#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.
Hey #squirrelschat I'm Emily from @Squirrels! This topic came up as @beckyshy and I were brainstorming conference sessions. We realized we had a lot of knowledge about both startups + edu and wanted to bridge the gap. Also, we wanted a way to incorporate pizza into a session. ๐
Hi! Becky, Director of PD @Squirrels. After 10 yrs in education, I moved to the tech world and have since worked for 2 startups. Openness, comfort w/ experimentation & failure, and energizing all describe startup culture to me. #SquirrelsChat
Our session Pizza, Projects, People: Create Startup Culture in Your School is traveling to #FETC, #TCEA18, #OETC18 + #ISTE18. We dive into why startup culture matters and how it impacts retention + student learning. We're hoping to bring these themes to #squirrelschat! @beckyshy
This is Laurie AKA @Themrsgeeky to tell the truth I don't know to answer the question. Because schools are not start ups. We see tech companies that are, but as educators we are more concerned about they provide us, not the startup up culture. #SquirrelsChat
Our session Pizza, Projects, People: Create Startup Culture in Your School is traveling to #FETC, #TCEA18, #OETC18 + #ISTE18. We dive into why startup culture matters and how it impacts retention + student learning. We're hoping to bring these themes to #squirrelschat! @beckyshy
Jessica Robinson - Altus High School - AP Gov/Lit - Tech Coach - First word that comes to mind is 'innovation' and beyond that taking risks. #SquirrelsChat
Before I started at @Squirrels, I thought a tech startup was all about ping pong tables, but now I understand the mentality of innovation and growth that is important at startups, but also in educational environments. #squirrelschat
No need to make the connection right away to education! We first want to lay the groundwork for what startup culture is so we can talk about the parallels between innovation and education. #squirrelschat
Time for question one! An organization that embodies startup culture puts its emphasis on innovative practices and empowering stakeholders. These key ideas are pervasive at @Squirrels and are vital to our success. What elements are found in education? #squirrelschat@beckyshy
Hi, I'm Liza! I think tech start-ups have that informal feel to it; there's this openness to try new things, & the willingness to go back to the drawing board when something doesn't work.
Or I could be wrong. #squirrelschat
Having worked for several startups some common themes are include focus on relationships, freedom to try and fail, and finding a great balance between fun and work #SquirrelsChat
I think a lot of startups could use the education world to test and make the product or service better. S's are the future of who would be using the product or service. Untapped resource. #SquirrelsChat
A1:Startups encourage creativity, curiosity and experimentation. Kindergarten classrooms embody all of these elements! The rest of the educational world can learn a lot from how these classrooms operate! #SquirrelsChat
Great point! There are so many students who would benefit from how a tech company works and then the company could also get valuable insight. #squirrelschat
Time for question one! An organization that embodies startup culture puts its emphasis on innovative practices and empowering stakeholders. These key ideas are pervasive at @Squirrels and are vital to our success. What elements are found in education? #squirrelschat@beckyshy
A1. Really giving way to inquiry holistically. All members of the community needs to have the flexibility to share how they learn. It really helps promote innovation when Ss, Ts, As, and Ps can all spread their wings. #squirrelschat
A1: I think so many classrooms are doing this - collaborative learning, flexible seating, innovative tech and methodology. I know that Iโm supported and willing to try new things with my kids even if they fail. #squirrelschat
Definitely! Recently I have seen a lot of attention going into physical classroom design. Teachers and schools are becoming more intentional about creating environments that are conducive to collaboration and creativity. #squirrelschat
A1: Outside of students and teachers, I see schools empowering parents to be part of the educational process and I think that is incredibly important. Whether it's a startup or school, all stakeholders need to be involved. #squirrelschat
Time for question one! An organization that embodies startup culture puts its emphasis on innovative practices and empowering stakeholders. These key ideas are pervasive at @Squirrels and are vital to our success. What elements are found in education? #squirrelschat@beckyshy
Onto Q2! People are the foundation of any culture, regardless of institution. At @Squirrels, we are transparent with employees, focus on cultivating relationships and put people before numbers. Share what people-first looks like in education. #squirrelschat@beckyshy
Differentiated learning comes to mind. By its very definition differentiated learning includes finding new and innovative ways to convey knowledge and reach all types of learners. We are doing it all the time, often without realizing it #SquirrelsChat
Yes! This is one of the reasons I hauled 9 - 50lb tables and individual chairs into my room. I wanted a collaborative environment, and seniors to feel like adults. #squirrelschat
Differentiated learning comes to mind. By its very definition differentiated learning includes finding new and innovative ways to convey knowledge and reach all types of learners. We are doing it all the time, often without realizing it
A2: Letting kids show what they know how they can show it the best. Not always a standardized test. People-first allows people to work and show their mind the way they are most comfortable and knowledgeable #squirrelschat
A2: When putting people first, hiring not only for technical skills or certifications, but also for cultural fit is very important. For those involved in school hiring, include questions that get at your school's culture. #edleadership#edleaders#SquirrelsChat
Onto Q2! People are the foundation of any culture, regardless of institution. At @Squirrels, we are transparent with employees, focus on cultivating relationships and put people before numbers. Share what people-first looks like in education. #squirrelschat@beckyshy
A2. By realizing life exists beyond the four walls of a school. We can be flexible in our expectations to understand that life can sometimes make school stuff difficult to accomplish...Ss, Ts, and As alike. #squirrelschat#ditchhw
Absolutely! Having voice + choice leads to buy in, passion, and engagement for everyone involved. They have voice + choice in the "real world" so it's important to have them practice early on. #SquirrelsChat
A2-My hope would be to not have a fear of failure! Ts often are afraid to look bad to Ss and admins. If we could use failures as lesson to move us forward-that would be perfect! #SquirrelsChat
A1) I see innovation at work all over social media - teachers trying new things, sharing successes and failures, and encouraging each other along the way. #squirrelschat
Time for question one! An organization that embodies startup culture puts its emphasis on innovative practices and empowering stakeholders. These key ideas are pervasive at @Squirrels and are vital to our success. What elements are found in education? #squirrelschat@beckyshy
Yes! Failing forward is far more important than faking perfection. No one is perfect (except Beyoncรฉ) and it's important for everyone to feel safe in making a mistake. #SquirrelsChat
Onto Q2! People are the foundation of any culture, regardless of institution. At @Squirrels, we are transparent with employees, focus on cultivating relationships and put people before numbers. Share what people-first looks like in education. #squirrelschat@beckyshy
A1) Makerspaces is a great place to see that come through. I also think we have to help our learners discover that through testing and failing at different items. #squirrelschat
A2: More Student driven content creation. Communication within the school/staff/students/parents etc. we have to create a more culture first mentality. In order to tell our own stories we have to enable teachers and students to drive that. #squirrelschat
Transparency is incredibly important! We're lucky to have a very transparent workplace at @Squirrels and it allows everyone to be on the same page. It creates a culture of openness and honesty. #SquirrelsChat
A2:) We have a Cohort of learners that are 2nd through 5th grade traditional together learning as a community of learners. Expectations and operating procedures are key in these studios. #SquirrelsChat
Q3. Share how you collaborate! At @Squirrels, collaborating on goals and projects is an everyday reality. We have the time and flexibility to work with others, and our physical space supports that mindset. #squirrelschat@beckyshy
Q2) looking at people beyond data, requirements, and to-do lists. Having conversations over talking down to folks (especially students). Offering more grace than condemnation. #SquirrelsChat
Onto Q2! People are the foundation of any culture, regardless of institution. At @Squirrels, we are transparent with employees, focus on cultivating relationships and put people before numbers. Share what people-first looks like in education. #squirrelschat@beckyshy
Love the idea of smaller stations within the classroom. This, I think, is the appeal of flexible seating and not that it is different furniture. Set up is key! #squirrelschat
A2: Making our classroom a safe space to take risks by asking qs w/o judgment, to not penalize failure & use it as a learning experience, & just have the openness to try new things. #SquirrelsChat
Onto Q2! People are the foundation of any culture, regardless of institution. At @Squirrels, we are transparent with employees, focus on cultivating relationships and put people before numbers. Share what people-first looks like in education. #squirrelschat@beckyshy
Years ago I read that in Australia teachers have an office away from the classroom and they are together with other educators from their subject matter or grade level, allowing time for conversation, input, sharing of resources. I would like to see us do that here. #squirrelschat
And how about just plain old laughing with each other. I love seeing Ts and Ss laughing with each other. It doesnโt always have to be so serious! #squirrelschat
When we get out of our classrooms and share learners the power in collaboration between teachers is incredible. Learners are no longer MINE, but OURS. #KidsDeserveIt#SquirrelsChat
Q3. Share how you collaborate! At @Squirrels, collaborating on goals and projects is an everyday reality. We have the time and flexibility to work with others, and our physical space supports that mindset. #squirrelschat@beckyshy
Q3: Most of my collaboration is with fellow teachers so we all use the Google Suite of tools. Being able to comment and work on a project effectively despite location is key for me. Now I can feel like I am in multiple places at one time! #superpower#squirrelschat
A3:A3: Being intentional about how teachers are assigned to classrooms can help foster collaboration in creative ways. Most schools group by grade level/subject but if you want cross-curricular collaboration, put those teachers in close proximity to one another. #SquirrelsChat
A3: Our spaces need to be intentional. Iโm constantly trying to find ways to support more student interaction. From table groups, computer station, lounge area, chairs in the hallway etc. #squirrelschat
A3. By defaulting to someone who knows a good bit about a particular topic, regardless if I am well versed or not. Those are the moments I can relearn through perspectives what I think I already know. This can be very powerful when defaulting to Ss for input. #squirrelschat
Q3. Share how you collaborate! At @Squirrels, collaborating on goals and projects is an everyday reality. We have the time and flexibility to work with others, and our physical space supports that mindset. #squirrelschat@beckyshy
Just the fact that you're always trying new spaces means that you already get it. Things may not work out perfectly or may need to be altered, but students are so lucky to have someone who encourages student interaction! #SquirrelsChat
Love having you here, Travis! Especially when talking about a culture of innovation and you have so much knowledge to share. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to work with you! #SquirrelsChat
Q4 below ๐๐ผ The term โfuture-ready skillsโ can be found across education today. It is difficult, if not impossible, for students to acquire future-ready skills with an educational mindset stuck in the 20th century. @beckyshy@Squirrels#squirrelschat
A3-I collaborate with grade level teachers to help integrate tech into lessons. We are trying to learn Office365, but it can be a hard sell to some teachers-so some is still just running in and out of classes๐ฌ#SquirrelsChat
A4: I have grown to love this framework to think about future ready! This is a great tool to support building lessons to meet that outcome. #SquirrelsChat
A4: Education needs to try to stay up with innovations. If S's have not heard of the newest thing or even seen it, then how are they readyf or life after graduation. #SquirrelsChat
Q4 below ๐๐ผ The term โfuture-ready skillsโ can be found across education today. It is difficult, if not impossible, for students to acquire future-ready skills with an educational mindset stuck in the 20th century. @beckyshy@Squirrels#squirrelschat
Currently searching for floor pillows - I have a current group who love to congregate around my coffee table and couch. Everyone loves a VIBE. #squirrelschat
A4-innovation hopefully shows Ss that you work towards a goal even if there are potholes and obstacles. Failure can often spark the best new ideas!#SquirrelsChat
A4: I hope with a continued push towards a culture of innovation that students will be prepared for life beyond school. Their first job likely isn't going to take the time to teach them how to think outside of the box, but they can come in with those skills #squirrelschat
A4: Allowing students the voice & choice to pursue autonomous projects helps develop self-regulation & monitoring skills and an entrepreneurial mindset necessary for future success. #softskills#futureready#SquirrelsChat
Q4 below ๐๐ผ The term โfuture-ready skillsโ can be found across education today. It is difficult, if not impossible, for students to acquire future-ready skills with an educational mindset stuck in the 20th century. @beckyshy@Squirrels#squirrelschat
A4. One word: adaptability. Innovation facilitates adaptation to different environments, problems, and people. Itโs really difficult to adapt when trad ed is about conforming. #SquirrelsChat
Q4 It models what we want to nurture in our students. With longitudinal studies showing that student creativity continues to decline, starting from the inside out would have a tremendous affect on students #squirrelschat
A4: I have grown to love this framework to think about future ready! This is a great tool to support building lessons to meet that outcome. #SquirrelsChat
A3: Providing the space for collaboration & designing activities that encourage working together. As a T, being present & learning when to step in or let go. #SquirrelsChat
Q3. Share how you collaborate! At @Squirrels, collaborating on goals and projects is an everyday reality. We have the time and flexibility to work with others, and our physical space supports that mindset. #squirrelschat@beckyshy
A4. One word: adaptability. Innovation facilitates adaptation to different environments, problems, and people. Itโs really difficult to adapt when trad ed is about conforming. #SquirrelsChat
Q4: If our goal is the โreal world,โ we have to challenge them and enable them to think for themselves! They also NEED to be able to collaborate, adapt, and work with others to succeed! #squirrelschat
I have to run now, but so glad I got to jump in with everyone. If you need anything please just reach out to me via twitter and we can connect. Anything #makerspaces or #personalizedlearning I would love to connect and help out. #SquirrelsChat
At #FETC, @SirKenRobinson talked about how change happens from the ground up. Movements do not occur because someone in charge says it should happen. We should all feel empowered to make change happen, regardless of where we are. #squirrelschat@beckyshy@Squirrels
A5: I did #genuishour with my Ss which had never been done in my school. I got support from my principal to try it, documented successes & shared the next school year during PD. That year a few more Ts tried it out, then a few more & that got the ball rolling. #SquirrelsChat
At #FETC, @SirKenRobinson talked about how change happens from the ground up. Movements do not occur because someone in charge says it should happen. We should all feel empowered to make change happen, regardless of where we are. #squirrelschat@beckyshy@Squirrels
increase facilitating questions, situations,"assignments" that need to be solved that have no one specific answer. Grab those situations from the real world so it real and meaningful, skills used to problem solve and design a solution will naturally meet standards #squirrelschat
A5: If you have an innovative idea, start small with one class and build from there. Share what you're doing with others at a PD session or faculty meeting. Get people excited by focusing on the positive impacts on student learning. #InnovateEd#SquirrelsChat
I just wish @twitter wasnโt being so janky tonight! I will def be going back and reading more posts as they come up...and most likely responding in #GIF!
#squirrelschat
In reply to
@BorkJanis, @emilycarle, @beckyshy, @Squirrels, @Twitter
Educators need to start asking for new and innovative solutions that help S's prepare for the future. With money being a problem, write a grant or ask your community partners. #SquirrelsChat
At #FETC, @SirKenRobinson talked about how change happens from the ground up. Movements do not occur because someone in charge says it should happen. We should all feel empowered to make change happen, regardless of where we are. #squirrelschat@beckyshy@Squirrels
A5-I will stay supportive and positive to teachers who want to try new things in the classroom. I love showing Ts that Ss can create wonderful projects with tech to show learning! #nomoreworksheets#SquirrelsChat
An outstanding book that is a comfortable read and provides ideas, guidance along with foundation for moving to such an environment is "Lifelong Kindergarten" by @mres#squirrelschat
A5: Experiment more, support more, challenge more, question more, fail more, and at the end of the day I want to learn as much as I can and share that in a positive environment for my kids. #squirrelschat
Thank you for joining #squirrelschat! As always, I'm leaving the chat feeling energized and enlightened. Another big thank you to my partner-in-crime @beckyshy for moderating with me tonight! ๐ฏ๐ฟ๏ธ
Q4 below ๐๐ผ The term โfuture-ready skillsโ can be found across education today. It is difficult, if not impossible, for students to acquire future-ready skills with an educational mindset stuck in the 20th century. @beckyshy@Squirrels#squirrelschat
We will pick a winner of the @amazon gift card Friday morning and announce it here and from @Squirrels. Thank you again for participating -- have a great night! ๐ #squirrelschat
