#TeacherEdChat Archive
We invite all educators to contribute to the conversation of preparing preservice teachers as well as practicing teachers for the realities of the 21st-century classroom. This includes principals, in-service teachers, university supervisors of student teachers, education professors, higher education administration, instructional technology specialists, and so on. Anyone with a vested interest in supporting our teachers in preparation for teaching the diverse K-12 student population is invited to participate.
Monday December 14, 2015
NOW… Please introduce yourself, your position, & where you're from. [Remember to add hashtag to your tweets]
HELLO I’m Mark Weston, tweeting from lovely Dunwoody GA…excited to be here for as we discuss VELCRO Moments
For tonight's convo, we’ll use Q1, Q2...format for questions. Please use A1, A2...format for answers https://t.co/XpIjBWzB7b
Hey there Nathan... WELCOME to
because who doesn't like Velcro
Thanks for joining Please introduce yourself, your position, & where you're from.
well said Lisa... and WELCOME to
Good evening, Derek here from (surprisingly unsnowy) Ottawa Canada, excited to see how this chat sticks (get it)
seeking balance that will feed my spirit. :)
... Velcro sticks together...
Joining now from Delray Beach, FL where I am vacationing
Hi! Just joining in. I teach business in Katy Texas
A1 when a student crushed a paper character to simulate an explosion
on the other hand, 2 highlights today were with on-line connections.
Andrew Kauffman, goshen, IN Teacher/coach of interested in creation and curiosity
so important... periodically I do a 'digital detox' Try it!
Many memorable Velcro Moments…
Joining from Texas. Karen and I teach 2nd.
Q1 - awww'ing, gratifying, *fist pumping*, year one of teaching, every single hand in the air waving, 3rd grade rockstars
Debby 1st grade teacher from NY.
nice vacation spot. And another question is what is vacation?
do it regularly. Need to reinstate my weekly sabbatical.
Jaclyn here from NH, change agent in motion.
Speaking of Velcro moments -> WELCOME to --
velcro moment when a 1st grade S went home did a light experiment and did a write up, all on her own, so proud of her work
Hi Nathan, wasn't sure I could get a connection to join tonight. Just arrived in Delray Beach
A1. Student teaching, mentor, respect. Those early lessons really stuck.
Wow, Way Cool, Is this for real?Who is this person? — thoughts during first Velcro Moment…how about you?
... and a few woot woods...
Thanks! Inspired by your post.
lisa from Ontario, Canada. French and music, Grade 5-8.
A1: Inspiring, fulfilling, fun. I believe that first Velcro moment may have been with the amazing
hey there Judy... hows the beach?
Monday, August 4th 2015 (thanks gmail), ,
1)surprising
2)Practical
3)continuing
Thanks. The best lessons are the sticky ones...
Vacation is paradise at the beach
Fantastic. Water is warm here at Delray Beach and was at the beach most of the day
yikes... we've been at this a while haven't we?
What’s it feel like to find the other half of your Velcro — the person who completes you?
Regular velcro moments with always useful!
I like it... especially the surprising!
RT https://t.co/SGbBUg518h so important... nobleknits2 periodically I do a 'digital detox' Try it!
so important... periodically I do a 'digital detox' Try it!
A2: getting those Ss involved and finding passions brings about those velcro moments, without joy there is no creativity
Pride and joy of Ontario, right there she is ->
A2: First Velcro moment built up my confidence, hence many others were soon to follow.
A2: For me, it meant a Sat. am on Twitter. I was so psyched to have learned more in 3 hours than 10 yrs via school PD!
That's my my and ! https://t.co/cW2pseXEmn
What’s it feel like to find the other half of your Velcro — the person who completes you?
A2 had lots during my first chat it was awesome to realize I wasn't the only one who thought this way
Welcome Amber... jump in Talking Velcro moments when teachers connect with other teachers...
The power of Twitter for forging connections
A2 yikes! That is a bit harder!
I was bouncing between groups and had to setup some other stations
it's surprisingly effective, isn't it.
Many of my Velcro Moments have become friends…we DM frequently, support, encourage…quite amazing.
So is a velcro moment a moment that sticks to you or to ss? Both? Is it just academic?
it's awesome to realize you aren't in this alone & there is support all over the world
A2: What I've learned is how fortunate I am to have the PLN I have, and how much I have learned to depend on them.
My first awareness of the power of Velcro Moments occurred about 2 years ago… until then twitter was just a curiosity.
Yes, the global connections forged through Twitter recharge us
ha, ha... you thought this would be easy? No way! Gotta think and produce...
A1 hard question. I think it was with the crew from a few years ago.
Before VM…twitter didn’t make sense. After VM…Voila! A burst of energy…
it is amazing how much is the same all over and how much we can learn from each other
such a powerful insight... not alone, not isolated, NOT CRAZY... others like me!
Look at all the new connections we are making tonight on Lots of new faces
A2 VMs occur when students make connections to "real life" or see value in rhe lesson.
velcro moment happened when I first joined twitter 8 years ago, crazy amounts of PD all at the click of a button!!
A fine example of PLN Power in action ->
Q3 coming up in one minute
sooo true my sat morning chats get me excited and teach me something every time
and look at what's transpired since then... here we are!
A2 VMs occurs when students can connect what they are doing in the art room to what they are doing in the classroom
Yes-thought it would be what kept me in the classroom but ended up supporting me leaving to broaden impact.
Great Velcro Moment! https://t.co/8EDGsmggRz
Look at all the new connections we are making tonight on Lots of new faces
Q4. What have you noticed about being connected w/ someone on Twitter whom you’ve not met F2F? https://t.co/9XfwhpYnaQ
cant say that for any staff meeting/pd
well... hopefully upward trajectory...full speed!
A2 big lessons for me were that I could put a question out to anyone. Ppl to talk big ideas with.
Ah ha! That changes everything! A1 When I began about two years ago.
A2 Velcro moments empower Ts to want the connection to like/minded & innovative alternative perspectives, away from negative
Joining from Australia - 5th grade teacher
A4: In today's world, you don't need to meet someone f2f to grow your PLN & learn globally
a velcro moment here... connected!
Q4 led to Voxer connections that are powerful insights and personal connections across the globe
A2 Subsequent VMs when I began to grasp hashtag chats with other ELA peeps.
A4: Twitter is the only PLN many art teachers have since we are often times the only one in the school!
What Voxer groups are you in?
had one of these when I met this fall in person. We love the same stuff.
A3 I have decided to join professional organization and presenting at national meeting
Amazing VELCRO moments > …you?
Q3 building a PLN is scary, yet amazing - throwing yourself out there
A3 con't: We formed our team and went for it! The Seacoast needed edcamp.
It's magical, magnificent and damn good fun! Right?
A3 also becoming more active in moving my schools science curriculum forward all inspired by my velcro moments
that's a really important understanding.
How do you define a connection? A conversation, a learning moment, a collaboration?
Keep meaning to get to in NH which is so close to home state of CT
A3 the innovation one can create from connecting and growing w/ others inspires Ts to reach out for "more" optimum growth
Awesome, awesome, and more awesome ->
it has really made me more positive the negative fades away when talking with my PLN
A3 VMs inspired me to reach out to authors. Ss amazed by who will respond!
I'm Sheri Pope, teaching math (mostly gr9 ) at JHSS in Cambridge Ontario
Not sure what I would do without the great folks I have connected with in my PLN.
yep... is a big aha for many peeps and precursor for having serial Velcro Moments
Yeah! Come on up! Always in October.
Same here: amazing connections through Twitter
Or come on down to in August
there's a beautiful piece of writing by abt that. Will find.
Hi Sheri ... welcome to We're discussing Velcro moments when teachers connect with teachers via twitter...
A4 Found old friends who are now professionals in the field. Began authentic feedback for ss projects.
Great question- perhaps it is like a shared lightbulb?
My velcro is incomplete with out you ->
i'm often struck by the similarities in our joys and challenges as tchers.
so Dakota... would you say that's tubular?
perhaps. I was wondering about my frist connection again, and then thought about my definition.
A4: Some folks you just connect with instantly. It's as though you've known them forever. Trust/great conversations.
Me too... amazing isn't it? And validating too?
Haven't found my other half yet but just getting started. Lots of great ideas though!
all of the above. A shared passion, too.
I like it! so which one is a velcromoment ?
same is true for most Physics Ts many are the only one Twitter opens up a world of learning and discussion
A velcro moment here... headed to
is currently trending. Joining in from NC interested in knowing more about global learning.
I've helped to lead many other Ts to Twitter. They would ask where I found "X" idea. Often replied "Twitter."
Well then Kelly ... let's do something about that!
Hello, joining late. (slinks in )
Not surprised is currently trending: phenomenal group tweeting here
agree so much. My deeply understands me. community that has room for many facets of me.
happening now. Join the convo, learn how to cultivate student leaders & build your
Ed chat is always tubularly titillating.
Me, too! Hard to help them understand... https://t.co/IMLJ3O78lS
I've helped to lead many other Ts to Twitter. They would ask where I found "X" idea. Often replied "Twitter."
Putting this out there for a Velcro moment can anyone help out this friend of mine? he is stuck https://t.co/j1C3w3QBTg
Glad you got here to with guest moderator
A2 Totally agree;! Instant answers from colleagues to expand content knowledge & background
so they're the Wizards of Aus(tralia) ->
I was one who refused for so long and once I got on I wanted to kick myself for waiting
is trending! Great work everyone.Let's make this a discussion.
Yes! Good convo tonight. https://t.co/YvLSyopXuA
Not surprised is currently trending: phenomenal group tweeting here
A4 We motivate each other to amp up similar lessons to the next level!
I am now on a mission to convert other Ts to Twitter can't describe what is has done for my teaching
Hello! I like interesting ideas!
Yes, response speed on Twitter is amazing.Now get on for more connections
and these are some of my fav edPeeps ->
feels great/satisfying that somebody else thinks about/approaches things in a compatible way
had an account for 3 yrs before I saw the value - good things take time! https://t.co/8UXddDZKtl
I was one who refused for so long and once I got on I wanted to kick myself for waiting
Such a great feeling, and so very true. Our have become our colleagues!
validating, especially when I most need it.
Really enjoying all the new connections on tonight you're the best for connecting people.
indeed... like the corresponding strips of velcro finding each other...the way it should be.
I'm a French/music teacher. In same lonely boat before Twitter.
Look out world, here comes Amber ->
A4 Twitter PLN, I started "actively" about 6 was ago.. have had Velcro moments since, chats w/educators from all over world!
Mark, you're doing a great job on tonight connecting new people
Listen to Dakota! ... powerful testimonial
I use the "favorite" feature to save interesting articles that I sometime use in class. See my profile.
I love when my PLN pushes me to the next level. I can never get stagnate with them around
Now... we're in the same boat (with a sail, fine food, and sunscreen)
Important to model being a risk taker...especially when they pay off is an amazing .
A3: I'm new to Twitter, working to build a PLN, I even signed up to be a MTBoS mentee - so much to learn
right on... now need to figure out how to get peeps to where you re faster...thoghts?
I think the Velcro moment is the secret weapon.
Finding lots of new & interesting people to follow tonight thanks to organizing an amazing chat on
So Kelly... you feeling the juice...
Admins started issuing Twitter Challenges to encourage staff to get onboard. Share classroom moments, Ss work, etc.
Don’t you just look fwd to sharing cool classroom moments w/ the PLN?
Agreed. It only takes one.
WELL I'LL SCREAMING FOR JOY>>>
Absolutely! A true highlight.
I started actively engaging in Twitter 6wks ago, I'm in a different school everyday around the world now, connecting & learn
Where is your most active other than Twitter?
Can I get a RT! I’d love my classroom moments to get RTs!
pocket is great for that as well
Well, and she has lots of cool moments to share ->
Yes, Twitter tears down the walls of classrooms & districts connecting us globally
The smiles that come with sharing are priceless...
when we give students real access to learning---confidence increase and academic risk taking is possible
Q5. SinceVelcro Moments spark personal/professional growth then what can we do to help teachers? https://t.co/hJ0AaRSfKM
this can be so powerful. Some Ont boards have done challenges this yr.
BINGO... Lindsy nails it! -> Not crazy... prescient, brilliant, visionary...
I think people like us need to keep spreading the word after I heard it a couple times I gave in
Eeeshh. Hard question. Ummm... Email? ;-)
Been a fan of for saving resources found on Twitter
large pieces of Velcro, for multiple connections & overlap perhaps? https://t.co/k0AWC4ke6A
indeed... like the corresponding strips of velcro finding each other...the way it should be.
also really important to help people find the chats that are most useful for them
You're priceless -> the smiles are merely validation.
if I hadn't found I wouldn't be as pumped about Twitter I just lucked into it
Doesn;t have a google doc for that?
YES, YES, Yes... Rocking It Ruth ->
Love Pocket! Ss use it when gathering resources for research...
A5: Some just need to stay with Twitter & be encouraged to keep with it
A5: It's important to remember that differentiation applies to all. As much as I want it to be, Twitter isn't for everyone.
Our district PD office started Tweeting and I am seeing a few more teachers get involved
True, Twitter isn't for everyone, but some just need to figure out how the app works
A5 communicating to Ts " I learned that on Twitter", " have you seen this, it was on Twitter last night" spark curiosity w/T
A5: Be a connector. Intro. folks to one another w/in your . Share amazing resources that are shared with you through RTs.
What grade level are the students using Pocket for archiving resources?
A5 Showing them subject related hashtags is key... better than Google!
A5 keep talking, blogging, tweeting, sharing about ours and encouraging others to leap.
Yes, the power of hashtags!
A5 We can't just tell teachers to get on Twitter we have to help them find their PLN on Twitter
8th Grade. Some prefer a Google Doc...
A5: being new myself, a mentor-mentee connection makes it feel easier to put myself out there https://t.co/NN1quu9PL5
Q5. SinceVelcro Moments spark personal/professional growth then what can we do to help teachers? https://t.co/hJ0AaRSfKM
Yes, we need to help teachers find their as well as understand the intricacies of Twitter
A5 if we want to help keep list of good chats for different subjects/grade levels share them with the appropriate Ts
they -> wonderful edPeeps to
A5: Encourage educators to join chats. This is where the real magic happens.
A5 sit with new Ts and help them get setup and show them how to participate it can be intimidating
A5 I never got on Instagram. Couldn't connect with anyone really. Same obstacle for so many new to Twitter.
interested in 3-5 el ed chats for building teachers! share #
A5 Be shameless self promoters! Share what you are doing and where/who you learned it from! Collaborating sparks learning!
bullies are leaders too...they just need redirecting...how do we help bullies transfer their skills?
A5: Being haven sessions on twitter at PD days! Listing chats and people to follow to get art Ts started
well We're here for you !
1st build a relationship - get to know how/where they want to be supported (ex. Voxer, Twitter). https://t.co/CKNIV8ZkXg
Q5. SinceVelcro Moments spark personal/professional growth then what can we do to help teachers? https://t.co/hJ0AaRSfKM
ANYONE HAVING A VELCRO MOMENT - teacher connecting with teacher?
I think we leave that out to often we just say join Twitter it's awesome and walk away
Twitter chats are a great way to share quick ideas/feedback. How do you engage your in deep conversation?
Definitely having a serious moment here!
A5 Show them tools like TweetDeck, HootSuite. Tends to peak interests. (Most )Ts love staying organized.
We need to keep our colleagues updated to see power of Twitter: we cannot walk away & expect them to jump on
A5 I and started a TeachMeet for area teachers to learn technology including Twitter I would recommend organizing 1
A6: hoping we can make a creature identification for a student with help of and some other people!
How did the TeachMeet work?
A5:Encourage colleagues to set up classroom Twitter page. Great for community/ family connections & Ss to reflect on learning
A6 Too soon to tell. Probably quadrupled my Twitter activity for the wk and it's only Monday!
A6: Mark, I have met lots of new people tonight on tonight thanks to your Velcro Moment idea
Get in a more subject specific chat & you will be growing together week by week. Mine is
When they register we ask them if they would like to present and what they would like to present
rule is it has to be someone currently in the classroom and something they have used in last year
Well Judy... it's a labor of love. Always a pleasure being with you and the gang at
A6, New ideas, new people to follow and followers! Feeling that Velcro effect!
Yes, subject area chats and hashtags help newbies see the power of Twitter for ed
Hi Carol from Long Island w coonectivity problems
It is an unconference style get together started in Scottland I believe I got the idea from
Says a lot about the power of a global ed community
Yes, and just followed you as an example
I'm sure there will be many more to follow. Great learning to be had. 😉
I noticed that students move along quicker out of the hallways after they have seen me at one of their after school events
Love this RT: Velcro moment:when you connect with someone who validates and inspires you to grow and think anew.
Talking of Scotland, do you know about ?
Mark is a rich man from generously paying it fwd! Do likewise!
Thanks for taking part in tonight’s . See you online!
During a we were sharing our Velcro moments. I want to thank & for giving my many of these moments
Great. Wow it took me so long to get online.
Daniel, chats are great, but DMs & can really add depth to the connection!
What I learned tonight... disable text notification b4 starting chat. Phone is blowing up. Lots of "dings" :-)
