A1: Kris Plummer, Digital Learning Specialist for Jefferson City Schools. I love to go in to classrooms as prepared as I possibly can to help lead not just the tech, but also the content. For better or worse #mathclass#TechTalkGA
A1: Askia Jackson here! Bryan County Schools Instructional Tech Specialist. I try to attend data team meetings and give feedback on curriculum ideas as a former 3rd grade teacher. #techtalkga
A1: Clint Winter Instructional Tech Coordinator @ElbertCoSchools. That is a tough one. I think that the conversation is how technology enhances collaboration and creation with any content. #techtalkga
A1: Hollie Sisk, Director of Instructional Resources Center for Georgia Southern COE. I encourage prof growth by helping others discover resources and make connections with those that will inspire and encourage them as educators. #TECHtalkGA
Hello, #TECHtalkGA!
I'm Angela, Dist ITS for MS/HS + French 1 T for Forsyth Co.
I *like* to think that my role as a T keeps me focused on the imp of knowing content & the pedagogy of teaching that content, before approaching how tech can help.
My Ts might say otherwise...
Sarah, 6th grade ELA teacher in Forsyth County. I am ALWAYS learning new things and sharing with my peers. My current read is about giving better feedback to student writers! #TECHtalkGA
A2: I'm trying PD in 30 this year. 30 min. of introduction - 10 minutes of showing the benefits of the tool and 20 minutes of practicing with a specific task to complete. #techtalkga
A2: For me this year, it has been about differentiation. It is important to me for PL to be differentiated just as we differentiate for our students. Tomorrow our Google class will be working from a choice board to get ready for the Level 1 Certification #Techtalkga
A2: I'm trying PD in 30 this year. 30 min. of introduction - 10 minutes of showing the benefits of the tool and 20 minutes of practicing with a specific task to complete. #techtalkga
A2: I try to use a hook, give a rationale and make things as relevant as possible. I also let teachers know that I value their time and that I realize how precious planning periods are. #TECHtalkGA Lastly, I'm not afraid to remind them that digital is not always better.
A2: Oh man, I struggle here. It's so easy to slip into the absolute worst of tech use when it comes to PD. I have to fight the urge to just talk through a Slides presentation. Just like I tell teachers - choose tools to fit the content, not content to fit the tools. #techtalkga
#TECHtalkGA A2:
I *try* to start with WHY this will be useful to their classroom, then HOW to implement it, and then finally bare-bones how to do it with supported play-time.
Doesn't always work out that way, but I try!
A2: Student voice and choice. I also find value in the PAUSE. Allowing time for reflection, questions, application, practice, etc. It helps participants allow the info sink in. #TECHtalkGA
.:A3:. I try to give them the experience (for many their first time) of the options that asynchronous learning with intentionally built content can offer. I let them experience how that feels so they can decide to offer to their Ss. #TECHtalkGA
A3: I made myself be paperless for this semester long course. Yes to save trees and all of that but also to show the power of collaboration and creation. #techtalkga
A2: I try to use a hook, give a rationale and make things as relevant as possible. I also let teachers know that I value their time and that I realize how precious planning periods are. #TECHtalkGA Lastly, I'm not afraid to remind them that digital is not always better.
A3: I try to constantly ensure that my Ts know when they're experiencing something as the teacher will experience it, or when they're experiencing it like their students will. It's so important to show both! #techtalkga
I love that we're able to admit those things as a community of learners!
We brag when we can, but admit our shortcomings & ask for help when it's needed.
At least half the time, these convos are me looking for edtech inspo, LOL!
#TECHtalkGA
A3: I try to give enough nuggets of information with extra resources they can refer back to later if they need it on their own time. The gem is providing one or two ideas of how it can be integrated and then the REAL conversations start. #TECHtalkGA
#TECHtalkGA Q4:
“Technology coaches create & support effective digital age learning environments to maximize the learning of ALL students.”
What is your best strategy to do this with those you serve?
A3: Con't - I read a great Memoire over Thanksgiving by Jeff Tweedy. He's the lead singer of one of my favorite bands @Wilco. He said"Geniuses are not necessarily genius because they are smart. They are genius because they are not scared of failure" #TECHtalkGA
A3: Trying to meet with small groups, ask questions about what's coming up in their lessons, & letting them lead the way in expressing their needs. Only then do I start talking about tools that let the learners show what they're learning. Not everyone is there yet. #TECHtalkGA
A3. #TicklingTech Tuesdays where I offer a small lesson. I let teachers come in ANY TIME during the day and repeat the same thing over and over. It's a long day, but the teachers love individual attention.
#TECHtalkGA
A4: By following it with how I interact with teachers. One of my favorite compliments to receive is "you're so great with people who aren't good with technology." I love that we have 30+ year teachers who are Google Certified. #tech4allages#tech4alllevels#TechTalkGA
{A4} I am a persistent voice who reminds Ts of what they already know about their Ss. The content isn't the glue in this operation it is the purpose of learning & the relationship they share with those in the school. #ConstantPSA "Where is that in your classroom?" #TECHtalkGA
A4: I try to encourage the superstars to continue pursuing the new, walk beside the ones who are moving at a steady pace, and keep circling around to those who need more time, encouragement, or 1:1. No one should be left behind, judged, or shamed. #TECHtalkGA
#TECHtalkGA Q5:
Once they’ve learned it, they still need to use it.
How do you encourage the classroom implementation, reflection, evaluation, and modification cycle?
A4: My best strategy has been focusing on building those relationships. But it takes so much more than just saying it. Listening, empathizing, offering encouragement, fanning their flames & empowering others. You can’t just say you are building relationships. How? #TECHtalkGA
A5 ~ It almost feels like a commercial, or product placement, the repetition. https://t.co/anQI38pGZH
Confront them with one small improvement to make and give the big idea again. #TECHtalkGA
#TECHtalkGA Q5:
Once they’ve learned it, they still need to use it.
How do you encourage the classroom implementation, reflection, evaluation, and modification cycle?
A5. Start with knowing they haven't necessarily learned it. Just like we do with students, I repeat things with teachers - often at their request. Review & repeat. Ask for someone's examples to share w others.
#TECHtalkGA
A5: I try to be consistent with checking in, be it via a quick e-mail, the next time we meet for PD, or just in the hall. Did you give it a try? If not, what can I do to make it easier for you? If so, how did it go? #techtalkga
A4) I like to highlight what other classrooms are doing. I think it is so important for teachers to see other teachers in practice at the same grade level. No amount of talk from me can substitute that. #TECHtalkGA
A5: I try to check in and see if additional help in needed with implementation. Also, I try to keep a @padlet going through PDs with ideas and Ts can see who is doing what and help each other. #techtalkga
The trick for me is that Tuesdays are generally the one day I have help. Force myself to be available, even when my work load isn't optimal.
#TECHtalkGA
A5: I talk to the students. I ask what they like and don’t like about the implementation. Sometimes their ideas and feedback is the best way for me and the teacher to collaborate and try again. #BetterTogether#TECHtalkGA
A5: It's tough to not be in the way but to not be in the way. I think deciding as a group where you go next OR make follow ups. I do my best to follow up quickly and efficiently #techtalkga
A5) Tough one...I think that just asking questions like, "how did it go" can be helpful in starting a reflective dialogue. Sometimes we have to start that process and guide them through. #TECHtalkGA
Great chat tonight, #TECHtalkGA! Thanks to everyone who participated!
Next week, we’ll flip this topic around again to discuss how we can support/encourage admin as edtech leaders.
Fill out this form to be reminded next week! https://t.co/hoxfaYfHKu
Yes! Hallway conversations really are the best! This is what I miss most about being in a school.
Now that I'm at the district it's more difficult & I have to rely more on those who are on SM, who are more likely to try it anyway. :/
#TECHtalkGA
A5: I try to be consistent with checking in, be it via a quick e-mail, the next time we meet for PD, or just in the hall. Did you give it a try? If not, what can I do to make it easier for you? If so, how did it go? #techtalkga
On a similar note! I am at a Charter school and would love to find local classrooms k-5 that would be willing to share how they use tech!Maybe even do classroom visits! If you all have any recommendations please DM me! #TECHtalkGA
Yes, please! Join @SFMSBen, @meghannmf, and the rest of the @EdCamp_Forsyth crowd for #edcampforsyth on 02.09.18 (it's a math problem!)!
I'm taking a break for grad school from the committee, but I'll be there and would love to see you all there!
#TECHtalkGA
I have been asking my Ts to stay with their Ss as I introduce new tech tools. This way they can see the students' excitement and get a little PD at the same time. So many teachers have talked about how better they felt about using the tech because of the pace!
The GA Technology Student Association (TSA) will host a State Leadership Conf at the Classic Center in Athens & need approx 250 volunteers to serve March 14-15 as competitive judges. Consider giving 4hrs to see what innovative things Ss are doing. DM me for info. #TECHtalkGA
