#EdTechAfterDark Archive
"Welcome to EdTechAfterDark! Our community was born out of discussions for a rich EdChat type gathering for those of us who are thinking about the digital edu-landscape long after the sun has gone down. For us night owls, when the clock strikes 10PM EST, you’ll find us on Twitter over at #edtechafterdark. All are welcome! Our discussions range from our philosophies about EdTech, digital best practices, and simply sharing our stories." --www.edtechafterdark.com
Monday March 21, 2016
Hello, Meagan and I love having access to educational experts around the clock.
Heather- 3rd gr T and tech teacher leader in So. Oregon I love twitter because of the amazing PLN I now have!
I've made it to chat! Woohoo! Julie with consulting co in FL.
Hi, Kim from Raleigh NC, third grade. I love twitter for all the connections I have made and I am learning so much!
Heather, 3-5th STEM teacher. Twitter keeps me in the know!
Hi there! I'm Danielle from Longwood, Fl 3rd Grade T - I love bc I can connect w/ other educators-great PD
Hi welcome!! Happy to have you
Dr. Riina-HS ELA. Love Twitter bc it connects me to awesome others.
Ossa Fisher, CMO of , joining for the first time and enjoying the great and diverse perspectives on
I love for all these chats like and the sharing of ideas from wherever I am!
Misty from TN. K-8 Tech integration. K20 Preservice Ts instructor. Happy to be at
GoGuardian here. Not Ts but some of us are former Ts. We ❤ twitter bc we can have this chat w/ https://t.co/xkliAqiE8o
Amber from central FL, K-5 Global Studies Teacher.I love bc it's a great collecting place for like-minded people
Mary-3rd grade teacher, Florida. Love a place to build PLN, and learn SO much!
Welcome we’re excited to have you
Meredith from IL
A1. Helps to surround yourself w/ other educators who think innovation.
Hopefully, if we're doing our job right, we are LITERALLY the catalyst for innovation with your Ss. https://t.co/H0sWRPggoe
We can foster innovation by crafting meaningful, real ?s & then getting outta the way!
Lisa the lurker tonight, Media Tech Specialist in KS. Gotta listen but get stuff ready for the Ss for tomorrow!
Hey Amber, SPRING BREAK!!!
A1 Taking risks, trying new things, learning new things modeling! Creating a classroom where Ss feel inspired to do so
Love that. "Get outta the way". Gotta let them do, right? There is no failure, only success and version 2.0.
A1: By modeling the advantages (and drawbacks) of taking risks in what we do and how we teach. https://t.co/3bs1ks349S
Guesses for the trending rank on for ?
Questions are key! So important! Creating an environment where students feel safe to ask and answer questions!
A1: Show excitement, relevance, allow room for trial and error - design process. Celebrate persistence, and successes
A1: teach skills, give them tools, let them have choice and creativity in their learning and in the assessment
A1: Kids are brave when you are. If you aren't taking risks or creating an environment supports risk-taking, they won't.
Agree past my bedtime but going to stick it out!
Right! Kids r brilliant innovators when we remove rather than create obstacles & restrictions.
hmarrs24: A1: teach skills, give them tools, let them have choice and creativity in their learning and in the assessment
A1: Become a facilitator and give students time to problem solve.
A1: Facilitate, don't dictate. Provide PBL opportunities, challenges, activities, open-ended quests!
have to ask,am i the only1 excited when you like something today, there's a little party? Throw kindness like confetti!
A1: Instead of always giving them the answers, leave things open-ended and encourage them to go wild!
A1) ok..maybe answer 1.Let Ss lead, explore, play, create share! Be the mentor & learn together! Get Ss connected to others
Absolutely, there has to be safety to inquire, because the Answers aren’t as important as the Qs https://t.co/g5SaO3Xozx
Questions are key! So important! Creating an environment where students feel safe to ask and answer questions!
A1: trial & error in live time w/ students - model exploration of edtech for Ss - be willing to learn possibilities
Agree 100% https://t.co/ntRi3Zuu9P
A1: Kids are brave when you are. If you aren't taking risks or creating an environment supports risk-taking, they won't.
Hi - also 3rd grade teacher
A1 Modeling innovation for our Ss, let them know your trying new things, ask for their ideas, fail & invite Ss to help you.
A1: providing tools, support, and getting out of the way, and of the mindset that Ts have to do all of the talking/teaching
A1: Talk about why failure is OK and an important part of innovation. Kids need to know that piece so they don't give up
So important to all teaching & learning! https://t.co/JTcdKtLqVp
Absolutely, there has to be safety to inquire, because the Answers aren’t as important as the Qs https://t.co/g5SaO3Xozx
Questions are key! So important! Creating an environment where students feel safe to ask and answer questions!
Every Week Cassie brings the hammer!! We have to model risk taking as well, totally agree https://t.co/TLTWZ1Iv5s
A1: Kids are brave when you are. If you aren't taking risks or creating an environment supports risk-taking, they won't.
They are beautiful, and amazing, and brilliant, and innovative, and brave, and we need to foster all of that.
A1) By teaching our students that FAILURE is not only ok, but a very normal part of the thinking/creating process.
Well said. I heard the mike drop! https://t.co/LnlUURlHS1
A1: Facilitate, don't dictate. Provide PBL opportunities, challenges, activities, open-ended quests!
Me too, me too! I wish they'd keep it forever! 🎉
1 T has her 12s write e-book for multicultural lit & film. She gives topics & guides as needed.That's it!
reducing teacher talk is liberating for Ts & Ss - we used the 2min T talk model to scaffold
Hello! Join us next Wednesday 3/30 at 9 EST, we have brought back! Would love to have you!
A1 we must model creativity and allow Ss to take risks w/o fear of grades attached to failure
We always say there isn't failure, there is only success, or learning what doesn't work. Version 2.0's are 👍
thought I was losing it earlier today.I was like, wait, did the heart just throw confetti?!?! https://t.co/CKewWdhrrt
Me too, me too! I wish they'd keep it forever! 🎉
agreed! Give Ts more time to focus on moving students fwd!
A1.When others share thoughts that enlighten rather than agreeing innovative conversations follow. https://t.co/OTumm4KOrx
A1 innovation is turning creative idea into something with value, give students chance to provide value in community
Mastery-based grading! :)
I love Twitter because I can connect with and learn from people around the world!
Question 2 in 1 hot minute!!
We've been liking things all day just for the confetti. ✨🎉✨🎉✨🎉
In the words of , grades are no longer a carrot to be dangled. https://t.co/a9UB7ZZy7Y
A1 we must model creativity and allow Ss to take risks w/o fear of grades attached to failure
A1: I tell kids all the time that I don't know all the answers & that I hope I inspire them to know more than me.
New hashtag necessary https://t.co/XIP07c05wt
me too! i thought maybe it was for the twitter anniversary? but i'm loving it!
Running the risk of merely agreeing w you 😄 We can't fear having the courageous conversations https://t.co/tiPOcYL7Ur
A1.When others share thoughts that enlighten rather than agreeing innovative conversations follow. https://t.co/OTumm4KOrx
we 💗 , 3/30 we will be talking about classroom management, would love your input!
This is really empowering for Ss!
A2: All of them! Haven't gotten to try it yet, but love the concept.
A2: we only do genius hour in 25 min bursts-been impressed 2see TEAMWORK. kids gravitate towards each other &naturally help
A2 This is an area that I want to improve on. I am open to any ideas right now! I do have the guide book, just came in!
A2: Seeing kids explore passions that aren't necessarily typical "school" things but are so deep/creative/time-consuming
Hello joining a bit late - Robin 4th grade from Deland, Fl on spring break in the keys!
Mike from Md. Not sure how much I can add to A1. Seems like it's been covered. Thoroughly.
We would love to be there. Please remind us. Adding to calendar now, too.
A2 Haven't done any. Super excited to learn more 2night! My daughter is also suppose to be working on one at school.
Do you have specific project topics? I would like to learn more! Thanks!
That's awesome! Are parents open to it, generally?
Grades never should be. It should be a measurement. We've long since moved away from that idea
Tons of great resources feel free to DM or myself, and we will share! https://t.co/4J8jEoKpIz
Do you have specific project topics? I would like to learn more! Thanks!
A2 The topics my Ss have chosen have astounded me - deep & high level! I truly had no idea - shame on me!!!
It also drives them nuts.
A2: we have 5th grade career 'Roos that pair up we k-2 Ss that use tech w/a mentor-type program
A2: We'd love resources to share with our customers, if anyone wants to share any!
A2: haven't done GH in 3rd, but want to try, here to learn and grow 2nite!
A1. What if Ss attended "specials" 1st so their Ts begin later & work in afterschool program providing amazing instruction?
A2 we will be looking at implementing next year. We have a daily intervention/ enrichment period in our Ms& HS.
is a genius hour project to help the homeless in our area
Can you share some topics? I want to get this started in my classroom. Thank you!
You may regret those words! Totally taking you up on that! https://t.co/05LNefJ1PN
Tons of great resources feel free to DM or myself, and we will share! https://t.co/4J8jEoKpIz
Do you have specific project topics? I would like to learn more! Thanks!
Did my first with my 3rd grade students and We had a blast. You will too.
both have amazing projects they have completed for Genius Hour
Sorry guys, still driving. I stopped at a light!
A2: pt2 - Ss selected the areas they were interested In helping w/ and gave suggestions for additional resources
Check out for more on genius hour. She's awesome
Oh I teach 3rd and started this year. love it!
has a group of Ss who have created a Flag Football league to provide a way for healthy living for Kids
Question 3 coming at you!!!
Ss greater a Manure company from their organically raised animals and are marketing to local farms
Don't mean to be prickly, but "specials" are Ts too, but apprec ur overall meaning. https://t.co/5QfCGCpt7x
A1. What if Ss attended "specials" 1st so their Ts begin later & work in afterschool program providing amazing instruction?
I need to pick your brain!!
Want to do this in my library. All the time. (80% time)
woudl love to know more about this!
No, bravo for you! You're letting them do it now! 🎉
Then you're not new to it .... GH is the same thing. - unless I missed something.
I teach third too! If you have any suggestions, strategies would love to learn more! Thanks!
A1: by asking the right questions. By modeling innovative thinking
Late to the game tonight, sorry! Chantell, I teach 3rd grade in St. Louis.
me too please!! https://t.co/3i5YWtADh8
Can you share some topics? I want to get this started in my classroom. Thank you!
I know I'm sleepy and it's well past my bed time so I have to ask, where are the questions?
https://t.co/AF1NBXgzz2
Ss greater a Manure company from their organically raised animals and are marketing to local farms
I meant Genius Hour not google Hangout, wrong abbr. I guess! Sorry!! :)
A3: I want to use I have heard good things about this!
YES! Such good info here. Just jump in head first!
I'm sleepy ... What can I say. Probably right abbreviation wrong me.
Maybe this could be a topic for if someone is willing to guest moderate!
A3: we don't really do "genius hour" more tech free play with
U R all amazing, we R very 😞, but we have to leave early. If ur interested, we're giving away CB's: https://t.co/lpEpZSOnq5
A3 Not GH yet, but my kids use Padlet, Powtoon, Slides, Prezi, Vimeo, Fakebook, Glogter. Whatev they find & like.
Never tried it let’s see if they will connect with us tonight! https://t.co/L1LouG3jzW
A3: I want to use I have heard good things about this!
I've got some files that I started with. I'll message them to you. Don't be afraid & jump in!
Huh, maybe I saw this, All I remember is the nice looking picture ... Thanks!
I'm sure might already have someone lined up for us, def need to pursue!
Welcome, so glad to see you again https://t.co/yt668Q7MUV
Late to the game tonight, sorry! Chantell, I teach 3rd grade in St. Louis.
A3: The important thing is to not limit apps by over regulating! Allow Ss to find the right tool for the job.
Ok, If I'm confusing abbrevs, not seeing questions that are definitely posted, it must be way after Might need to turn in.
Thanks! I had nothing to do with any of them! Haha! Love my clever kids!
One of best projects this year was totally open-ended; gave basic params & let them create whatev https://t.co/9Exsh0EUly
A3: The important thing is to not limit apps by over regulating! Allow Ss to find the right tool for the job.
Join the conversation, speaking out about the tools students use during genius hours
You too! I finished my crazy semester and can think again!
is using Twitter to connect with players to ask about fantasy football
We could totally collaborate on an idea and have our classes skype!
Thanks! I don't think it's exactly Genius Hour, but they're pretty genius! 😊
You're fine. My brain is in the wrong chat.
Are these every single week?
What do you have? Or have I asked you this before?
I'm not a pro by any means, but I'd be happy to share what I've learned this year.
it happens! If it wasn't Spring Break here I'd be exhausted right now too!
Great idea! I need to give more choice!
A3: no specific apps - allowing Ss to be apart of the process seems to be a key factor especially for by-in
A1) Promote creativity in the classrooms.
LOOK OUT! Q4 is on its way!
I've only done one round of GH - for it my Ss created power points on Office 365.
Every Monday at 10 PM ESt
I love when they find something I never heard of...and teach ME to use it!
My Ss draft a quick 2min app proposal that is typically approved by admin by the end of that class period
A3) depends on the project; Greenscreen, Tinkercad, or no app. Ss blog in Kidblog--but developing blogging Also web res.
A4: I try to make it fun but also structured; kids have choices but there are parameters
A4: Accountability. Journals. I want to know what you are doing and what you are thinking. Reflect.
A4. When Ss are exploring refer to the objective several times during the lesson to keep them focused on being creative.
A4: Honestly I think kids get it more than adults. Need to explain the benefits to admin so they don't walk in & see chaos
I sent out a tweet to tonight to see if they have Ed materials - I think the show has great utility w/GH.
A4: Having students update with a blog post at certain points in the project
Free time is no longer...now it's time for discovery, creation, exploration, trial and error, etc.
Ss still have a product, they just don't all look the same!
A4: Expectations, ground rules on anchor charts. If working in a group make this a group members role. Check ins!
A4: I've had lots of success with just sharing pix & stories out on social media! Show the creative process. Chronicle it!
A4: Evangelize on behalf of your Ss. Create a buzz about the REAL impacts they're having. Outshine the haters w positivity!
YES! So much of this! I'm glad admin is used to my organized chaos by now.
A school in my district did frog tank (mascot). The kids pitched their inventions. It was great!
These are terrific ideas! You are all so very wise!
How does admin then judge an app? How important is the app itself &/or/vs the S's defense of it?
A 4 Video Genuis Hour and share w/admin & district - the conversations/discussions & high level research speaks for itself
A4 For my daughter's project she had to follow an outline. She planned things out to get started. Helped her stay focused.
Fabulous idea! Keep us posted!
A4: Idk. Still struggle. My HS wants to create a GH class for kids who don't need a full schedule of credits to graduate.
A4: establish objectives and expectations - establish roles for Ss - if Ss get "off task" redirect them to obj. & exp.
I've had good luck with younger Ss with Google Presentations as journals, too.
It's hard to deny when Ss and Ts see results everywhere they look! 😄 https://t.co/wOvJgpmNX9
A4: I've had lots of success with just sharing pix & stories out on social media! Show the creative process. Chronicle it!
A4- jumping in Time 4Reflection! Building a pos online presence through blogging, portfolio, about.me pg
Have to bow out early. Thanks for a great chat!
Is tha accountability piece how genusis hour is different thank Makerspace?
If the app serves a unique purpose that serves their particular project, they give me the go. No further Qs
https://t.co/ezeylqK7Dj
Love! Def have exp in Ss taking lead on app choice! They can share & many times go above & beyond what Ts find
A4: Create a product? Write about it? Any kind of application
Evangelize! Now THAT is a great word! Boom!💥 https://t.co/Bz7wGTCqPw
A4: Evangelize on behalf of your Ss. Create a buzz about the REAL impacts they're having. Outshine the haters w positivity!
Anyone see 60 Minutes last night? Featured a Newark HS (St Benedict's) largely run by students!
Gotta go :( Need to cocreate a Slides pres w/colleagues for tom. Shameless beg: Please read my blog: drriina@blogspot.com
This is awesome! Love padlet, esp when shared across schools! Stealing for NXT Yr!
I didn't but did DVR it! Looks like I'll be up late tonight 😜 https://t.co/ABsmme4Y9U
Anyone see 60 Minutes last night? Featured a Newark HS (St Benedict's) largely run by students!
Jumping in late after another night at RU!
love padlet - we use it as exit pass or wonderings board as well
The bottom right corner was so good. They wanted to learn to be Masters and the product was a battle!
A5: We use to post projects for Ps and Ss. We post our best on our for a global audience!
I DID! That was an excellent ex.of Ss leaders, voice..closely related to a democratic school concept
A5: talking about the projects is a start - sharing w/ communities like as well can help reach outside school community
Going great! I'm flying high after the night I had!
A5-social media, blogging, portfolios
show them organised chaos - if they ?- invite them in 2 C why it works & 2 talk to Ss
Q5: I'm going stealth on this Q. I'm admittedly not there yet. Lurking & learning!
A5. Write and have Ss read the Essential Questions that help shift their thinking this direction. https://t.co/udpBq3hU2r
A5 Using blog and our class Twitter account!
love using our G3 S are totally using it independently
If we commit to sharing, posting, blogging about one other student’s GH project we can connect our Ss with global society
A5:Ss prefer sharing globally; it's what they know. As Ts, sometimes it's as easy as getting out of the way. Enjoy the trip
I was able to have come and speak with my Ss abt the power of being connected. Her msg was STELLAR!
A5:This round they took video of themselves saying what their project was going to be.They'll tweet them soon!
A5: We also have our class Twitter account
I want to find ways to pull the community in more. One Ps is coming in with tools to help build a scale model.
True confession....I've been lurking! Hi, Judith from KCKS. Great energy here!
A5 Do more global projects with global partners for a global audience?
A5 My Ss read GH projects from Ss and gave feedback. That was a great experience!!! Want to do the same w/ours
Hey, I'm Wendy! I'm stoked to participate and connect w/ everyones ideas.
It's the best way to learn! That and going in head first knowing it may be a disaster and that it's ok!
Teaching our kiddos to establish themselves online is so imp! I just had all my Ss Google themselves last
Followed! I need to set our up this week. I keep forgetting. Thanks for the reminder!
A5) Working towards having class tweeters. Shared padlets/blog posts, myst skypes as 1st connection, then will share proj
A6 Must go. Feel free to contact me. On SB as of Th/Fr.
Take the leap! https://t.co/uXMx2Whacc
True confession....I've been lurking! Hi, Judith from KCKS. Great energy here!
Q6 coming in 1 min and it has homework!!!
Making connections thru , blog, school website, link up, facebook group, connecting with like minded others
Can't lie, jealousy is the appropriate emotion in this case!
A5: Create projects that focus on collaborative work. Hopefully w/ Ss in other districts, cities, states, and/or countries
Wow, you're gooood! Lots of ideas!
Didn't finish that thought! had them Google themselves last wk and some were surprised by what they saw😳
Umm, no, I just finished grad school, no more homework! :)
A6 Oh dear ... don't get me started on the topic of "homework!"
the moral of the story is to be connected and speak to everyone and find value in everyone you meet.
Ok, this homework I'll do.
My challenge is TIME. Have Ss 1x wk. so we r taking baby steps to get better & increase connections NXT Yr.
There were some 3rd Ts I want to share some files with. Let me know here if you were one of them!
A5: We have used Skype Ed to Google PLUS to take our learning further than our city. Connecting global classrooms
That must make it so hard! Lots of blogging and outside the class communicating I bet.
A6 - Would love to do this - returning from Spring Break w/state testing so will need to figure out when!
I'd like my gold star now.
Me too. Elem computers. The struggle is real!
Let us know if you want to connect! and I would be happy to break from the test prep😄
A6: I am in! Currently on Spring Break & then testing for my 3rd gr friends the next week but, want to start after that
A6: Set up a to blog with multiple classes from around the world on the same topic and collaborate.
That is the best gold start I've ever gotten. Win!
Aghhhh testing.. Makes me 😷😷😷
What a great chat everyone! We didn’t make the trending list this week, always next time!
This was the 'funnest' chat I've had in a long time! Here, I made this for you! (Rotate 2 decode) 😊 https://t.co/eDh4bfV1q5
Cont in the classroom is great though! Baby steps.
A6: Would love to connect with another class twitter account to share projects and learning
so much to look at there!!! Love me some Google!
I'm going to set mine up tonight!
So many 3rd grade Ts representing tonight! Be sure to join us next Wed for ! Sure we will be discussing GH
Thank you - great to read your thoughts and ideas.
Mark sure you follow each other to grow that , and connect with us all week as we prepare for next
It's important to promote logic and imagination. Helps develop a child's wonderful mind. https://t.co/pegJGDPjGo
A1: I tell kids all the time that I don't know all the answers & that I hope I inspire them to know more than me.
Thank you had a great time at my first chat! Learned a lot and can't wait to reread tomorrow!
maybe we can collab and have our classes blog together on projects? We can work through newbie-ville together
Follow and me, we share our Ss' learning CONSTANTLY! https://t.co/K9FenDii8S
A6: Would love to connect with another class twitter account to share projects and learning
a6: I'm in Texas prepping for STAAR test. I'd like to set up a with another class.
