The #INeLearn hashtag is used for both asynchronous sharing and synchronous conversations. Include #INeLearn in your tweets if you want to share resources or questions with Indiana educators and school leaders. Asynchronously, the #INeLearn hashtag provides educators across the state of Indiana a central space for sharing. On Thursday evenings beginning at 8 CST/9 EST when you use the #INeLearn hashtag, you are joining a live conversation--the #INeLearn Twitter Chat. For one hour, we interact in real time having a virtual discussion.
Welcome to tonight’s #INeLearn chat! I’m Amy, principal/lead learner from Angola, your moderator tonight!
We are continuing our series for 2018 on Digital Opportunities! Tonight, our focus is on Leading Digital Learning Opportunities! #INeLearn
R1: there is nothing in our lives today that doesn’t incorporate tech. If we don’t allow opportunities for our students to utilize tech APPROPRIATELY, then who will? #INeLearn
R1 Creating DL opportunities in the school House has a ripple effect of so many positive skills needed, but especially in IN...teambuilding/communciation/public speaking/of course tech skills too #INeLearn
R1 It is important to create digital learning opportunities for our students WITH intention because ALL learning should be purposeful #INeLearn (see what I did there?)
#INeLearn A1 Our belief is to give our Ss and opportunity to connect and collaborate with the world and history makers. This week, we took our 4th Grade classes to France. Not only did we learn geography skills we shared our with them.
When we are intentional about the outcomes for our students, then we ensure quality and comprehensive experiences that build essential skills for our student’s future. #INeLearn
R1 Okay, to really address the question--so many WHY's 1. Our students need to develop digital skills PLUS all the reasons here: https://t.co/fVMcae4SCv | #INeLearn Instagram Inspiration-check it out
R1: we are to prepare students to be lifelong learners. “Digital” is a part of life. It can also bring opportunities to teach students that wouldn’t be possible without the tech. #INeLearn
R1: There are just so few jobs that don't rely on dig tech. I think it is up to us find out what interests our kids, and show them all the ways technology is part of those interests. #INeLearn
R1 Digital learning is necessity in todays world. Ss dont think about when to use technology, they do it without even thinking. It's their world. #INeLearn
R1: Creating digital opportunities for our students open up all sorts of possibilities for students--personalized learning, choice, mastery, collaboration, critical thinking #INeLearn
It is our duty to prepare our students for THEIR future. Digital needs to be the norm, as it is in our lives, not something that we “do on Fridays”. Their skills. Our intentionality in helping them grow EVERY DAY. #INeLearn
R2: we need to provide development opportunities for both Ss and Ts. We can’t assume that everyone knows everything. These opportunities should be intentional and meaningful for all stakeholders. #INeLearn
R2 the longer I do this, the more I focus on the work of Paul Tough in regards to student autonomy. Letting them choose/partake of course empowers them, but my lands it empowers us as educators to help even more. #INeLearn
R2 I think it's important to create experiences that reach outside of the classroom. When students have authentic audiences and problems to solve-it pushes the to be innovative! #INeLearn
We are so far past the days of tech being a "special". The same needs to be said about digital citizenship awareness/skill development--we'll get there #INeLearn
It is our duty to prepare our students for THEIR future. Digital needs to be the norm, as it is in our lives, not something that we “do on Fridays”. Their skills. Our intentionality in helping them grow EVERY DAY. #INeLearn
R2: It is important create opportunities that open up a world of possibilities to both Ts and Ss. Technology permits so many amazing learning/teaching opportunities that were not previously seen as possible #INeLearn
#INeLearn A2 More than just Mystery Skypes/Hangouts. We have had simple cultural exchanges. We had a two day session with a 3rd Grade class in Israel where we ask questions about culture. We shared our pledge, they sang their National Anthem. Great experience!
Agree with authenticity for sure. I want to see higher ed pedagogy evolve even more-less books and more tech...make the book store be the size of a a car garage rather than a behemoth. #INeLearn
R2 Staff need PROFESSIONAL learning DL opportunities which build their #PLN so that they can show Ss HOW THEY LEARN...and are STILL learning! Use #socialmedia to document their learning: https://t.co/IFNkr2sTJG#INeLearn
#INeLearn A2 More than just Mystery Skypes/Hangouts. We have had simple cultural exchanges. We had a two day session with a 3rd Grade class in Israel where we ask questions about culture. We shared our pledge, they sang their National Anthem. Great experience!
R2: eCoaches should be able to help Ts and Ss utilize new tech. Help model but also give flexibility to allow struggling and exploring of the new tech. #INeLearn
Awesome experiences & opportunities you are giving your students! Breaking down walls to engage, interact, and learn about the world! Fantastic! #INeLearn
#INeLearn A2 Working to expand connections in all subjects. Currently working with a professor in the UK and our PE weight training class on proper technique and workouts. Hoping in the next few weeks to have this happen.
I want my staff to feel empowered to learn, take risks, grow, share, collaborate, learn some more, share some more, and feel as though they can do what they need to for the betterment of their kids #INeLearn
Q3 great question @AmyHeavin One foundational piece is top down support from all to be comfortable being uncomfortable. I see it on front lines. The more support Ts feel, the more@courage they show & STUDENTS benefit! #INeLearn
Culture is a key to building meaningful, digital learning opportunities. Sharing. Collaborating, Risk-taking. Leaders saying YES to new ideas. Modeling. Leading by example. #INeLearn
R3: School culture surrounding tech should include parents and communities. I think when we can invite them in to see authentic tech use and have students engage them, too--a positive tech culture is all inclusive...understood, and accepted. #INeLearn
#INeLearn A3 The support of the administration. Our administration has been very supportive of using the technology to take our Ss outside the walls or bring speakers in. Love my job! Every day I get to search for opportunities to assist our Ts and Ss.
R3: Ts need to have a growth mindset and model that for their Ss. Digital citizenship shouldn’t be taught in isolation, but be a part of every classroom management plan. #INeLearn
A3: Culture of the school must accept risk taking and collaboration. Ts aren't going to make positive changes on their own. Has to be a team effort w/ support from admin. #INeLearn
R3: We need a culture where risk taking and failing are encouraged as a part of the learning process. A place that celebrates growth, not just mastery. The same culture that needs in a classroom for Ss to learn. #INeLearn
R3: Good policyholders, vision in leadership that trickles down ito the culture of the schools. Supported Ts & Ss .Creativity, innovation, collaboration, exploration #INeLearn
R3 What should be ABSENT is "fear of failure" in school culture so that WE CAN LEAD and so others are willing to follow. Then, of course, we want students to LEAD as #SocialLEADia in our #DLDay book club https://t.co/fnuqEKiQg3#INeLearn
R3: I’ve heard so many Ts say they are afraid that if something doesn’t work and the my are getting observed that they will get a bad evaluation. There can’t be a fear of risk. #INeLearn
A3: Culture of the school must accept risk taking and collaboration. Ts aren't going to make positive changes on their own. Has to be a team effort w/ support from admin. #INeLearn
Such a powerful statement. Great way to build a positive culture in your building. The more we empower Ts and Ss to grow, the less we need to 'force' changes. There will be a consistent desire to improve. #INeLearn
It’s all in the culture. When we intentionally build a culture of growth and sharing for all, then we can move mountains. Digital learning becomes a part of this culture. #INeLearn
This is one of the things that I appreciate about @CommonSenseEd's Recognition program-it asks what is the vision for digital learning and citizenship? #INeLearn
A4 pt. 1One cannot underestimate the pressure/full batch of items on an admin’s daily plate. The need to switch hats on the day is hard. I know from experience as jr/sr Hs principal. This is not an excuse, just #realtalk#INeLearn
R4 Leaders empower Ts by making them ACCOUNTABLE to document their PROFESSIONAL LEARNING via their #PLN which documents the connections they make in our DL culture https://t.co/IFNkr2sTJG#INeLearn
R4: Relationships, relationships, relationships. Building relationships with Ts is key to building the type of trust that is needed for Ts to take risks. #INeLearn
A4, pt 2 BUT, admins have to model in whatever way they can. If a Google School, don’t send out MS Word docs, in faculty meetings have demo slams and not recitation that could be email. BE PROUD of risk taking by your Ts. #INeLearn
R4--Model risk behavior themselves! I think we have seen a BIG change in our mindset at Lakeland since our admin began model a growth mindset and begin to use tech more in their own school day. #INeLearn
R3 | We need to grow a strong sense of patience when it comes to the ones teaching and learning new tech. The learning teachers need to feel they will be supported if it doesn't click right away. #INeLearn
Exactly. Ts need to learn how this is beneficial to all Ss. Difficult to make this transition for some. These Ss have a completely different set of tools at their disposal, we can't continue giving the same assignments as 5 or 10 yrs ago. #INeLearn
R4: Watching leaders take risks themselves is very empowering. Leading a staff meeting or PD with a willingness to try something new/willing to mess up tells the rest of the staff that it’s okay. #INeLearn
I’m sure!!! That actually sounds like a great question to put out to #INeLearn next time! I think the variety of answers adds to the depth of what we want kids to know & be able to do.
A4, pt 2 BUT, admins have to model in whatever way they can. If a Google School, don’t send out MS Word docs, in faculty meetings have demo slams and not recitation that could be email. BE PROUD of risk taking by your Ts. #INeLearn
#INeLearn Friends, I recently started this FB Group, Parenting Digital Leaders, as a personal project. Consider yourself invited and please help spread the word. https://t.co/VEk1pJvtkD
R4 It's important for our leaders to understand how to support their teachers. They can do this by knowing the technology themselves, but also by knowing where to guide teachers to for support. (Coaches, other teachers, on-line resources, etc.) #INeLearn
Totally agree. I’ve brought ideas to the table and had them torn apart. But then we take it apart together and the team comes up with a great solution. Shared leadership is empowering! #INeLearn
R4: I love seeing principals lead by example. They use the tech with Ss and staff making mistakes and successes. Growth mindset in administrators leading by example. @RLangferman
R4: Watching leaders take risks themselves is very empowering. Leading a staff meeting or PD with a willingness to try something new/willing to mess up tells the rest of the staff that it’s okay. #INeLearn
R4 | Empower your teachers by showing them the risks in learning they're taking, will pay off for them as well as students. Additionally, and perhaps more important, MODEL MODEL MODEL the use of new digital initiatives #INeLearn
#INeLearn A4 Ts can’t be afraid to fail when trying something new. I think we have lost some creativity because of the evaluation system and concern about school grades and testing. Risk brings rewards and when we fail we learn how to get better. Have trust in your Ts!
I agree with this - to a point. There needs to be some type of timeline of where we want people to be down the road. If we keep saying "it just takes time", we are taking that time from our Ss. Personalize this growth, but be accountable. #INeLearn
R5 | Barriers that I see are the attitudes that you could do the same activity but in a workbook. False. If that's the stance, then you are not using tech effectively. #INeLearn
R3 | We need to grow a strong sense of patience when it comes to the ones teaching and learning new tech. The learning teachers need to feel they will be supported if it doesn't click right away. #INeLearn
Whew, interesting. The inclusionary cat in me says yes, but the reality I see sometimes is T relying on MS because they see their admin doing it. Therefore not even embracing @gsuite#INeLearn
R5: We have so much other things to do. OUR Ss can’t do this. We don’t have THIS resource or THAT resource. Find ways to make it work for your Ss. #NoExcuses#INeLearn
R2 | I want students to create authentic, student-created learning opportunities. Teachers are the facilitators, but the student has a heavy hand in the direction. Close that feedback loop and use it effectively to meet needs of AMAZING students. #INeLearn
R5: Time is the biggest culprit of undermining this culture. Another is the overemphasis of testing. (sorry) Ts feel driven by scores so often it can be challenging to step into the unknown when so much is high stakes. #INeLearn
R5 TIME is one of the most critical barriers to building DL culture so we must allocate time for professional learning and show how to use tech to LEVERAGE our time! A #PLN is critical to getting the most out of the time we put into professional learning! #INeLearn
R1 | It's important because it can create so many more WHYs in a student's mind. A topic is truly interesting to a student, if they can ask 'why', at least fifteen times #INeLearn
We talk "What if" #INeLearn but we also need to listen to those saying Yeah, but. When we hear that, we need to realize we didn't sufficiently explain the Why.
R6 Find time for your teachers to have authentic, individualized PD. We offer teachers half days to learn new tech. Individualized PD on those days is SO worthwhile! #INeLearn
One barrier I also see is the focus on flashy tools or programs without intentionally thinking about the pedagogy behind it. Our culture must be built on great learning opportunities, not just tools for tools sake #INeLearn
A6 ‘Focus on the free...’
-kindness
-patience
-love for kids
-RESOURCES
-your colleagues: like you fine folks
-Trust in yourself as to why you chose to be an educator #INeLearn
R6 | Overcoming barriers requires a strong, concise, plan of action. Risks should be mitigated to ensure success for all levels of stakeholders. #INeLearn
R6 if anyone finds a way to make time, they are set for life #INeLearn Time is definitely a barrier to overcome. The key is not to make the shift one more thing. Embed PD for starters.
Love that you said this. Additionally...looking at curriculum in a long lens. Four EdPuzzles in a week is ok, but what 2 and a Kahoot and a Pixton activity too, etc. #INeLearn
R6 Leaders overcome TIME barriers by demonstrating their willingness to spend time on using DL opportunities for their own professional learning #INeLearn
R6: look at ways that the community can help support initiatives through mentoring, financial assistance for initiatives, modeling, etc. A great leader finds bridges, detours, air lifts, etc to get around barriers. #INeLearn
R6: Admin needs to listen to their Ts & give them what they need to be successful. Don't just give a mandate & expect it to happen. You need to have real conversations & collaborate to make change happen. #INeLearn
Time isn't too difficult if the PD allows people to learn, apply, and reflect on how the idea or tool can be used. Consider flipping some PD. #INeLearn
R6 if anyone finds a way to make time, they are set for life #INeLearn Time is definitely a barrier to overcome. The key is not to make the shift one more thing. Embed PD for starters.
R6: I've said it before, and it bears repeating: a functioning middle school interdisciplinary team can accomplish so much, for both staff and students. Have staff collaborate whenever possible. #INeLearn
We personalized the learning when it came to @Schoology. Ts were at different levels, so the PLC's were based on levels - not on schedule or departments. Ts took huge strides. #INeLearn
We all have busy lives. As @PrincipalKafele has said multiple times, “What’s Your Why?” I do #INeLearn because I will find something that will help my Ss be successful. I make the time because my Ss deserve it.
We created a Google Form for Ts to fill out and add pics to describe innovative digital lessons and then we use intel to post on School Corp Facebook page. Our ‘reaches’ often eclipse the school delays/closing posts! #INeLearn
R7: We're helping design prosthetics using CAD. More importantly, we're learning how to communicate our ideas through collaborative presentations, activities, spreadsheets full of data, and discussion. #INeLearn
I’m really excited about how my staff wants to share ideas with each other throughout their day, offering voluntary after school learning sessions, opening their classrooms. #INeLearn
@ltgoodnews is having a #DigitalBootCamp in March to provide opportunities for Ts to learn about different digital tools for their class along with blending the pedagogy #INeLearn
Definitely needs admin support & encouragement. Don't let the curmudgeons stop the growth for everyone else. Keep encouraging those who are 'in'. Ask them to personally invite other Ts to join. Nothing beats personal invite. #INeLearn
If you find yourself flooded with examples, I encourage you to think about taking over the #INeLearn Instagram one week this spring. https://t.co/0ZSjBoM82W
Agreed, @polonerd ! Referring to R6, there needs to be a very clear path that everyone is headed down, with differentiated PD along the way to meet the needs of all teacher learners, so we all arrive at the common goal. #INeLearn
R7: We started a coaching cohort this year where a small group of Ts meet with me quarterly to talk pedagogy along with technology. I support them in their classrooms and they’ve become teacher leaders, sharing what they’ve learned. #INeLearn
We have two more coming up - Feb. 16 at Mill Creek Schools & Mar. 1 at Purdue Polytechnic in downtown Indy. Registration closed but check with @LisaCutshall to see if any spots have opened.
In reply to
@DrThomasHo, @Five_StarTech, @LisaCutshall, @MrsKBradford, @LisaCutshall
R7: several Ts are utilizing different tech tools and providing feedback to district tech leaders for possible utilization next school year. @WeVideo@explainevrythng#INeLearn
R7
Quick 40 min. after school Tech Playgrounds to highlight a new tool/app, sharing what we're doing through FlipGrid videos, taking a half day to work with the tech coach, creating team drives to share our tech resources. #INeLearn
Agreed! I think often times we DO have a premortem for school initiatives. I think to connect it to @AmyHeavin comment about intentional tech choices, we need to make sure we're choosing intentionally so we can have a celebration rather than a mourning. #INeLearn
WU: I love being given a new tool and trying to figure out how I can use it with my Ss. Sometimes, it’s a real stretch; but if it teaches my Ss something they can use, then it’s worth it. #INeLearn
