#SquirrelsChat meets once a month at 8:00 p.m. EST to discuss education technology and tools, professional development and technology integration. This chat is moderated by Squirrels LLC, creators of classroom screen-mirroring solutions Reflector 2, ClassHub, AirParrot 2 and Ditto.
Hello all, Claudio Zavala Jr. Instructional Technology Coordinator from @DvilleTech one thing that has changed since starting my career is myself. #squirrelschat
👨🏼💻 Kelly Rexine, IT Specialist for the state of North Dakota, the introduction of devices that connect us to the world has changed how I teach & students learn today. The access to technology is far greater than I ever had growing up! #SquirrelsChat
Hi everyone! Leah from Ohio. 8th grade science teacher. The way our students interact with content/text has completely shifted in the last 20 years. :) #SquirrelsChat
Hi #squirrelschat! I'm Emily from Squirrels and I just finished watching #Jeopardy tonight and was surprised none of the contestants knew the iPhone was named Invention of the Year in 2007. Anyone else feel REAL smart when they outsmart people on Jeopardy?! 🤓
Q1-Janis from MI. FT ITC at a K8 school. Biggest change is the Technology. Went from a school computer lab 1 a week for Ss to having iPads and laptops in classrooms. Techno-babies arrive to K ready to use. #Squirrelschat
Rosalyn, in Atlanta Public Schools, Literacy Digital Learning Specialist, Students have access to high quality mobile devices around the clock, so their expectations have changed.
#squirrelschat
To actually share what I'm supposed to for this intro ... One thing that has changed in education is the focus on the individual learner. We may still have a long way to go, but I also see a lot of growth over the last decade. #squirrelschat
A1: I hope new teachers are getting instruction on how to build a learning COMMUNITY. We no longer disseminate information. We build understanding together. #SquirrelsChat
A1: Teacher prep courses in college need to focus more on adding digital resources to the training,
Schools need to support new teachers in the use of tech for instruction
#squirrelschat
A1: New teachers need to be prepared to tackle the digital divide. Not just access to technology but how to effectively and actively use the technology! #SquirrelsChat
Those experiences should be at all levels too. They need to see the learner at various stages. Where they have been, are, and where going. #SquirrelsChat
A1. Knowing that you don’t have to have all of the answers but can support learners through discovering and being open to bringing new ideas into your classroom based on student interests #squirrelschat
Q2- New Ts to our school really don’t have a set of apps or websites ready to integrate into curriculum. Having that knowledge would help with that overwhelmed feeling that comes with first year. #Squirrelschat
Hi Janis! Yes! Technology has created a MAJOR shift in education. It's interesting to see how familiar students are with tech at such a young age. #SquirrelsChat
A1: Several shifts: 1. How to maneuver social media as a teacher 2. Use technology as a tool 3. You are the guide on the side, not the sage on stage #squirrelschat
A1: I was just talking to @JenWilliamsEdu about this idea this week. She sees the drop off in excitement and enthusiasm from student teachers to new professionals. How can we keep new teachers from being jaded about the world of education? #squirrelschat
In reply to
@kellyrexine, @Squirrels, @JenWilliamsEdu
A1: Several shifts: 1. How to maneuver social media as a teacher 2. Use technology as a tool 3. You are the guide on the side, not the sage on stage #squirrelschat
A1- Just have understanding that there are lots of different ways to get content across to Ss. That we need to find a way works for both Ts and Ss #SquirrelsChat
A2: ANY piece of technology will help teachers ad students shift education toward the 4 C's. It's not about the tool, it's about how it's used. Having a "piece" of technology is NEVER the answer! It's all about the HOW and WHAT you do with it! #SquirrelsChat
A2: I have found the use of iPads & Reflector to be the best partners in science. We dig deeper, collect evidence, build amazing representations of learning, and share on the big screen easily. #SquirrelsChat
A2- TONS and some can work against that if modeled correctly. Having students interact and use that to create and experience things that they wouldn't otherwise. @geogebra@Desmos@PhETsims#SquirrelsChat
Before I forget! Take a second to share a quick birthday wish with @KeirstenHeckel! She's the voice behind @Squirrels tonight (and y'know, everyday) and is celebrating her birthday with us tonight! #squirrelschat
A2- My go to is @Seesaw. Not only can you create with it, collaborate, and app smash, but it connects school and home. High S interest and gives ownership of learning. #SquirrelsChat
Many, many tools can fit the role of encouraging Critical thinking, Creativity, Collaboration and Communication. Once we move beyond those that simply the "project onto the smart board" , we're halfway there. #SquirrelsChat
A2: Many, many tools can fit the role of encouraging Critical thinking, Creativity, Collaboration and Communication. Once we move beyond those that simply the "project onto the smart board" , we're halfway there. #SquirrelsChat
A few simple to implement strategies...give ambiguous guidelines & change rules & roles in the middle of an assignment! They are great ways to promote adaptability & prep Ss for the future workplace #squirrelschat
@rperry209 had some great ideas to connect our kids. Cool communication with Ollie robot and @SpheroEdu app. Now, his kids are continuing the coding adventure! Good stuff! #SquirrelsChat
In reply to
@beckyshy, @Flipgrid, @SpheroEdu, @rperry209, @rperry209, @SpheroEdu
Q3 - By opening my door and talking about some of the projects and things we do in my class. I know I'm no where near perfect but I am trying new things often. #SquirrelsChat
A3: I always have success by modeling the behavior and assuring them that they are not alone. Showing them how easy it is. Making sure they feel 100% comfortable and supported. #SquirrelsChat
A3: As a leader, allowing yourself to fail in front of others can help teachers struggling with change feel more comfortable in taking risks #squirrelschat
What a wonderful way to reframe the conversation! I think this could (😆) work in every facet of life. There's never going to be one right way we should do things, but what could we do, given the right opportunity, resources, etc. #squirrelschat
A3- My job lets me go into classes. @ReflectorApp makes teaching a new app to students amazingly easy! Most Ts are surprised how quickly Ss catch on. Gives them confidence. #SquirrelsChat
A3: Keep supporting them. Find ways to share ideas, tools, or tech that they may find useful. Most often, those that are unwilling just need to see value. If I can do that, hopefully change will come #squirrelschat
A3: I believe if you have data/evidence a change is worth it -- those educators now may look at that change as being a possibility instead of a necessity. #SquirrelsChat
A1: simple technology class does not work anymore. Many prospective teachers come well equipped to integrate technology. Perhaps, more collaboration with educational technology leads would be more beneficial. #squirrelschat
A2:I think it’s all in the usage of the tools and teacher styles. We as teachers have to learn to “let go” a little more and allow students to explore technology within safe parameters! #squirrelschat
A3: Change is scary because we fear doing something wrong or making a mistake. I make mistakes and own up to them when working with others. Seeing that it is common and accepted can help warm others up to change #squirrelschat
A4: Bad teachers...I believe we need to fill our educational communities with nothing but the best teachers to support our kids' learning. #SquirrelsChat
A3: Continue to offer knowledge, guidance, and support! We are building 21st century learners. The days of the old still work in some cases but we must continue to push the enevelope. #squirrelschat
A4: Bad teachers...I believe we need to fill our educational communities with nothing but the best teachers to support our kids' learning. #SquirrelsChat
A4: TEXTBOOKS!!! LOL I also see tech reluctant teachers having to either get on board or move on from the profession. We have to stay relevant with the world and truly prepare our students to be ready for their futures, NOT ours!!! #squirrelschat
A4: I would like to see the “cell phone jails” excluded and have more Ts find the educational value and resourcefulness of a tool our Ss will always have. #squirrelschat
A4: Wow...interesting Q! I see the shift to more handheld devices or 1:1 adoptions that will make interactive projectors or boards obsolete because we can easily share content & lessons to one another #squirrelschat
I love making & using multi-touch books with my students. I wish we had 1:1 iPads so that our learning from textbooks could go there totally. #SquirrelsChat
A4-Ss today have so much info at their fingertips, they don’t se need to memorize things. I see a shift in the amount of facts we throw at them to teaching them how to find information. #SquirrelsChat
A4. The front of the room. Starting to see it now. As a learner I like the flexiable feel with small group and montiors placed throughout #Squirrelschat
A4-Ss today have so much info at their fingertips, they don’t se need to memorize things. I see a shift in the amount of facts we throw at them to teaching them how to find information. #SquirrelsChat
A4: oh my lots of “hardware” and devices. We are already seeing schools go from desktops to “tablet” carts. Also, listening centers can also be accessed on tablets. #squirrelschat
I have a class set. They are of mixed ages. So, struggling right now with them. My initial grant was from 2011. ;) I would love my school to go 1:1. We would rock that out!!! #SquirrelsChat
A5: The one thing that MUST remain constant is keeping kids first. If we lead with keeping kids first in EVERY decision and thing we do, we'll be just fine. #squirrelschat
A5- That as teachers we are still learners first. We need to keep up on best practices as new technologies. We need to be brave and always look to the future not the past! #SquirrelsChat
Learning starts with relationships. Ss can learn so much more from someone they respect and admire than someone lecturing to them all day. #SquirrelsChat
Nothing beats that - especially when those relationships last for years. I still have great relationships with many of my teachers from school. #SquirrelsChat
A5: Teaching and modeling students soft skills like: honesty, teamwork, respect, responsibility, patience, self-confidence, problem solving, time management, ownership, & compromise I believe will also be a part of education for a long time. #SquirrelsChat
Everyone should always be learning. My Ss taught me as much as I taught them sometimes. Always try to improve and learn from the people around you. #SquirrelsChat
A2: Tablets and ipads in the classroom are game-changers. 4Cs are developed through enhancing student voice. Apps such as @Seesaw digital portfolio @DoInkTweets greenscreen @ReflectorApp mirroring @Flipgrid video discussion help my classroom to be more engaging #squirrelschat 🐿
Jessica Robinson, AP Lit & Gov, Tech Coach and I’m late just came from the gym 💪🏼- Biggest change has been influx of tech based technology tailored for the classroom. #squirrelschat
A1: New teachers need support. You don’t know what you don’t know. Mentors are key. The best thing my mentor told me was to get in other classrooms during my conference and explore what good Ts do well! #SquirrelsChat
A3: Patience. I dealt with some educators during some workshops I conducted in our school and noticed those reluctant to accept this digital transformation. However, I remain patient and continue empowering ts until they fully embrace tech integration #squirrelschat
What a wonderfully inspirational discussion tonight! Thank you for leading, Kelly -- I'm so thankful for your insight and experience. I hope everyone enjoyed the conversation! #squirrelschat
In reply to
@kellyrexine, @Squirrels, @KeirstenHeckel
