#symchat Archive
#symchat conversations focus on classroom integration of SymbalooEDU, the educational version of Symbaloo developed for students, educators and schools.
Wednesday April 27, 2016
Well thanks for making us one of them Rachel!
Desiree Alexander
Shreveport, LA
Rachel, T and Tech Integrator from NY. I teach and
Katrina from Charlotte, NC
Keith George, Alabama Department of Education
Hi Rachel and Katrina and of course, my boy, Big Tech Coach!
Adam here from AR Circuits in Louisville, KY
My Sister from another mister! https://t.co/UpOKRLdgQX
Hi Rachel and Katrina and of course, my boy, Big Tech Coach!
Barbara Cotter Fl/St Lucia Greetings
Hey Barbara!!!!
I love seeing the same community and new faces! YAY!
You were in the "same community" part...
A1: To expand the learning experience beyond what it was without it, but in a meaningful and purposeful way.
A1: To make connections and access information that wasn't previous available.
A1: Its a tool to be utilized to enhanced and extend learning.
I agree Rachel...not just a replacement but learning beyond what we already know...
A1: Technology should enhance the educational experience.
I like that Big Tech Coach and Katrina...enhance and extend!!!
A1: It should also allow students to seek out questions and information on their own. We aren't the expert in the room anymore.
A1 Allow for Global connectedness, competency, collaboration, Communication, creativity to name a few
I started off easy on y'all...lets move forward...hehe
A1 Tech prepares students for the future, fosters collaboration, and changes the roles of teachers from past methods
A: Differentiate, increase exposure, 4c's give S a voice.
A1: It should also create an environment where learning can happen 24/7 and beyond our 40 minutes.
Changes the role of teachers...we are not the smartest in the room anymore...competency...LOVE, LOVE, LOVE
John William Moran from San Antonio TX. Acadmic Tech Coach
Smartest person in the room is the room. Need to tap into the talents of everyone in there. We are all colearners!
Exactly Tech definitely changes our role. Allows Ts to be facilitators and no longer the giver of all info. https://t.co/JShPCfeBir
Changes the role of teachers...we are not the smartest in the room anymore...competency...LOVE, LOVE, LOVE
A2: Provides same resources they will have in career and opens the world to outside of their classroom and hometown.
Creates a window for them!
A2: Access to information that wasn't previously available. Allows them to seek out and form their own opinions.
I would argue this is only with good instruction/guidance...what do you think?
https://t.co/e0zM91jPi0
A2: Access to information that wasn't previously available. Allows them to seek out and form their own opinions.
A2: Tech allows Ss to collaborate with people outside of their own classroom. Also Ss can get more info from multiple sources.
, Hey Symchatters! Brenda Fry, elementary teacher-librarian, PA
pedagogy first, technology second.
Come on in Brenda...we are on Q2
A2. Makes the learning and learner Diverse, Independent, Creative, Aware
A2 Tech can help teachers differentiate better, also gives students opportunities to connect globally, and prepare for future
Aware....hmmmm....interesting...
https://t.co/XtFI6x6jAM
A2. Makes the learning and learner Diverse, Independent, Creative, Aware
oh yes! the kids teach me how to do things on the iPad
A2: Technology can give students access to experiences that would otherwise be unavailable.
A2: Also allows the students to seek out additional information if they are curious.
I love the words I am seeing...access...differentiate...
A2: Lots of tech resources that can provide immediate feedback for students which is not usually possible from the teacher.
I always tell my Ss that I will learn as much from them as they do from me.
A2: Tech should go beyond engaging students. It should empower them.
We have such a great discussion, I want to stop right here. BUT WAIT...THERE'S MORE. Q3 on the way...
A2: I was out for a week and there wasn't any instructional time lost. I was able to have everything on
Joining late but Allison, a tech coach, from southern Indiana & I love the opportunities tech provides.
A2: I was also able to do a GHO and teach from home.
A2: The ability to create artifacts and a positive digital tattoo. This is the new biz card!
Hi Allison...I just posted Q3
A3 Equal tech opportunities for all schools. I have 3 ipads and a Smart Board, that's it.
A3: Teachers being afraid to try something new out.
A3: Teachers putting tech first and pedagogy second.
Love digital tattoo!!!
https://t.co/f44mX5IwgG
A2: The ability to create artifacts and a positive digital tattoo. This is the new biz card!
A3. Mindset, Ignorance, Politics, Fear of challenge and change
A3: Ts assuming off task behavior is the fault of the device. If Ss are off task, maybe it's the task.
A3: Connectivity, devices, tech skills, sometimes viewed as "in addition to" instead of actual instructional tool
YES, YES, YES...all horrible obstacles (I can't wait for you to see the next question...)
Give me more...
A3: FUD- Fear Uncertainty, and doubt. Oh, and money. Oh, and Time
A3: Teachers being afraid that they need to know how to do everything before they work on it with the Ss.
A3: Equal access to technology. Some schools are 1:1 and others only have 3 old school computers in each room.
A3: broadband connectivity issues.
A3: Ts not embracing that the Ss could be the experts in the room now if you frame it right.
A3: A lot of Ts are hesitant to learn and use technology. This limits the Ss access to it.
Q4 is coming down the pipe...
That frustrates the tar out of me. Why limit the Ss learning by our fears and knowledge!
yesterday one of my 5th graders said, "Mrs. Fry, this is the only place we get to touch technology." equity of resources
HEARTBREAKING, but thank goodness they have you! https://t.co/QvY8Hslc4J
yesterday one of my 5th graders said, "Mrs. Fry, this is the only place we get to touch technology." equity of resources
But, as noted in access to post-secondary education programs.
A3: Technology being used as a babysitter instead as a learning tool.
A3: Not creating an environment where collaboration has to happen to create a better product.
that made me feel proud and sad all at the same time.
That is sad! I have seen and heard that too https://t.co/KZiaEfR5Kv
yesterday one of my 5th graders said, "Mrs. Fry, this is the only place we get to touch technology." equity of resources
& makes it easier 4 S choice & exploration of topics w interest. They don't have 2b pre-selected by T 2gather resources
A4: Become advocates for effective integration of technology, shout successes from the top of the school.
and need to be present for all students.
A4: Seek out their own PD. With Twitter and online resources, PD in your PJs is totally doable!
A4: Not waiting for PD to come to them. Seek it out!
You seem as if you speak from experience...hmmmmm :-) https://t.co/sQm5FRHrUq
A4: Seek out their own PD. With Twitter and online resources, PD in your PJs is totally doable!
A4 Connect with PLN, take advantage of great Twitter chats like , seek out a mentor to help
A4 Connect with PLN, take advantage of great Twitter chats like , seek out a mentor to help
A4: Engage in PD to help overcome their fear, Not be afraid to ask Ss to help, Start small,
A4: Ss love being able to teach us things! Award them digital badges or make them the tech helper!
A4: My course has to use a different platform for each project so they are teaching me and the class all the time.
A3: I agree w behavior vs the device-- we need to address the behavior, not just restrict the device
I AGREE!!!!
https://t.co/sqMrv5Cuyw
A3: I agree w behavior vs the device-- we need to address the behavior, not just restrict the device
Did those Ts take away a pencil when the Ss was doodling? Just sayin'.
Q5 is alive! It is coming in 1 min
A4: Online tools such as can be useful for organizing activities and allow Ss to help one another.
A5: not necessarily about the age, it's more about the task. Is it age appropriate and is it used for learning?
A4: build a support network! I try to get in the classrooms to support before, during & after esp when trying something new
A5 Perfectly said ! https://t.co/tZHAEhVTUD
A5: not necessarily about the age, it's more about the task. Is it age appropriate and is it used for learning?
A5: No matter the age, you need to be sensitive screen time. Ss still need to get outside and play!
A5: Tech should be used as early as possible, but there also needs to be lessons on digital safety at all stages.
A4: Define "using". Benefiting from it from PreK on, utilizing it to solve problems appropriate to their level.
A5: It also needs to be based on the needs of the Ss. Differentiation shouldn't just happen with paper and pencil (or worksheets)
A6: Don't see the purpose or don't understand that it isn't about them anymore.
A6: Pressure of standardized tests
A6: A lof of Ts I know say that kids don't take care of the tech so they don't deserve to use it.
A6: Ts have been doing it for 20 years without is, so why should they change? *facepalm*
A6 Fear of change, can't understand the advantages and opportunities that it provides for both them and students.
WOW!
https://t.co/kl5QDBqdlL
A6: A lof of Ts I know say that kids don't take care of the tech so they don't deserve to use it.
Are the Ts modeling the correct way to treat the tech? I don't even know what to say about that.
we are at talking about tech in the classroom if you would like to join us!
Hi everyone. Joe, math & STEM coach from CA, joining late.
Yeah, huge problem. Ts don't recognize that they need to take time to teach how to use it properly. Just an excuse.
A6: Sometimes Ts think it is one more thing and they don't have time. Not a valid excuse anymore.
A6 , Policies, Assessment being a priority as opposed to instrument for self growth, worth and change
lack of support if teachers knew how to collaborate better themselves they would be able to help kids learn to (too!)
A6: Teachers teach the way they were taught (applies to ELA, math, tech, ...).
Let's teach for the future.
I find that fear is the common reason. Fear of the unknown.
Why educate them for our present instead of their future?
Here's how I teach tech. Open the app on your i-Pad, ask your neighbor for help, then ask me. explore!
A6. 1 I hesitate to say but will do nonetheless, Fear of the unknown by the Ts
Yeah, wow! We are robbing our Ss of what they deserve - a high quality & enriching education.
This frustrates the tar out of me. I just shake my head.
I completely agree. We would never say they don't take care of books so we won't let them read.
A6: Real reasons here (and unfortunate): bad experiences w projectors breaking, wifi going down, ...
Some do...
smh
https://t.co/9XZLRJ3Dfb
I completely agree. We would never say they don't take care of books so we won't let them read.
the next time we use it, it is more formal. but I always let them explore and explore and explore
indeed. Deprive a generation ahead, but submitting them to regression and frustration
A7: Meaningful professional development that includes lots of modeling of successful integration can really turn reluctant Ts
A7 Continue to model tech for teachers reluctant to change, bring them along one at a time, if necessary.
A7: Provide PD for teachers so raise their comfort level.
A6: Colleague just said Ts fear & personalize Ss encounter inappropriate content when searching. Leads to avoiding tech
A6: the fear of doing it differently. It's tough when you're used to lecturing & when it's not the way u were taught
A6: They use tech in every other part of their life. Why shouldn't we be using all of the skills that they use outside of class?
If you apply that logic to real life, do they not drive their car for fear there might be an accident?
Seriously. We can't teach for our past or the present. Teach for THEIR future.
But what do you say to Ts who aren't tech savvy in their personal life either? Like Ts who still struggle to use email?
my kids take care of those iPads like they love them. I think it is b/c they do, and they know how much trouble it was to get them.
That's the way we've always done it gets both my neck vein and forehead vein going full throttle!
I have come full circle and see the future. As long as tech is not just for the sake of tech, it's authentic.
ANY TAKERS TO THIS QUESTION?????????
https://t.co/CFxIOCdOSI
But what do you say to Ts who aren't tech savvy in their personal life either? Like Ts who still struggle to use email?
YES!!! Mike is joining us live! I think it's his first live chat!! Thank you!
A7 Replace, re-education, restructuring of policies and assessment
I agree! BUT I think Ts need to step up too. The excuse that we do not feel comfortable is so ten years ago.
If they are afraid of swimming, do they not teach their kids to swim?
Hi Mike! I hope you are enjoying your first Twitter Chat!
Yes, I agree. We were just answering the Q w responses we've heard Ts share.
The excuse of not knowing it is too easy and too convenient. Not acceptable anymore.
Q8 is coming soon...so many good discussions I hate to put up more questions...haha
Yes, everyone has a part in this. PD for content, mindset, collaboration, ...
We have a professional responsibility to meet our kids where they are. IT IS NOT ABOUT US!
That's the most dangerous phrase in education. Keeps us in the past.
. you know that you made pretty question graphics and will put every one of them up here!
I agree, but how do we change the mindset of others who are stuck in the "old way"?
I just learned about https://t.co/LJaqEljRjK . a website that my kids can go on and take quizzes for books they read.
A8: (I think I missed A7!) Anything my Ss learn how to do on their own and then pay forward the learning.
And for coaches & admins, this applies to meeting Ts where they are. Have vision AND support where Ts are. https://t.co/vmatOtA0J2
We have a professional responsibility to meet our kids where they are. IT IS NOT ABOUT US!
I will keep y'all late if I have too. You WILL see my cards!!!
hahahahahah
https://t.co/IGvxCaFKO8
. you know that you made pretty question graphics and will put every one of them up here!
I need to test out a new app to see if they can access my videos. I will be writing more. and sharing!
If we expect our Ss to want to learn and to enjoy it, shouldn't we be doing the same? Walk the walk!!
I fight the battle everyday as well. Just looking for suggestions to help move things along faster.
Another revelation: students doing research papers, finding legit edu sources, sorting/saving as they wish.
A8: Use apps like eyeobserve to help improve teacher integration and effectiveness (Remember, I work w/ Ts not Ss)
Not to mention they have to think critically about the sources and have so many more at their fingertips!
A8: As an instructional coach, I encourage Ts to use video. Video of selves. Leads to info for further instructional practice.
Even if they are on S level, we need to meet them where they are and encourage them to keep at it.
HELP!!!!
https://t.co/2mxlCviJ8F
I fight the battle everyday as well. Just looking for suggestions to help move things along faster.
pick 1 or 2 on the edge, work with them, when they get excited, others will to. share resources with them!
Q9 may be a little difficult...it is coming your way soon...
Yes, S is the gateway. Start there & help colleagues move around the levels of SAMR. It's a swimming pool.
Also, make sure they know they can pick one or two things to use and be comfortable with.
Did wonders for me when I was in classroom. Helped me see who I called on, where I walked, my words, delivery, ...
Does a kid every tell you they aren't going to do something because they would have to learning something?
Find things like and that have team options.
As tech liaison, I would always tell them I had similar probs and that's how I made them feel comfortable
A9: Come on, that's easy. Stations!
Use Google Forms that allow for multiple submissions so everyone using that device can answer.
A9 Use as stations, maybe project ipad on screen
A9: Can use the device as a station.
I am a Tech Integrator and I think letting them see me struggle with tech is comforting for them.
A9: A lot of partner and group work and encourage collaboration.
Senior Ss seem less nonplussed with project b/c of tech option. Most are using combo of books and tech and sharing more
A9. Be Human, SHARE 😊 There's no I in TEAM or TECHNOLOGY
A8: if you havent tried do it! Great 4reflection & dem learning! 1of the best 2share w reluctant Ts bc value is obvious
sometimes I project on screen too and we do as group. or I do stations.
Some Ts argue that the Ss rely too much on Google. How about if we started asking Qs that can't be Googled.
and by the way, webmixes are great for stations (See what I did there?)
your sense of humor is uplifting!
We all started somewhere! Can't judge their chapter 1 by our chapter 20. We were there once too.
Good ways while dreaming of 1:1, lol
. ummmmm, I say the answer is Blue!
We did find that ME databases not uniformly available via phones but computers almost always.
Well said! Focus on the lifeskills of collaboration.
ugh.. that hurts my brain just looking at it.
It was actually RED! HA! In your face!
Last question to share is coming up...
Exactly. It's a swimming pool. You can move around in the levels.
Lots of great ideas and insight regarding Technology and connectedness of Ss, Ts Ps, admin, community via Check it out
Also can't spell TEaCHer without Tech! LOL!
I think that was on the 6th grade standardized test last week, but you had to explain it in Japanese
I'm colored blind. . . It's in my 504 plan, look it up!
SYMBALOO! The kids love the name. It has all my websites on it.
A10: GAFE FTW!!! () All the extensions, etc allow for differentiation and personalization.
A10: because all students don't need tech, keeps students engaged and motivated to learn
I have to remind myself sometimes that I was there once too.
It's been fun I have to run! Have a great night!
GREAT TECH TOOLS...KEEP THEM COMING...
A10: is my go to for my blended learning videos. Go to for Ss to explain their thinking too.
It is funny, but at times I seriously felt that was what was expected.
A10: Love GAFE especially Google Classroom to organize assignments.
A10. My Phone. 😊 I applaud Developers and industries that see how a small device can FLIP the Edu world
The biggest part of GAFE is that SHARE button. Emphasize collaboration.
not to mention the asynchonisity it allows for!
A10: just learned about https://t.co/9ZmPmx10xL . Allows Ts to ask a question and Ss can record a video response. Kids love it.
