#edtechchat Archive
#Edtechchat focuses on Education Technology. Co-founder Tom Murray says #edtechchat "connects us professionally with inspiring educators from all over the world, all of who encourage us to be better every day for the children and families we serve.”
Monday August 1, 2016
starts is 29, 28, 27, 26, 25 skip a few 1 ...9
I predict will tweet 666 times.
wait does that mean I will issue the death tweet tonight
We will use a Q1 Q2… format for Questions during . Please use the A1 A2… format for answers.
Tonight's topic - tips & tools for starting the new academic year
Alex - from NJ - recovering from rainy end to vacation
Howdy all. Greg here and feeling better. Network issues are creeping in to my system.
Make sure to add to all of your tweets tonight for this chat. Your voice matters!
My name is flibbity flam flub flawaaaaaaa and my brain feels like Nathan
Robbie, Media & Ed Tech instructor in ATL. We officially start back tomorrow (today was just practice)
Welcome to - Please introduce yourself and where you are from!
Ggggggggrrrrrreeeeegggggg!!!!!!!
Q1 coming up in 1 minute…
I am Allison a primary teacher from Dallas, TX. We reached the hottest day of the year today in Dallas. https://t.co/tk0JPb5uLJ
Kym, 3rd grade teacher, OK. We start back next week.
Bruce from NJ. Technology teacher. Teach Google apps, coding and video production
Q1: Do you have a planning system/methodology you use to stay organized?
Greg in Chattanooga, and the teachers start Thursday, the kids on the 11th.
2nd year teacher, 1st grade from the Chicago-land area!
Hello, all! Spanish teacher from KY, here! Seeking my MLIS currently at UK.
Alex, working to put us way over the line on tonight :)
A1 I am laughing two things so far to help with organization and
A1 If making separate piles of folders from each course qualifies as organization, then yes I do.
MAZbayEdu 1stChat Univ Audio Prod T in CA and M.Ed S in Ed Tech, Interested in Instr Design and sharing HigherEd tips
A1 yeah it is called a big pile of mess. Organization is a pipe dream
Welcome Jaclyn, and congrats on your 2nd year. BTW I love Chicago.
A1. I generally use a series of folders (date/subject) on desktop & Google. But this yr, going to try
If any teachers or educators would like to be interviewed for my site, teachersusethis tweet back
Glad you could join us again!
Believe it or not, we are fans of the paper planner.
Hi all, Catherine from NY. Library media spec.
A1: I try to use and , but also now and
A1: I keep trying to use , but I can't seem to sustain it
A1 google has been my main source of organization
A1 I am launching two things so far to help with organization for 2016 school year: and
just because you are unorganized doesn't mean the rest of us have to be
A1 I have also been making piles in my Google folders for a couple of years, too.
A1 - Use Chrome so all my favorites and bookmarks are synced on any machine I log into. I create bookmark favorite for each gr
A1 I use Google docs to keep organized. Also email myself and keep in folder
A1) I use a Google calendar with my Passion Planner to try to get things right.
(We are talking electronically - right? Because my desk is a nightmare. :-)
yes - any organization counts! not all tools are digital
I'm Tracy from KY. First time in a chat!
Thinking about starting a . If today is Day 1, we'll be done by Conv. Anyone with me?
Welcome Tracy. I'm your lower neighbor in Tennessee. Learn Lots.
Welcome to ! Please introduce yourself and where you're joining us from!
some people I know love that solution
A1 We use dropbox as a department to keep everything in one place.
The trick is working out an efficient combination of the two. If that exists, I haven't discovered it yet.
A1: I also use Google Docs frequently. My "lesson plans" are PP decks with whole chapters.
Tech Rabbi from Los Angeles
Hello ! Cathy, edtech specialist in NYC from NJ.
when you do I thionk you get to write a book about it!
how do you deal with multiple google accts? Driving me batty.
A1 - b. Use (in stream format) for organizing ideas & 4 taking notes. handles morning broadcast
A1 I number my files in unit folder so that I (and Ss) can see exactly what order things are used. Prefer paper calendar for day
I forgot about Google Calendar. Essential!
Yes, ma'am Kristen! Feel out of my element here but I'm trying. Nice to see a familiar face.
A1: always struggling finding the best productivity app. I'm visual so giving a try. - also live by my calendar.
Terri Cullen Assoc Prof. and
very batty! I try to be very aware of where I am working, but it never fails. I share w myself or create new
Hi everyone, Rachelle from Pittsburgh, I teach Span & Fr, and a course
Jennifer from OR joining from swimming lessons. I'm a STEM Instructional Coach
I really like that padlet idea for organizing ideas. I have always used it for use with classes.
I am embarrassingly awful with Dropbox.
Q2 coming up in 1 minute…
A1 - I use Google Classroom to keep students organized with my classes.
Mark from Oceanside, CA (in SD) About to start my second year in HS Bio and Earth Sci https://t.co/76jzWrV4N8
Welcome to ! Please introduce yourself and where you're joining us from!
How can you join from the pool? Isn't water bad for your stroke form?
Joining in for the first time! 8th grade inclusion sped teacher here 😊
do you use different color folders and such to stay organized?
New user-Looking forward to using this year with my Ss
Q2: What tools/techniques do you use to manage your rosters/gradebook?
A1 Canvas LMS and Schoolwide Server Storage
I love the huge desk calendars they always have tons of at the beginning of the year!
Hi Rachelle!!! Sorry I missed you in D.C.
On the observation deck 😊
A2 Canvas gradebook with Excel Backup
yes different colors and different pictures. That helps, but there needs to be easy way to share between accounts
A2: We use an LMS called onRecord from Blackbaud to centrally manager all this
A2 In my county we have infinite campus. Does everything for us.
A1: .for personal and professional and a If it's not on the calendar- it doesn't exist!
your own accounts or accounts within the school?
Emilia, NJ techie, who is sorry to be late! Hi all!
A2 - Google classroom. I create section and kids enroll themselves.
A1 Do sticky notes count?
A2 Luckily, I don't have to do grades 🤗 but my Ts use Gradebook from . Some still use paper
Hello The Greg! Great to see you!
A2: I used excel some when I taught. Now I have to use excel a lot to check teachers gradebooks and look for outliers
Oh yeah! Multiple Google calendars in different colors! I agree - not on calendar, it doesn't exist!
I put one on the back of my office door so I can see what's coming up at all times. :-)
both- I have 3 accounts that I use, 1 for school 1 for my and 1 personal
A2 I use the school one but also and my own paper notes and spreadsheets frm using tools
In understand - backups are always a good idea!
A2 Google sheets. I need to learn how to leverage them to do more
I was looking forward to seeing you sorry to miss you!
A2 my district uses informationNow for their rosters/gradebook
A1 Organization: Do search engines, google drive, and hard drive searches count?
A2 My Ts use PowerSchool and Gradebook but many keep a backup in Excel or other format, including paper.
I do have a paper backup. IC hasn't crashed yet but what a nightmare.
I am obsessed with sticky notes since getting scrum trained.
i try to keep personal separate from work - makes it easier and safer to find things.
We've also tried the "Bulleted Journal" approach. It's pretty cool.
any reason you don't just use the school provided solution?
A2 Our whole district uses Aeries for attendance & grades. I’ll add Google Classroom this year https://t.co/E8iAdx2rFR
Q2: What tools/techniques do you use to manage your rosters/gradebook?
A2: is also a great resource for data for elementary Ss
A1 I have lots of folders, and google folders too, I have a system
We love Levenger and Molskin, too. :)
I use it for everything and keep track of Ss progress w/other tools and also so Ss can see their grwth w/
A2 we use Love it! Now they have a learning management system that seamlessly integrated with the gradebook
A2: I like traveling between home and school with my paper grade book. Easy to just plop down and grade anywhere. 😂
A2: I can't imagine how people get along without an LMS in this area.
also trying this year to provide public view of everything we are working on - just starting setup
Which Passion Planner do you have? I would like to like mine more, but I think it's too small
Digital photo rosters are great for large class sizes
I keep personal/professional accounts separate too! Just easier.
I assume the school provided solution doesn't provide many of theose features? :)
Hello relative! You saw more than I did last week
I have the big one, I like it.
A2: we use PowerSchool in our district but most of us keep backups in excel or numbers
, local computer excel most reliable, but limits access for Ss, LMS covers that better
We're also big fans of Google calendar and have our students sync the school calendar, and student portal onto the iPad.
I had to read that twice, I thought you said SWIM instructional coach - :) Welcome to
Q3 coming up in 1 minute…
A1: Trying and revisiting
Dan, business teacher from St. Louis jumping in late.
Backtracking. A1: I want an Erin Condren teacher planner bad!
A2: our district uses Tyler SIS.
Q3: How do you manage communications with your students/parents?
A2: In terms of grade book, the school uses PowerSchool. I keep printed spreadsheets by quarter for accidentals.
Alex tech teacher in LA. listening on
A3 Not as often as I'd like. But mainly via phone. Low income school not many computers at homes.
A3: Our LMS does community groups, but we also have email and Honeywell for emergencies
A3 We use Parent Portal. Just created a FB page this year and quarterly newsletters
A3 This year I will be using remind. Newsletters, phone, email, face2face same as in the past
A3 - use Google Clssroom with students email or call with parents
A3. I send home 1 sheet once. Then , Twitter, Website, , phone calls (Title I school). Paper is useless.
isn't over! Join the discussion now! https://t.co/9T02Y5BQwZ
Q3: How do you manage communications with your students/parents?
OK I'll bite - what is the Passion Planner?
Tools are tools; we adjust them for the purpose, and it's okay to use a combination of both manual and digital.
A2) We use PowerSchool for attendance and grades.
A3: We use Harmony to send out mass emails to parents, Canvas for student communication, and Twitter for the community.
Watch out for 's latest updates & streamlined school communication
A3 Not as well as I want to but I have used a blog and we are updating the school website and paper newsletters translated
A3: All digital via email: newsletters, "InstaLearn," calls home if needed. I used at least 3x a week
use Slack daily and used to use Trello It is too much work imo
A3 through the messaging in the lms or since we are 1:1 w/Chromebooks. Easily done right through the LMS
A3 I use for Ss and Ps, w/ Ss and email is avail. Also have w/Ss for ths yr
Try Remind! Only need a phone with texting capabilities. I love it!
A3: Email, remind, phone calls
A2: Rosters/grades for school are managed by , now . I use for my small groups
I've heard of that before have to check it out. They all have cell phones for sure!
A3 Facebook and Twitter too and phone calls but it's challenging
A3: I use . Our parents submit email addresses, and all Ss are given one in our district. I also use my website.
A3: I also am rolling out a Google Site to communicate with Ss and parents this year.
A3 My Ts can email parents directly but some who use communicate that way. Powerschool allows for bulk P emails.
The best plan! https://t.co/h6HFyaj2n9
Tools are tools; we adjust them for the purpose, and it's okay to use a combination of both manual and digital.
A3) We Have a calling sys. where I can send blast voice messages, text, or email. We also use social media.
A3: I am going to start incorporating Twitter into my communication plan this year as well.
A3 email usually. It is the official form of communication
Email is a pretty standard, but lots of kids don't check email. We're looking into using Remind this year.
I am hoping to automate some with
A3a and when necessary, teachers will call parents or schedule F2F conferences.
A3 on the higher Ed level, we use snake signals to communicate with parents
A3) I also like using as well as some use
A3: email is my preferred for personal communication. And remind. I want to start more social media integration next year.
A3 Our LMS (email lists), Remind, Cel.ly (but this has now changed).
only you would use snake signals
more like smoke signals but I like snake signals
A3 Google site for resources and I have teacher Twitter, Vine & Instagram accounts to share brief announcements like HW
I use but would like to use it better, especially w
me too! Hoping it will increase parent involvement
is lovely. No extra work. Just conversation and getting stuff done
A3, anyone else in Higher Ed? Emails, LMS, but how much should we send to remind college students?
I want to do this more. Kids are so plugged in and jazzed about social media! And I love it too!
created a check in communicator with and for when I travel w/ daughter
my kids are addicted to Twitter so I'm going to try and use it for homework help and extra support.
Q4: What What tools/techniques do you use to manage your lesson plans?
I place the burden on them. They are old enough.
you just reminded me I forgot to sign up for their workshop which started today!!
I am a student in higher ed and I love how my professor is able to easily communicate with me through remind
At a lang conf I attended a teacher was doing a homework "menu" and let students choose. Loved that idea!
they love it. Make a teacher acct. I take pics & videos with Instagram & share them on twitter. Parents follow too!
A4: We use a system called Rubicon Atlis, but that's about all I know :)
I should do a blog, website, or newsletter for my libraries but what platform and with what time?
A3 More customer outreach for me, but social media in general is a big factor. Esp blog, tweet, and to a lesser degree FB.
A4: We use Canvas, which is awesome. I create pages for my lessons and outlines.
A4) All about Google for managing docs.
A4 I use to plan my lessons
Q4 Google sheets with embedded links to resources. It makes it easy to share with others
A4 my lesson plan says activity and the #. I love higher Ed.
A4: Good 'ol PowerPoint. I do one deck for each ch. If I don't make a slide, I don't remember things. https://t.co/uV6Xp7tcCz
Q4: What What tools/techniques do you use to manage your lesson plans?
I've heard good things about
check out these AR note taking devices. They attach to real world surfaces better than the pokemons. https://t.co/zq7U7WvCkK
sorry to hear! We're actually being encouraged to use Twitter more
Good question. Occasional reminders (emails through LMS announcements) beginning of semester. https://t.co/QlaynODOeZ
A3, anyone else in Higher Ed? Emails, LMS, but how much should we send to remind college students?
A4 Ironically, I usually write down, yes with actual pen and paper, the main points and steps. It helps me focus.
A4 Still a Google girl for this. Keeps me organized
We're big fans of Twitter in the classroom. One problem for signing up new users is the phone number requirement.
I use blogspot and my goal for next year is every week
A4: I use google docs for managing everything.
A4 - Google Docs. Easy th share and collaborate with other teachers.
Q4 Usually PP but starting to use Prezi more.
A4 Our district has Rubicon Atlas which our supervisors employ and enjoy with the teachers.
. My reminders are typically about changes or updates (re: schedules or due dates). I prefer LMS, but have used voxer.
I start with that goal every year but it usually does a horrible death at week 2
A4: google docs for lesson plans with
A4 In finding redundant but with it has our planner, gradebook, discipline, attendance and LMS all in one login
We tried Rubicon Atlas, but w/out organizational leadership, it was an expensive flop.
I just get so worried about network outages with Prezi. We're in a relatively isolated area.
A4: paper and pen for myself, too
aren't mailman afraid of dogs
Q4 coming up in 1 minute…
Hadn't thought about outages. Was converting PP to Prezi but something to think about
you are first person outside my school I have found to use Atlas. Do they really enjoy it? I want to change
A4 Hand written, then developed further on Google Docs. More difficult to crumple and throw in trash if/when it bombs.
A4: I previously used PP, but my goal is to switch to googledocs
Not ironic. Neuroscience proves that we remember written things better.
docs and sometimes slides is all you need 99% time
If you can automate a reminder, why not?
Simplifying communication is key in today's world. The easier to reach, the more effective the result.
it is only a number 4,5,42
that is exactly what I would love to do - save a lot of money too
Hi all, Greg from , CA joining late! Assistant Director of Technology.
No shade. It's just hard to stay organized for me in these things.
The world is tech driven; if we don't integrate, the kids lose.
Sees a bit like micromanagement, regulating which SM you can use at the district level.
No pressure Alex but the Learn Like a Pirate chat is already on #5.
They seem to! Last week a supervisor spoke about it saying that it was a piece of cake to set up & for Ts to use
It's never to late to join
Q5: What tool/tips do you set up to make sure you get in PD during the year?
you are doing great for a first timer. Keep it up
A4: Used for lesson plans in former district. Exploring or own website.
First timer here too, am I slacking? :)
I don't write every word. 😂 More like cues for myself.
A5: I am trying to change my schedule to allow more chats and webinars - maybe some hangouts
you should check out - their chat pages break out the questions and answers
A5 make it interactive. Don't kill off you peeps interest
Q5 coming up in 1 minute…
Me too. It's the best way for me to review.
A5 how to set, test and check again the sharing settings!
A5: As a 2nd year, I just want y'alls advice!
I use a combination of our ticket system, , Google Keep and to stay organized. Still trying to find the balance.
A5) Moving it to the hands of teachers to lead and to make them be the students.
A5 Using Twitter is a huge PD for me. Our dist. uses MyLearningPlan
A5: Also thinking about a group for - not sure it would work though
A5 I go to the conferences every summer to get PD.
Thanks for the vote of confidence!
Since we're already a GAFE District, I would not be surprised to see us switch rather than pay for Atlas
A5 - Attend as many edcamps as possible. I've never been to an Edcamp where I didn't pick up some new tech tools.
A1: I use a combination of our ticket system, , Google Keep and to stay organized. Still trying to find the balance.
how do you like - do you use it with your staff or just personally?
A5. I sneak into PD tips for using email. Most don't know easy fixes, searches, etc.
A5. - use Tweetdeck as my daily PD.
hands on, attend as many as possible, reminders on calendar for PD that looks interesting
A5 I'm always on the lookout for relevant online opportunities for PD & local Sign up for newsletters.
Thanks I'm struggling to keep up a bit.
Maybe also set up badges for Ss? Aligned to various CCSS?
hey prof, from one higher Ed to another Kristin is doing a great job in
A5: I participate in many Twitter chats as well as facilitate PD sessions at school. I attend conferences when I can also
A4: Use Rubicon Atlas in former and current school.
What is an edcamp? I haven't heard of that.
A5 Tweedeck running on the side. Jump into chats that peak my interest or touch a nerve.
try - it breaks out the questions and answers much easier than most software
We're looking forward to tapping tried & true, new, and kid recommended tech this year. Don't forget PokemonGo!
A5 Been given the green light to come up with topics for afterschool PD edtech offerings. Trying for more 1:1 Color me happy!
we don't use common core in Indiana, but I do have some Ts using badges this year.
Love the simplicity and $. Use it with staff. Some overhead in managing it but beats adhoc docs w/ no structure
thanks, I'm in tweetchat right now and it goes very fast! I'll try that.
A5 Go to Twitter chats groups confe participate in webinars
A5 Go to Twitter chats groups confe participate in webinars via Rde
this is a faster chat. Takes practice
I just search for Ed Camps and then go.
Common core, or whatever else meets your needs. CCSS is just so rampant ... :)
I was also looking at trello and a few other todo apps, but will circle back to asana for another look
yeah, ours are essentially common core. I just think they didn't like the stigma associated.
A5: I've heard great things about EdCamps. The best thing I did last year was the KWLA conf in Louisville. Hoping I can go again
There's no one "best" tech resource; that's why we need to learn what we can, tap the students to help, & use the room.
Stigma with CC? What Stigma? :)
Q6 coming up in 1 minute…
A5? What's the question? I don't see the ?s posted
A5: I also PD everyday on Pinterest and awesome teach blogs. Does that count?
Don't worry - nobody saw that....but it is archived int he Library of Congress :)
We're looking forward to an exciting year of sharing. Thanks
Certainly, although some can't figure out how to "document" it.
me too, I think that is great PD
Q6: What topic or area have we not covered? Let us know ...
I get tons of hours. I don't need doc. Just want to be a better teach.
it is an unconference. If there is one in you area, definitely worth your time
Definitely worth a look. Trello looks great too; really comes down to the features you want and what you can spend.
If it helps you and your students, it absolutely counts!
A6 I thought this was pretty thorough. Thanks for all the new resources!
A6: I think we covered a lot! Definitely a great first Twitter chat exp. 👍🏻👍🏻
Why is Alex awesome if 12 words or less
A6 This was a great first time chat. Got lots of great ideas.
A5: I’ve been on twitter for many years for social and previous career. Never really thought about it as PD, but surely..
glad we could help out - be sure to visit every Monday at 8pm ET :)
A6 I think this was great. Gave me lots of great ideas!
A6 - what is everyone's favorite tech tool? Mine has to be . Best student engagement ever.
A6: I always have a lot of clicked link tabs to go back through after Thanks all!
If this was Family Feud, that'd be the #1 answer! No better reason than trying to be better.
is jsut starting out - let's help her get a few followers to build her PLN
. I'm liking the Boxes. Flat. Out. Brilliant!!!
Have to leave a little early but thank you & all the fabulous folks of for your energy & ideas! Have a great week!
A6. Need a serious talk about what is allowed. Each has rules & many not allowed for ES/MS Ss. https://t.co/pVA1Ohfog2
A6: Thanks for the welcome. Now I just have to keep advocating to actually get in my room. You may hear from me soon!
let me know if you have any questions!
is my JAM! My Ss love it, too!
Is Steve Harvey the guy from Hogan's Heroes?
Tjanks! It looks fantastic!
Thanks for the shoutout! I'm a total newb.
Thanks for joining this week’s ! Don’t forget to follow your new connections from tonight!
Defenitely look for EdCamps and local meetups. There are some great opportunities.
Thanks! It looks fantastic!
great topic suggestion - we'll work on it!
