#memspachat Archive
A chat for Principals, Administrators & Lead Educators. Come join the Collaboration and Learning THURSDAY'S at 8pm ET.
Thursday January 14, 2016
8:00 PM EST
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starts now! - Start with INTRO's
MODERATOR: Mike Domagalski. Palms Elem Principal & Elem Curriculum Coordinator -
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Dawn Kennaugh, Beagle Elem principal, Grand Ledge.
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Allyson Apsey, elementary principal Zeeland Public Schools
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Hi friends - Tim from Waverly region 8
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Hattie Hanycz, Bertha Neal Elem, Durand, Principal
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Doug Ammeraal -- Principal -- Mona Shores Middle School -- Norton Shores
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Hi everyone, Bill Kryscynski Elementary Principal from Yale
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Happy Thursday, principals! Ready for a great night of learning! Michelle Allen, Principal EP Clarke Ele., St. Joe
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Hi Allyson! I almost have a blog ready to share - several more tweeks need to be made!
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Good evening! Cyndi from Walled Lake. Excited to join tonight's chat.
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Kelly McCloughan
Arnold Elementray - Michigan Center Schools
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Ben, El. Principal in Spring Arbor, Michigan
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Chris Principal Chatham ON Canada
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Matt Severin, Dowagiac Middle School serving students in SW Michigan
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Great video from Z-town this week! Representing my hometown right!
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Hi everyone! Angelia Coleman-Muskegon
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Next weeks moderator on joins us tonight! BAM!
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Welcome Ontario friends!!!
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My name is Jason Cross, I am a ski bum from Park City, Utah. looking forward to the discussion!
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meant https://t.co/Sjxi5upkPi
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Good evening . Chris Ming, AP/AD at Marine City High, East China School District. Love tech tools!
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Is it wrong if I say Google for every answer tonight?
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Rachel Card, principal at Belle River Elementary, . Looking forward to learning about some new tech tools.
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Not wrong at all Bill - I was thinking the same thing!
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Hi everyone! Catherine Woolman from Marine City Middle checking in
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My goal is to just not get overwhelmed.....;)
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I love tech - just it is hard to find time to learn and stay committed to use it!
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Great group on right now. More to come as we get going.
Questions starting in 1 minute...
TOPIC: Favorite Tech Tools
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Q1: What is your favorite tech tool you use to communicate with parents?
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I use email blasts - but not too often - want to have them not delete if overused
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Facebook works for me - it seems that many of my parents are on.
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You convinced me to use Remind this summer and it is easy and effective!
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A1: Not necessarily my favorites, but the what seems to work are School Messenger notifications and Facebook posts.
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Schoolmessenger for admins and our teachers love the class Dojo.
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A1: Probably Twitter, FB, electronic newsletter, and weekly email. Not real techie :)
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Howdie folks, Ryan Relken, principal
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A phone is a great tech tool for a personal touch - just not great for the masses -
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A1: Wondering how many tweets we're going to get on this one. AWESOME app. All Parents connected school-wide!
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I have found with technology it is better to get really good w one tool (great depth) before adding to the toolbox
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A1: https://t.co/1Yyz5Mkv5G to publish school newsletter. Ps like easy access and how attractive it looks on comp and phones.
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I have increased my twitter use, but I don't seem to have parents follow.
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Remind is amazing for school-wide
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A1: My teachers love Remind!
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A1. Facebook. Everyone has it at their fingertips and it's quick but it really depends on the message that is being sent
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A1: fave tool is an organized and maintained informational website with consistent updates
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A1) I like Remind. I think that app has lots of purpose for communicating with parents.
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Favorite tools to communicate with parents are Blogs, Youtube videos, Tweets, & Student Podcast.I get excited to showcase kids!
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A1: Facebook has helped a lot.. We LOVE blogspot but its slow to catch on w/ parents. Low glam - messenger is awesome, too!
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We use Twitter Facebook and remind staff use Seesaw to communicate and engage parents school blog replaced newsletter
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I need to get better at these! Great stuff https://t.co/6qgjJTcnpR
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Favorite tools to communicate with parents are Blogs, Youtube videos, Tweets, & Student Podcast.I get excited to showcase kids!
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I agree with Michelle - tried a blog but parents didn't follow, and I did everything I can to advertise. :(
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So I see that Remind is a fav...I may try to re-up on the app...
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I credit the Warner teachers with sharing our Parent Blog. They email to parents with a brief intro to encourage.
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A1- Skylert for email blast but like Tim, cautious about overuse. Focused on using Twitter more frequently for daily snapshots.
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Jumping into a bit late. Sam, K-5 prinicpal in NJ.
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Need to up the newsletter game trying to find different tools to improve the design hopefully get more parents to read
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Us, too. Seems like we're getting different parents on FB and Twitter though - I guess that's good! https://t.co/1rEjmrf1bH
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I have increased my twitter use, but I don't seem to have parents follow.
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A1: our newsletter goes out electronically. We had over 800 views in November! Did NOT expect that.
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Great responses on going on NOW!!!
QUESTION 2 coming up! Stay tuned...
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A1: I've found my parents respond best to communication via email or Facebook, which is great for communicating from my phone
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any ideas for best blogs to use to replace school newsletters?
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it's a message app which you can create groups and invite people to sign up. Sends text messages.
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Karen Abraham- Elementary Principal- Mona Shores- joining late
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It seems like more parents are on Facebook. Twitter seems to be more for professional dialogue among adults.
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Q2: What is your favorite tech tool you use with your teachers?
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I also like twitter...haha
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I use blogger, but still write a regular memo posted to web site.
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I am to pt w remind, google drive, etc. that I can do most parts of my job from my phone. Great for my slash role
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I'm a fan of wordpress, has a nice appearance and links easily to social media
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Not giving up yet - LOVE the ease of use and the personal feel of it. Need some traction to recommit! https://t.co/n64wXzQeKH
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I agree with Michelle - tried a blog but parents didn't follow, and I did everything I can to advertise. :(
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A2: I have been using google classroom, and like it. Try to model new tech tools so they might try new things
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A2: Email-it's quick & available at their fingertips whenever they want it - hoping to introduce the Twitter challenge soon!
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A2: Getting into google classroom. Each T is a student in the "class." Finding this is a great way to share & archive info.
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Emails and text messages are still my comfortable go-to's with staff!
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A2) I’m a huge fan of using WITH ScreenCastify and to share information. The presentations are superb!
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A2: Google platform w staff: docs, sheets, forms, sites, blogger, slides, drive
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A2: Also, many staff are using regularly to share great things happening in school & for prof learning.
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A2: currently it's . I find all kinds of great motivational videos to align help the heart with the work.
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A2. Smore for my weekly updates. It's colorful, quick and staff can quickly reference past weeklies.
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A2: Smore to publish weekly staff bulletin. Can embed YouTube videos, Google forms. Positive feedback from staff.
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trying google classroom in part because it may be a bit easier to find old things than email. Work in progress!
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A2 - I just created a # for my school - T's are posting positive things happening in their classroom - happy with early response
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Great to see you Karen! 2 great evenings for you...an win over HOPE and now
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A2 Remind is my favorite for a shout out. Email is good for general info.
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. I'm doing the same, Chris. Finding it to be very useful.
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I use Remind with my T's. I've been loving it & have gotten lots of positive feedback.
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Thanks, but I "borrowed" the idea from others in my PLN as well
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My favorite tool to share with staff is my Colorful Principal Blog. This allows me to share myself and to convey a message.
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I have started using Google Doc's - our county is going to Google for email, calendar etc. Anxious to get all teachers on board
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We are also implementing digital portfolios on google thanks to
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we don’t borrow in education, we “acquire” or “procure” :)
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A2: I use Remind with my T's. I am loving it & have gotten lots of positive feedback from staff.
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A2 Fav form of "tech" is the design of learning spaces and buildings.
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Are u a google affiliated district? Makes using it that much easier when all in district, ts and ss, have access
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A2: Google classroom, email, Facebook, Twitter
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A2:Favorite tool when working with Ts is Google Drive and Remind for communicating outside of workday
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. yes, just this year. Finding it to be very efficient.
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Lots of collaborators tonight on - Come join us principals! Thanks for moderating!
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"Borrow" struck from the vocab, "Procured" to replace https://t.co/y7aRLTWhHv
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we don’t borrow in education, we “acquire” or “procure” :)
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QUESTION 3 is on deck. Stay tuned on ...
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I'm exploring google classroom. Any tips or suggestions for me?
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Thanks Mike! We should join the next ! (Doing right now)
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After MEMSPA conference have increased use of twitter to share good things happening.
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A2: Our staff blog via blogspot is powerful. And, Google + LMS help collaboration stay strong for PLCs https://t.co/ok7QHLVQwI
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Q2: What is your favorite tech tool you use with your teachers?
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Yes! the 'about' section is a great place to store things you will use all year, like schedules and procedures
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A2: "Old" school...Monday Memos via email...Twitter...FB... My Dept. Chairs felt Google Classroom wasn't needed for staff.
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Q3: What tech tool do you like the most to keep you organized?
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In any spare moment we can find. Our Ts had a working lunch with just today. https://t.co/armOxHTybc
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NICE! When have you found time to teach T's about Google classroom?
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A2: Google anything. Trying to go paperless...having curriculum binder withdrawal at times :) but D
rive so much better
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A3 - cell phone - Can't live more than a minute without the reminders
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A3: Google calendar, Boomerang, got Apple Watch for Christmas :), my phone!
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A3. Google calendar so lost without it
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Calendar is also essential - which of course is tied to my phone
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A3: iPhone 6Plus and my mac ❤️ Yep, lots of love there!
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A3) Can I answer Twitter again? haha, no Actually I am a fan of Google Keep ATM.
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One note for the admin team google Docs for staff
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A3 Google Calendar synced with ipad and iphone with task list.
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A3: Google Calendar. Period. 3 years ago I was only a desk calendar. HUGE UPGRADE.
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A3: Again, anything google, esp calendar.
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One note is an awesome tool!
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Hmmm. For organization I typically depend on my iPhone.
I used to have my inbox be my to do list, ditched that bad habit.
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A3: Google calendar - sends me reminders, keeps me on track
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A3: I've recently started using the Boomerang add-on in my email. Love it so far! It has already made me more efficient.
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Great idea! Seems like Remind has lots of possibilities for principals
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And we'll definitely join the next !
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A3: Google drive keeps me organized. With access on my phone and being able to update on the go
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A3: Outlook cal, IPhone. Run all scheduling through our front office.
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I live between the world of Google everything, Outlook, iPhone 6+ and hard copies of monthly at-a-glance & Wunderlist app!
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A3 Google Calendar and an incredible assistant controlling 100% of what goes in:)
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I like and use remind, but didn't have many parents join - teachers us remind, so I think that detracted from building remind.
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A3: AND google calendar, of course. I couldn't function without it. My secretaries manage/schedule on it for me as well.
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A3: My secretary plays a role in keeping me organized - using her tech to set up reminders - I have a thing about timeliness
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A3 Google calendar- but honestly, still write in an old school calendar too! I'd love to hear suggestions from others.
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A3: Boomerang on gmail is wonderful for keeping my emails from getting lost or forgotten.
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QUESTION 4 is coming up on ...
Get ready for another half hour of great collaboration!!!!
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A3: My Outlook calendar. I would be lost without!
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Finally Joining in tonight!
https://t.co/ONeFNECZXk
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QUESTION 4 is coming up on ...
Get ready for another half hour of great collaboration!!!!
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Q4: What tech tool have you shared with your staff, and that you expect to see in their teaching instruction?
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Do you use it for both returning emails and scheduling for future sends?
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My Outlook calendar is crucial to staying organized.
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I don't tell them what to use, I just encourage and require at least 1 project/activity with tech
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Key to our success! Being a principal is too big of a job for one to do alone! https://t.co/6i810vNIiF
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A3: My secretary plays a role in keeping me organized - using her tech to set up reminders - I have a thing about timeliness
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Boomerang is extension that allows you to schedule emails in future or kicks it back if no reply in x amount of time.
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A4: Digital portfolios created using google Site - T created templates and we expect to see growth over years - exciting
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Just learned that trick from the Google Gooru!
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A4:We have 1:1 iPads in all grades, just implemented mini's in k-2. At exploring stage there
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reminds me a little of Evernote. I'm going to give this a try! Thanks!
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We use Edmodo for PLN and teachers are using it as well with their students particularly at the upper grade levels.
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A4:Many:Prezi, Google Slides, Forms, Socrative, Weebly, KIdblog, Quizziz. Hoping to inspire the use of tech in inst. in general.
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It's free app. You can download it now.
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Can a mac schedule emails to be sent at a later time in outlook? Help!
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The amount of tools that have been shared is numerous. I try to encourage collaboration & let teachers decide what is best.
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A4: They usually bring the tools to me, especially some of the iPad apps, b/c I'm an android guy.
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A4: freedom for teachers exploring tech and use tools that will best support learning goals, thinking, innovation
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I try to model new tech during staff meetings, pd etc. I try to end with the question, how could you use this in your class.
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We tried to figure that out - boomerang is unique to gmail Megan Daniel presented on this in August MEMSPA conf
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A4: Kahoot, BuzzMath, Schoology, Google Classroom, Google Slides, Prezi, Socrative, Padlet, Weebly...
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I will say that I see teachers use Apps, Google Classroom, QR codes, iMovie, and Youtube.
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It may sound simple but email is the fastest and most efficient/effective method of communication for me with parents/colleagues
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Can't help you on the mac question, but Boomerang that we were talking about will work for gmail.
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DiscoveryEd, Kahoot, Edmodo
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Yes! We will have our Tech Team share...utilize in PD...try to give teachers time to "play" and apply.
https://t.co/qRPHKWo1ou
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I try to model new tech during staff meetings, pd etc. I try to end with the question, how could you use this in your class.
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When used properly, simple is extremely effective, google Life Hacks some time. All simple, but ingenious
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Our teachers at have taught each other about Go Noodle, Google Classroom, Plickers, Quizlet, Shutterfly, Remind...
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A4: Embedding google productivity tools in our "real work" to help everyone think about doing our "business" differently.
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I don't have just one. Any tool that increases engagement and communication is a tool I like.
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Yes, last year especially. We tried to share the Tech Tool...model in PD...then give teachers time to play/apply.
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A4: Kahoot is a tool I've modeled and am seeing Ts use in the classroom.
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QUESTION 5 coming up on .
Let's save some $$$
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A4: prezi, Smore, Twitter, FB, email, Google Forms, Celly
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A4. Started using TalentEd as a district for staff evals. Love it!
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Has anybody had success using some form of text messaging? Maybe something like Slack in their school?
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We use Remind... easy peasy.
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Q5: What tech tools do you use in order to save costs, eliminate paper, etc…
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Like this answer a lot! Taking what you did and making more efficient w a tool is right way to use tech https://t.co/J3YItPS6jf
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A4: Embedding google productivity tools in our "real work" to help everyone think about doing our "business" differently.
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Remind seems to be gaining traction. https://t.co/XUa7YMzkXD
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Has anybody had success using some form of text messaging? Maybe something like Slack in their school?
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A5: Google Docs, Survey Monkey, Google forms, email
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A5: I'm repeating myself....all things google. Docs, sheets, slides, classroom, calendar.
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A4: use Google Classroom for paper free staff collab
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I used too! for everything...including social events/reminders/snowdays
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Doing this more and more as year goes on. https://t.co/hPd8q3UTa8
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A4: use Google Classroom for paper free staff collab
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Emails...really! :-) I anticipate walking away with a few more ideas after tonight though...lol
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A5: Google Drive, especially Docs.
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If you guys love Google, give some of the Android tablets a chance. Apple isn't everything in Ed. #.02
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Key in our $$ climate! Blogspot, our LMS, Google, email/texts, FB, and Twitter combine to save $$ https://t.co/VjI4bMIfDp
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Q5: What tech tools do you use in order to save costs, eliminate paper, etc…
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A5: All things Google. Using Drive and docs for all leadership network documents= paper reduction, increased collaboration
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A5: All communications to parents and staff are sent via Smore, Remind, Skyward, email, and the district/school web site.
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us too! Way better than Stages!
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google and onedrive/sharepoint are both utilized in our district
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. that's the plan for us.
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A5: coach's handbook on GDrive. Athletics yes, but could easily adapt to Staff/Student Handbook. Always up-to-date material
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I have tried electronic newsletters, but it didn't take off with parents.
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Perfect example of what happens at !
Great collaboration and a sharing of ideas makes us ALL better! https://t.co/t4eKcORg77
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Like this answer a lot! Taking what you did and making more efficient w a tool is right way to use tech https://t.co/J3YItPS6jf
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A4: Embedding google productivity tools in our "real work" to help everyone think about doing our "business" differently.
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A5: still growing in that department. Dabbling with. Google Docs.
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A5 Talent Ed for evals and OneDrive.
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We find that putting our newsletter on Facebook as well creates more reads and shares.
https://t.co/fCnZlkOj65
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I have tried electronic newsletters, but it didn't take off with parents.
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I used to do a monthly electronic newsletter.never read; now I do a Monday Memo sent via Skyward to every family
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In case anyone is looking for great ideas, is a great resource! Follow him and ask questions!
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Maybe can get me a few to play around with. https://t.co/FXHPQ3wK8d
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The new Pixel C is so cool... But even the others are great.
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Innovator's Mindset talks about making things new and better - and relationships throughout - - worth the read!
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A5: Like others Google allows us to save paper, communicate better, and collaborate
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QUESTION 6 is coming at ya...
Time to name a tech tool and give a shout out on ...
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Q6: What tech tool have you begged, borrowed, or stolen from another administrator? - and time to give them Kudos!!!
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A5. See A3. Google Anything. along with Facebook mainly.
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- Check it out. Here's a resource! https://t.co/2TBoLCAm6F
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I am doing a tech tool time saving session at MACUL pre-conference March 9 just for administrators.
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A6: What haven't I stolen?? Thank you and many more!!!
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has helped me learn to use all things Google and it's made life so much easier!
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Remind IS so great with mass direct info to groups.
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Edmodo from Bryan Setser and Brenda Tenniswood during our
2 Revs initiative.
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Have to run, . Enjoyed the convo. Thanks, all.
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Still grateful for my good friend for introducing me to Voxer. Truly takes twitter to the next level.
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Need to check that out, have no idea what it is!
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Heard State Conf. in TC...Twitter...Tell Your Story... Challenged me to start Twitter
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A6: All of my friends ... AND more.
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I've been reading a lot about Voxer, but need to learn more still
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Huge thanks to and for getting me hooked 2 twitter
again for blogspot & my school hashtag
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A6 and -thanks for pulling me into the great Twittersphere :)
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I can help. We should DM in the next day or so.
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Ditto on those two and some kid named
https://t.co/kGFlpQDW1s
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Huge thanks to and for getting me hooked 2 twitter
again for blogspot & my school hashtag
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Good night all, great twitter chat.
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Would be remissed if I didn't mention IFTTT . Tech "recipes" to increase efficiency. Ex. all hastag tweets to a Gdoc
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A6: for introducing Google Docs as way to collaborate. Best way for entire staff to share info. in real time.
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Got to go. Good Night everyone.
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Would be a great extension of conf to do a special edition of on that! is so inspiring https://t.co/kAS7R2xC83
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Innovator's Mindset talks about making things new and better - and relationships throughout - - worth the read!
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A6: google forms -props to our tech specialists Jessica Winstanley and Paul Murray!
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A6) Following have given me lots of tech inspiration
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Down the rabbit hole or taking the red pill, dealers choice . You're welcome brenda
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Book study? I would read again!
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A6: I'm lucky to have great teacher leaders who inspire my tech growth.
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A6: 10 Day Twitter Challenge!
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QUESTION 7 anyone... Coming up next... Almost done
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Q7: What tech tool would you like to use more, but need more knowledge about?
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Just wrapped up first read - sending it to a friend, and ordering another copy -
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Better late than never! Next week should be better! Glad to get caught up on the conversation.
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formerly from JCISD there to encourage and introduce in tech. She committed to being in our building and helping
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A7: Excel to analyze data. Inspired by the skills of and Rick Carlson. Want to be able to better filter data.
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A7:There is so much out there I don't know. Now, Voxer and a blog for families to replace newsletter. more on YouTube channel
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A6: I learned so much from conference attendees / presenters https://t.co/94rP4CuBQM
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Q6: What tech tool have you begged, borrowed, or stolen from another administrator? - and time to give them Kudos!!!
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I want to commit to blog, but get parents involved and interested.
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A7 - we were just talking about it - Voxer - need to learn more, but interested and motivated to learn
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Looking forward to reading The Innovator's Mindset!
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Thanks for the favorite hour of my Thursday night. Looking forward to next week!
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A:7 Love to get better at both using and as part PLN
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Heyo! Meg Daniel from Grand Rapids. :) Bummed to have missed tonight!
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Looks like it was great tonight . Sorry I missed it!
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A7: Working with data management systems and trying to find a one size fits all for communication, organization, forms, etc.
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A6: My personal mentors (and friend) and taught me tweetdeck - twice! I'm hooked! And spreading the word!
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A7) I'd like to know more about blogging.
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Agreed with Linkedin. Need to develop this. Thanks for the reminder!
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Aw man! Late again for ! Bummed, but thrilled to have got a good workout in & homework done with the kids! Next week!
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A7: Need to learn more about how to pull data from our SIS system. Any Skyward gurus out there?
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A7: SeeSaw app is amazing! I was observing in a classroom and loved how T was using it as an exit tix. Ps input great!
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LAST QUESTION on : Coming up...
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Voxer is amazing!! Totally worth using.
