#DITCHbook was created by Ditch That Textbook author Matt Miller. The chat focuses on innovative teaching ideas and disrupting standard textbook education.
Welcome to #DitchBook. Thanks for hanging by the pool with us tonight.
Please share your name, role, and where you are ditching from.
We would also like to know your favorite poolside activity.
@rlfreedm@jmattmiller
I'm so glad you are joining us poolside tonight for #ditchbook. I'm Mandi, HS Math teacher from Missouri. @rlfreedm and I will be tweeting out questions.
I'm so glad you are joining us poolside tonight for #ditchbook. I'm Mandi, HS Math teacher from Missouri. @rlfreedm and I will be tweeting out questions.
Welcome to #DitchBook. Thanks for hanging by the pool with us tonight.
Please share your name, role, and where you are ditching from.
We would also like to know your favorite poolside activity.
@rlfreedm@jmattmiller
Heeeeeey, #ditchbook!!! So excited to be here this evening because #ditchbook is AWESOME!!! Evan Mosier, Tech Integrationist Lead Teacher from Davenport, IA. Fav poolside activity is watching my kids enjoy themselves and be care-free as they play!
Alex here from STL City - math and computer science teacher. Reading & hanging at the pool are the best, but I’ve spent more time at the lake this summer! Even better! #ditchbook
John from Stomp 3rd grade. Bottle time here so may have to wait 15 minutes before getting in the water 😉 hope to check in as much as oossible #ditchbook
I'm coming in. I hear the water's nice. I'm Brian. I teach middle-school students English in Colorado. Like other ironists at #ditchbook tonight, I'll be bringing a book to this poolside session...
I’m Whitney from Texas! I’m joining #ditchbook for the first time after being a longtime lurker. I will be starting a brand new position this year- an elementary instructional technology specialist! I love love love reading by the pool.
Good evening! Steve from Simi Valley, CA. When I’m not sipping a cold one by the pool, I enjoy doing cannon balls ( perfect body type for CBs!) #ditchbook
Hey there #ditchbook friends! Matt here, DTT author/blogger/speaker and pool shenanigan enthusiast.
Fave poolside activity: not being poolside. Let's get in the pool! I was a HS springboard diver, so let's do tricks off the board!
A1. I would hate to see personalized learning lose the human side. It is not about the tech. It is about supporting individuals with tech. Personalized Learning Is a Problem of Privilege https://t.co/gbPXI4kZY6#edtech via @EdSurge#ditchbook
A1: Biggest obstacle is how to assess. Another obstacle that is huge for some is how to have whole class discussions when the topics or stages of learning are so varied. #DitchBook
Large class sizes have been my biggest obstacle with personalized learning! With no aids it makes creating personalized learning hard! #DitchBook#Lulearns
A1: I think one of the biggest obstacles is the dynamic of the student-teacher relationship. Teachers have to learn to give up some control and allow students to have a bigger voice in their education #ditchbook
A1: Completely agree with @rlfreedm. All too often, we get caught up in the tech, when in actuality, the content and ensuring student mastery should be the main focus! #ditchbook
A1: it’s not the way we were taught. Unfamiliar territory. We must encourage and promote risk taking. Teachers should always be in the learning process of becoming a better teacher #DitchBook
A1: Biggest hurdle to personalized learning? TIME.
We feel like we lack the time to create the framework for personalized learning in class and it deters us.
Thankfully w/ #eduprotocols and other smart strategies, it doesn't take THAT much time. #DitchBook
A1: The biggest obstacle is that there are so many T directions/perspectives which then at times makes it hard to give proper direction/instruction. #DitchBook
A1: teachers, not wanting to think outside of the box and let students learn how they want to learn. District need to start offering PD in the way we want teachers to teach.#ditchbook
A1 The biggest obstacle(s) I think are first, diagnosing what each student needs and then having the time in a 50 minute period to work with every kid - one reason I love #hyperdocs! #ditchbook
Hey! Ditching at the end of 1st day in new job as Coordinator of Instructional Tech in Lancaster, PA! Hate swimming in pools but love wading through streams! #DitchBook
#ditchbook A1: Probably time and money. Make time, and ask district to help pay for conferences. Also do online free digital conferences that gain you PD points like #HiveSummit and #strobelsummit
A1: Obstacles to personalized learning? Large class sizes & lack of ample planning time sometimes mean you just have to “go with it” - often in reflecting on my lessons only after-the-fact I realize other options that would have made learning more personal #ditchbook
A1. Standardized Assessments are an obstacle to #personalizedlearning. Expectations to comply with certain building standards. As I move to new school, not sure what new buildings norms will be, but I'm excited to continue to #ditchbook and #personalizelearning!
A1: One major obstacle is the difficulty in explaining to students and parents the value of making sure their child academically gets what he/she needs, which may require individualized and/or differentiation in classwork & homework. #ditchbook
It's a tough one! I let my Jr/Sr novels class do book of their choice for the last one we read. It was hard to figure out the discussion piece, but I think if I phrase the discussion around the Big Idea or Theme, then all can chime in on how their book or story fits. #DitchBook
A1 obviously have a limited time. I’m trying to focus on every topic rather than getting really good at one. BTW, Lance, k-4 principal in MO #ditchbook
A1: I am year 3 on our blended learning journey and I find the biggest obstacle to me is trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Trying to maintain a traditional model while attempting personalization. #disruption#ditchbook
A1: time to leave feedback for our students work. We can overcome this by making sure that we are having genuine conversations with our kids in class. Don’t try to grade everything! #ditchbook
#ditchbook A1: Guess I read that as PD. Time is also my answer for teaching students. It's hard to help kids become fluent in a foreign language with only 50 minutes a day 5 days a week! Maximize instructional time.
Hey everyone. I am a Spanish teacher from IN. Never did like the pool growing up, but as an adult there are few things more beautiful than the ocean. 🏖#DitchBook
A1: Biggest obstacles: time, school, district &/or state mandates (including assessments). For some Ts it is moving outside of what they know/comfort zone. #DitchBook
Hiya Matt. That thought just planted a seed about trying visualizing as part of choice-reading time in new school year. Students & I can list our favorite reading spots, take turns guiding each other imaginatively to them before we get temporarily lost in books. #ditchbook
A2: While I would love to do yoga, and always say I'm going to start yoga, I usually ended up making a craft project or quilting to relax. #DitchBook#itsthethoughtthatcounts
A1: biggest obstacle is fear of not being able to scale. And being eaten alive! The fear itself is the obstacle. But sharing ideas and strategies together we win
#ditchbook
A2: At least 5 mins of my prep are reserved for quiet time, a Coke Zero, and chocolate. Then at home I will try to make sure my school work isn't carried over into the weekends. #goals#ditchbook
A1. Getting the learner (young or old) to take ownership and be motivated to accept the personalization. We’ve been trained they years of schooling to prepare for spoon feeding. #DitchBook
A2: This is, by far, the hardest part to accomplish for me. I love the extra time with my two boys, but once they're asleep, I find it extremely hard to disconnect or not read about teaching or tech integration. I HAVE to stay connected. It's SO HARD not to for me! #ditchbook
I think there is a lot of fear especially when it comes to Ss who know more than Ts. I say embrace that. Learn. Live. Try new things. Model that mantra for Ss. #DitchBook
#ditchbook Well today my friend and I went to Pokagon State Park, played Scrabble, had a picnic lunch, and hiked a trail. It was fun! I also just try to have fun and relax this summer. I work too but mostly relax.
Not sure if it’s the biggest, but one challenge is coming up with a clear definition of what it means in your school / district. Then you can begin thinking about how to re-thing practice to move along a #personalizedlearning continuum. #DitchBook
A2: Intentional time to relax starts by learning to say “no” sometimes and by knowing your limits. Four years in, and I’m still learning. Best advice I’ve received re: time management - every time you say “yes” to one thing, you’re unknowingly saying “no” to others #ditchbook
So that’s how we’re taking IS to the next level, thanks to Google Class and Canvas, we’re incorporating student collaboration into our lessons. We also have lab requirements that incorporate student collaboration, PBL and team projects #DitchBook
A2: I used to schedule nice peaceful names after school. Now with a 2 month old I don't see that happening? Suggestions for relaxing with a baby after school? #DitchBook#lulearns
You're so right! I even find myself at school at least once, if not twice a week to clean up something, organize something, or otherwise prep something for the upcoming school year. It's just so difficult to stay away! #ditchbook
A2. Let me count the ways. The woods of Southern Oregon are calling me. Also the Oregon Coast. That’s how I...chill.
That and making videos with my kids
#ditchbook
A2 I schedule the time every day - I start with writing a list for the day that includes also things I WANT to do - like read, write, and walk and listen to podcasts :) #ditchbook
A2: I'm struggling to rest and relax this summer.
What has helped: mini vacations with the family, playing Wii games with the kids, backyard basketball games, country road running, sitting on the porch during sunset, etc. #DitchBook
Possible downside when personalized learning meets powerful, unfettered brains: Someone enthusiastic reader may bring us, imaginatively, to the bathroom :O #ditchbook
Sweet deal! I use it because @kristi_daws taught me a while ago! Super fun! @nankr1120 and I were just dabbling with the idea of using with our students somehow... #ditchbook
In reply to
@thoughtsinflow, @jmattmiller, @JakeMillerTech, @kristi_daws, @nankr1120
It does. I was looking at it from an admin side and their question of "what did you do during the PD day? How can you account for your learning?" sort of questions. #DitchBook
Hard to implement what you haven’t seen & also a challenge not simply replicate what you do see (which may not be personal for your student). Quite a paradox that requires thinking & listening with students. #DitchBook
A2: This is, by far, the hardest part to accomplish for me. I love the extra time with my two boys, but once they're asleep, I find it extremely hard to disconnect or not read about teaching or tech integration. I HAVE to stay connected. It's SO HARD not to for me! #ditchbook
A1: I think the biggest obstacle to personalized learning is knowing how to help tailor things to each student. Finding levels of appropriate challenge without over frustration while still hitting standards. Providing that for students at all levels. #hard#Ditchbook
A2 I have failed miserably at this the last two years. I am scheduling time away from Internet and all things work-related coming up next week to recharge my battery. #ditchbook
A2 Structured time is so important! Instead of partially working and partially spending time with family, I'm working on fully devoting myself to one or the other. Balance. I have to plan relaxing, or it won't happen sometimes. #ditchbook
Q3. We all love trying new things! Whether it is for Ss, Ps, Ts, or As what is one thing you could try this year. Let the idea pool begin! Dive right in! #ditchbook
A1: Time! It seems to be the one thing everyone complains about including me. Need to see what to ditch, rearrange, etc to get the time we need. #DitchBook
A3: in @alicekeeler book Teaching Math with Google Apps, there is a section by Diana where she talks about assigning one or two problems each week but having students show their thinking and revise until correct. That's on my list this year. #DitchBook
A3. I would love to try guided math. I think small group instruction is the way to go. I tested the waters last year but really need to hone in now! Anyone have resources? @suzmcarey#ditchbook
Q3. We all love trying new things! Whether it is for Ss, Ps, Ts, or As what is one thing you could try this year. Let the idea pool begin! Dive right in! #ditchbook
A1: time to leave feedback for our students work. We can overcome this by making sure that we are having genuine conversations with our kids in class. Don’t try to grade everything! #ditchbook
We were struggling with our family devotion time at night so we switched it to during dinner while everyone isn’t distracted and all at the table. It’s been a huge game changer! #DitchBook
YES! There’s a sentiment that if it doesn’t “scale” it’s not worth doing or that it has to be exact for all. Our kids have different interests and needs. It’s like the old star fish story...it makes a difference for THAT child. #DitchBook
A1: Time and administrators' confusion. I used to postpone all personalized learning during observations if the observer was traditional because I didn't want to be rated ineffective for deviating from traditional lesson planning. They knew I was doing this. #DitchBook
Q3. We all love trying new things! Whether it is for Ss, Ps, Ts, or As what is one thing you could try this year. Let the idea pool begin! Dive right in! #ditchbook
A3: Am really thinking hard about starting a professional podcast. It would be a companion 2 my blog, & then perhaps have guests. Going 2 start a YouTube channel too & use it w/my classes where I create the content. Diving into the deep end right off the diving board. #DitchBook
A2. About to take two weeks in Cape May staffing 2 one-week family retreats moderating teens, then young adults. Will definitely have some off-grid time, which is a major struggle for me. Always connected! #ditchbook
A3: To be more intentional about my use of technology. I need to work harder at learning more & some of that learning can come from my teachers. If we all focus on teaching & sharing our strengths with others, everyone wins. #ditchbook
A2.. it's a delicate balance for me. I am up at the lake for most of the summer and on sunny days, im on the boat relaxing. On rainy days im doing school work. I'm also doing school work on the 6 hours of plane ride home from #SchoologyNext#ditchbook
Q3. We all love trying new things! Whether it is for Ss, Ps, Ts, or As what is one thing you could try this year. Let the idea pool begin! Dive right in! #ditchbook
A3: going to try and be out of my office more this year. I want to be in classrooms, not only observing teachers, but also helping students (maybe even coteaching) #DitchBook
This summer has been hard, especially with attending two teacher conferences and teaching summer school! Hoping to relax for a couple weeks coming up! #ditchbook
A3: Taking my already-built lessons, and adding more opportunities for students to demonstrate their mastery. Providing student-choice doesn’t mean needing to re-invent the wheel, which I’ve sometimes tried to do (with little success!) #ditchbook
A3: One thing I want to try this summer is incorporating a green screen in my classroom! Can't wait to use it for our reporting unit where my kinders can pretend they are news anchors and share what they learned while reading nonfiction #DitchBook#lulearns
My school is doubling down from modified blocks w/2 days per week of 90-minute classes, to four days in 2018-19. From @cultofpedagogy, here's a wise snapshot of ways to approach longer periods: https://t.co/86IP3NdrNj#ditchbook
Q3. We all love trying new things! Whether it is for Ss, Ps, Ts, or As what is one thing you could try this year. Let the idea pool begin! Dive right in! #ditchbook
A3: well no surprise coming from me - but student video creation is one thing.
In particular - the video poem! Writing, reading, choosing, creating in multiple modalities, sharing what is sure to be a prized authentic creation
#ditchbook
A2. Jumping in late...Good question! Working on this one! I guess getting things done during the week and spending time with family on the weekends. #ditchbook
A1 Biggest obstacle to #personalizedlearning can be letting go of classroom control. Ss should be in charge and invested in their own learning. #ditchbook
Plan for some brain breaks. But it also gives more time for reflection during the lesson. Definitely plan activities for movement in and out of the classroom #DitchBook
A3b: Perfect example to my previous post: my students have taught me more about how to use my iPhone X than I ever imagined. Capitalizing on their expertise has helped me with my phone, but also to develop relationships. #ditchbook
A3 Will be trying out a couple of the #EduProtocols Starting year of with Frayer a Friend to help build culture in a way I have never focused on before #ditchbook
A2 Once summer school is over my relaxing time will be spent at the libary doing grad work! However, I do just love hanging by the beach or long drives with the windows down. #DitchBook
A2: I need to make a plan & actually do it! I say I'll go to the pool or beach & I don't. I think I need to start with breaking up with my phone for longer periods of time. I seriously think I need a reminder/alarm to go off labeled "TURN ME OFF!" 😜 #DitchBook
A2: For the most part I don’t. I do test and relax, but it normally happens in spurts and stops as I see a chunk of time that isn’t planned for something else. #workingonit#ditchbook
A3. I got out my old Legos and am going to let my Ss develop their own stories throughout the year. Here are some that I left intact from my childhood.
#DitchBook
A3 As I'm new to my role and district this year, I want to schedule times to eat lunch with my Ts and Ss. My goal is to build relationships as soon as I can🤗 #ditchbook
A4. Professionally @mssackstein book Peer Feedback in Classroom. Sitting in pile & w/dissertation haven't time to read it but know it is an important read. Personally I have When Life Gives You LuLulemons because I am curious to see what life lessons this book has. #ditchbook
#DitchBook A3 Expanding our #globalcollaboration by creating more cultural conversations with classes. Rather than Mystery Skypes/Hangouts, have students discuss different issues to get an international perspective. Did 2 this year with Argentina/Mexico. Outstanding engagement!
Take advantage of nice weather days and any activity that can be done without a computer. Even simple as having classroom discussions outside #DitchBook
You def inspired me w/anchor & your #DitchPod so I am going to give it a go. I also was inspired & challenged by @tylertarver on doing a YouTube channel. Using it to teach my Ss can also reach millions of Ss. #DitchBook
A4 -
Make It Stick
What Does This Look Like in the Classroom?
The Learning Rainforest
Education is Upside-Down
Why Don't Students Like School?
#ditchbook
That's what I did with my AP Econ students. We went outside and drew chalk graphs to connect concepts rather than doing it with pen/paper or computers. #ditchbook
A3: I hope to try to integrate more tech-related projects into the Language Arts curriculum. Without losing any authenticity of student achievement or content, I'm hoping to engage the students more this way. #ditchbook
A4: Currently, I'm reading Mindset by Carol Dweck. I want to empower my students and staff to work and learn to their fullest potential, but I believe it ultimately starts with me doing the same. Lots of great information! #ditchbook
A3 I really want to make more connections and build a broader PLN. We all have so much to learn from each other! This includes a more globally connected classroom w Ss creating learning networks. #ditchbook
A3 I am going to try online portfolios with my 2nd graders! Hopefully so they can lead their own conferences and parents can see it develop throughout the school year! #ditchbook
A4 next 2 books up for me are Conscious Coaching by @Coach_BrettB & the one and only #DitchBook by @jmattmiller. Coaching people is a big focus for me. I’d also like be to read some of @TimothyKight’s work. I need to keep his mantra in mind as I start the school year.
A3. Starting check-in/check-out students and having them create their own secret handshakes. (And hoping I can memorize them.). Got the awesome idea from @BellBreyanna#DitchBook
Not an education book, but truly at the heart of our purpose and passion as educators - “The Noticer” by Andy Andrews, the sort of book that makes you reflect so deeply and shapes your interactions so positively #ditchbook
Must cut out a bit early #ditchbook friends. Feel free to hang out by the pool, enjoy the music ... Drinks are on me! 😎😎😎
Thanks to @TTmomTT and @rlfreedm for throwing this party tonight!
A4: Prof. rdg- Being the Change: Lessons and Strategies to Teach Social Comprehension by Ahmed for a book group with PLN members. For fun- Red Queen series bc my daughter recommended it. #DitchBook
A3: Doing Genius Hour for the first two weeks of school! Hoping to inspire creativity and innovation while squashing the fear of failure from the getgo #ditchbook
A3: I want my Ss to create AR/VR not just experience it. I also want to connect with more classes & experts around the world through #GridPals & Google Hangouts. #DitchBook
I have thrown around the idea of seesaw or having my students create their own Google site! My team is talking next week to see what the others are doing! #Ditchbook
I can't get my own kid (in pre-k) to draw the letter A but she can use an iPhone and paint her nails with precision, and her school calls me daily because she won't take a nap, so yeah I'm nervous lol #DitchBook
Thank you to #ditchbook for sitting poolside with us and chatting tonight. We hope you had a swimmingly good time! @ditchbookralph@DitchThatTxtbk See you next week!
