lupe I teach 2nd and 3rd grade :) https://t.co/OXdL5v8q1k
Hello, and welcome everyone to this week's chat! As we are getting started, please take a moment to introduce yourself.
Sue Popelka high school Calculus teacher River Falls Wisconsin
don't forget to reply with the hashtag
don't forget to reply with the hashtag
don't forget to reply with the hashtag
don't forget to reply with the hashtag
. Can you please share with us why you are interested in technology in the classroom?
hi I'm Norma and I'm a student teacher who uses class kick! 2/3 bilingual classroom.
you can introduce yourself (name grade)
Hello, I be with you for the next hour. I see tech as redefining our classrooms. Q1: Why are many teachers technophobic?
Technology engages 21st century learners in ways that are not possible or imaginable without it.
. I think teachers are nervous that something will go wrong + their classroom management will be negatively affected
A1: Tech changes so quickly before us, it sometimes feels scary 2 try things u have never tried. https://t.co/NcsIXjfJNW
Hello, I be with you for the next hour. I see tech as redefining our classrooms. Q1: Why are many teachers technophobic?
Thomas here, developer and lover of education and technology!
I agree Sue, my high school students have so many more opportunities with the technology we use in the classroom.
A1: Not sure it's phobia per se, gut I've seen T's who are overworked and don't have the time/energy to venture something new
Laura, many teachers are scared to try something new and possibly losing control of their classroom.
. Time is definitely an issue - not only for researching but for trying things out, while getting evaluated!
A1: lack of funding, unreliable IT, limited lesson time, time registering students
A1: for tech to make a difference, it should offer something transformative or meet teachers where they are TODAY
. Right: you're supposed to be the content expert in the room, but how be an expert when everything's changing?
great points, do you mean lack of funding for technology? or PD? something else more general?
I have seen many teachers that simply say that they do not have the time to invest in technology.
. And funding extends to so much more than just devices - funding in planning, preparation, collaboration...
yes! constant mandates & changes dont allow teachers to do what we ask students: explore and play! https://t.co/lUiepFG18A
. Time is definitely an issue - not only for researching but for trying things out, while getting evaluated!
. Teachers AND students. Can't assume that Ss walk into classrooms ready to use any piece of tech
Q2: What are some easy steps that even a technophobic teacher can take to implement tech in the classroom?
limited budgets in schools, work in an iPad school, if students have own devices how is it going to be funded
Q1: It is not the way they learned. They are not comfortable with it and it is just when they get good at it, it changes.
. Especially if it doesn't have proven effectiveness. "Why would I guinea pig my students without proven results?"
Q2: What are some easy steps that even a technophobic teacher can take to implement tech in the classroom?
A2: Ease of integration with exisiting programs, teachers staples, such as PowerPoint
. A2: I think the starting point is around student voice. Having students participate in what they are learning
. A2: That might come out in the way students' thoughts are collected or the way they are interacting with the world
1. play with tech at home 2. all questions 3. use students as experts 4. ask for help https://t.co/tapJMqEKX7
Q2: What are some easy steps that even a technophobic teacher can take to implement tech in the classroom?
Many are scared of the risks involved, but the reward can be great.
Yes!!! https://t.co/OUcWlNErV3
. Especially if it doesn't have proven effectiveness. "Why would I guinea pig my students without proven results?"
. And Admin expectations for teacher playgrounds in staff meetings - play and learn like their students will
Guadalupe, students are an excellent resource and would love to have their voice heard when integrating tech.
. + teach students to never stop asking why. As adults, we things all the time - they should be curious!
. Plus, students presenting using technology allows teachers to see their depth of knowledge about tech
My admin empowers our staff to use technology in the classroom and to take risks.
Teacher's need time and PD to develop activities and try things out. Without PD teachers have little time to try new things!
A2: Free apps that run on whatever device you have in the class (phones, iPads, computers). Little risk in trying something.
how does your admin empower your staff to try new things?
A2 Turn technology over to the students--give them more opportunities to lead--teachers do not have to be the experts.
. They probably have great role models above them, too - superintendents and district-wide PD providers.
love the Ss tech coordinator role. , how do you give your Ss opportunity to lead?
A2: Teachers who are hesitant to implement tech should choose one problem and look for a solution, not the other way around.
We have PDs on technology every month on using technology in the classroom and transforming the way our staff teaches.
Good point, even better give that problem to Ss to solve!
Q3: How can teachers that are more technology advance help technophobic teachers in their schools?
. Absolutely - technology should help drive the answers, although it may also make more questions!
A3: Be an example, be vocal and open up your classroom for others to see solutions in action!
A3: Our school has regular CPL sessions, showcasing new apps, what impact it can make in the class
Q3: How can teachers that are more technology advance help technophobic teachers in their schools?
. Offer to be observed to build that common language, then informal conversations on what they observed
A3: how it can be used in different subject areas, well organised short sharp sessions make a bigger impact
Collaboration with your peers is a great starting point to help those that are not tech savvy.
A3 Reach out 2 teachers & start with some small things, don't take any knowledge 4 granted https://t.co/sWcCmrVgb2
Q3: How can teachers that are more technology advance help technophobic teachers in their schools?
Agreed, trying new things is always more appealing when done in tandem!
A3: Showcasing best practise, open door policy, we encourage peer feedback with students, we can emulate that as teachers
A3: Be a mentor and lead their way into the light.
I think pairing up with a teacher who is hesitant to use technology. Come up with a joint project together.
Continued Professional Learning, DM me for examples
I have an open door policy in my class for all teachers who want to learn how they can use tech in their rooms.
. Borrowing an instructional coach or librarian can be a great way to try this for staff-strapped schools
, what's the right ratio of examples vs play for a group session on newe tech w/ Ts
. We can also now for anyone who can't be there in person, or who can't see it live
Q4: After implementing technology, how can teachers go from substituting instruction w/tech to redefining their teaching?
. Gotcha - we call them earning CPDUs (Continual Professional Development Units) to renew our teaching certificate
Q4: After implementing technology, how can teachers go from substituting instruction w/tech to redefining their teaching?
active participation, as its being demonstrated on a board, you follow steps, carry out test and use in your time
Many teachers are substituting technology in the form of PowerPoints and using word processors.
A4: I think we are always looking to grow as teachers through readings, PD's, chats like this https://t.co/HNLvbviFq7
Q4: After implementing technology, how can teachers go from substituting instruction w/tech to redefining their teaching?
Are there apps your teachers have found particularly useful besides powerpoint?
Redefining what is being taught is where we all want to be with tech, but this is hard for many teachers to conceive.
A4: Each teacher is different, but allowing students to self pace or implement a flipped classroom can be enabled by tech
What problem are you looking to solve with tech or otherwise?
A4: Flipped Learning pre-recorded presentations, students watch in their time and you can dedicate time to provide 1:1support
Here's a new app. Let's see what it can do. First person that comes up with something cool, share it
A4: One of the most powerful benefits of a tech-driven classroom is putting more focus on student-directed learning.
Kami Butterfield Grade 3 Kansas
yes! I was just thinking of flipped classrooms!
Really depends on what you hope to achieve, is it to assess understanding, show progress over time, feedback
A1: I think sometimes it has to do with intimidation and the kids knowing more than us.
I am interested using technology in my classroom because it provides an audio and visual of what is being taught.
Looking for ideas. However, time is always a problem for me. Time to plan and time to implement w/mandates.
we need to try more Flipped Classroom stuff once school starts again!
A1:This app takes intimidation out of the technology.
. I love that idea. Quick Demo Slams of new ideas!
Take a look at the SAMR model to help understand how you can go from substitution to Redefinition https://t.co/G7PvWfMFSv
Q5: Besides the tech options presented here https://t.co/0LOZaglR0Y , what are other tech resources a teacher can implement?
. Those mandates to make sure we've actually tried it. Accountability is such a necessity sometimes.
A4: Flipped Classroom allows students to start activity straight away, tackling misconceptions from the off
. Yes to providing multiple modalities for our kids! I'm such a word person, I would rather read the narrative
then students can train each other!
. But some of my kids were exactly the opposite. They needed to hear it, to touch it!
. Not only the kids knowing more than us, but struggling to help them when we're supposed to establish trust
Hi all! Greg Port - Maths/Tech integration in Perth Australia
A5: The article mentions great tech, but it's mostly all T-centric. The next step is to have Ss take ownership!
yes and it allows them spaces to explore and create even more!
has been my best tool in a 1:1 iPad class with senior maths students
The amount of tech that is available is truly the key into how much you can implement in your classroom.
. A4: I think it goes back to what was saying - its about planning for one specific problem.
. A4: How can this one task really showcase students' abilities in a new way that demands more of them?
1 of the great things about tech is that u can have all this differentiation to serve many needs
Using technology/apps can be a bit overwhelming , there is so much out there, finding what to use that best fits is tough
At the same time be sensitive to the fact that many Ss are thecnophobes, too.
I'd still love to help you find a solution. Can you name a specific problem that we can brainstorm on here?
Being a special education teacher I am able to differentiate on the go in my co-taught classes.
Agreed. For those timid Ss, let's encourage and model a growth mindset about technology as just another skill.
These are all really great ideas! A5 have students present areas they are experts in https://t.co/3tqG2eBXal
Q5: Besides the tech options presented here https://t.co/0LOZaglR0Y , what are other tech resources a teacher can implement?
Experimenting with different forms of technology is a necessity to see what works with each individual class.
A5: I really like seeing the teachers that are creative with showcasing technology can's without necessarily using the tech
Q6: What effect does Internet/wireless connectivity have on the implementation of technology at your school?
you need to periscope one of your PD sessions, sounds amazing!
I think we need to move from "e-learning" to "c-learning" - collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, communication.
A5: Make use of technology not only as a learning tool but as one to help show progress over time
Teachers must rethink roles altogether to go from teacher-as-omniscient to teacher-as-co-learner https://t.co/5pIZBeqGqy
Many teachers are substituting technology in the form of PowerPoints and using word processors.
A6 soemtimes it makes the difference between using tech or not since many apps require internet https://t.co/yk22cZ8wtC
Q6: What effect does Internet/wireless connectivity have on the implementation of technology at your school?
In our school we have added hundreds of hotspots, but teachers are still hesitant about connectivity.
A6: tech needs to be as reliable as paper bc every moment of class time is precious
A6: Contingency planning, if technology fails. Continuous changing technology, where best to invest for the long term
. A6: Wireless issues often meant foregoing streaming video. Teachers really had to plan well
Just another skill that will take a while to get good at and make mistakes along the way https://t.co/RLrVxzyp2X
Agreed. For those timid Ss, let's encourage and model a growth mindset about technology as just another skill.
absolutely! Our role must change to reflect the changes we are making bc of technology
A5: Many or the resources that are used in my classroom are founded from searching the Internet or the App Store.
. A6: You have to be ready for what you can do IF the tech is working, AND if its not
Just another skill that will take awhile to get good at while mistakes are made along the way
A6: Work in an iPad school, so technology is used in every classroom, continously monitored, where necessary updated
it makes a huge diff but can't always depend on the tech becuz it can be dwn so u have to improvise
. But its also a lesson in "real talk" with students - sometimes things don't work the way we planned; keep going!!
As teachers we must be able to adapt and go with the flow. This is something I tell my peers who are scared of technology.
. And tell your students! Its okay if things happen; it's not okay not to have a backup plan or adaptability
We're rounding up to the end of this week's chat on implementing technology in the classroom.
Thank you so much to this evening's host for his wise words and probing questions!
getting the network working was my top priority! Luckily I have a great IT tech crew
great! the next session I lead is going to start with a tech failure and me adapting. love it!
I love that sometimes my students tell me what's happening: Ms. Rivera its just buffering! lol https://t.co/78mS9QtzJk
. And tell your students! Its okay if things happen; it's not okay not to have a backup plan or adaptability
This chat has been very enlightening and I believe if we could add our peers to such a chat we would start to see changes.
Hang onto that tech crew! worth their weight in gold
Please join us next week for "The First 8 Minutes" with Classkick Mentor
thanks for the thought provoking questions and for moderating. great job!
. Any final thoughts/takeaways to share with the Classkick Community?
