#TOSAChat is a chat on Twitter every Monday night at 8pm PST for TOSAs (teachers on special assignment), including all edtech and instructional coaches.
Welcome to #AKedchat đTonightâs focus is âTelling your schoolâs story via social media.â Take a sec and introduce yourself (e.g. name, location, role) and answer this question . . . What is your favorite social media platform? #BLBS
Hello All! Coach Ben from @alisal_edtech in Salinas, CA. I am an edtech TOSA who works with TK-6. My favorite paid subscription is the @nounproject#tosachat
I don't think there is one right answer for this. I love free, but that means that we will get adds or our student data is likely to be the fee. What are we giving up for free? #tosachat
In reply to
@cogswell_ben, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen
Hi #TosaChat Iâm the Director of @alisal_edtech in Salinas CA and my favorite paid #EdTech tool is @Screencastify because itâs such a versatile & light tool & for me the paid version adds enough to make it worth it!
Hey #TOSAchat ! My name is Lauren and I am a secondary math TOSA in Southern California. My favorite paid app is @audible_com . It has changed my ability to read the books I want and expanded my list because now I CAN!! #freeadvertising
Hi, #tosachat! Jody from La Habra, CA. I'm TK-8 Ed Tech Coach, currently interim AP at @WMSPatriots. I don't mind paying for high quality creation apps for Ss, most notably @DoInkTweets and @BookCreatorApp.
I don't know which presentation it was at #cue18, but someone said
"if the app is free they are probably selling you"
Felt this is a powerful quote!
! #tosachat
I think that I would have to say that the freemium model is my favorite. Gives teachers the tool, but allows teacher/sites willing to pay added features. #tosachat
Helllllo #TOSACHAT! Susan Stewart, Ed Tech TOSA from Central CA. One paid subscription I couldnât live without is PebbleGo by @CapstonePub! Great, safe, THOROUGH research database for young learners. #K2CanToo
If Ts get a classroom budget each year, could some of that be used to pay for their classroom subscription of something instead of paper and markers and stuff, versus paying out of pocket? #tosachat
A0: Fav. Paid program is Adobe Suite. Sure there are free tools that do the same for some, but the suite is industry standard for a reason. If I can get kids using industry tools in HS, I feel Iâm prepping them for life. #tosachat
I think tech tools need to be considered part of the regular budget. When the staff mutually agree upon a tool, it should be purchased at the site level. #tosachat
My grandma firmly believed that good things are not free and free things are no good. I donât fully agree but she certainly has a point about most things #tosachat
In reply to
@ggtechtosa, @cogswell_ben, @kmartintahoe, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen
A1: It's a blend for me. I have a monthly budget and an annual start up. I have a tech budget for K-8. Sometimes I just pay- that's increasingly rare as I get better. My role is both teacher and the tech... #tosachat
Hmmmm, the right price...totally depends what the tool does...if it saves me time, provides a unique experience, if it makes interaction better/more meaningful for students. #tosachat
One Question Answer: Freemium. I love the model where Ts get access and districts pay. Builds capacity and allows vendors to keep bringing us innovation. I wish the entire âbig 3â
had deeper cuts on devices. Internet should be free for schools too. #tosachat
The price should B what the market will allow. #capitalism But seriously, if it is good, educators will pay. But that $$ incentive spurs innovation. Competition breeds innovation as well. Iâm down for free, but if the paid saves time or increases productivity take my $$ #tosachat
The question is why don't they use it. I have found that a couple of demo lessons that show the power of the tool and the reluctant teachers tend to get on board. #tosachat
I think it depends on what you use and how it impacts your classroom. I would rather choose tools that cost a little myself than have those that the district pays for forced upon me. #tosachat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @cogswell_ben
If Ts get a classroom budget each year, could some of that be used to pay for their classroom subscription of something instead of paper and markers and stuff, versus paying out of pocket? #tosachat
A friend worked at Intel in the Toy division. He geve me a toy video camera. That editing suite is still the best one I've ever seen to this day (except for the pro stuff). #tosachat
If my district wants to kick down, and it meets their criteria, then thatâs gravy, but if I need it or it revolutionizes my class, I will gladly pay. #tosachat
A: It all depends on the features, benefits, and value the tool brings to you and your students. If there are plenty of features but has little value, I wonât consider it even if itâs free. #tosachat
A1: Iâm not sure what the right answer is, if there _is_ 1 right answer but I know #padlet had the wrong answer. Hope they make it work.
#OnTheOtherHand if Ts think the best tools are gonna stay free forever, thatâs naĂŻvetĂŠ!
Those companies gotta pay their ppl too!
#TosaChat
If you can swing it, pay the monthly and show your district how awesome it is and what you can do. Then you have evidence to backup the request! #tosachat
I asked my Hs ela dept to pilot @Flipgrid before I purchase the licenses for them. I want them to vet the software first so they have buy in when I do purchase. #tosachat
In reply to
@EdTechAri, @KarlyMoura, @TosaChat, @Jyoung1219, @peerlessgreen, @cogswell_ben, @Flipgrid
What am I not having to purchase since I am paying for subscriptions? I won't need tpt if I use x y z....so my subscription budget goes up :) #TOSAChat
.This is absolutely true for all things. Everyone has a voice. School leaders and district leaders NEED to honor, listen, and respect all voices. #tosachat
In reply to
@EdTechAri, @KarlyMoura, @TosaChat, @kmartintahoe, @peerlessgreen, @cogswell_ben
I totally agree with this. I like the idea of consistency with, for example, an LMS. But I realize that it's just not going to work for everyone without a LOT more PD! And even then it won't work for all. #tosachat
In reply to
@KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @TosaChat, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben
(1/2) Iâm assuming youâre #AskingForAFriend đ
Comparing them to @padlet it is a false equivalency.
@Google doesnât need to...they make đ°đ°đ° in lots of other ways...most of these developers only do theyâre one thing. #TOSACHAT
In reply to
@cogswell_ben, @Google, @padlet, @Google
@TosaChat Hello everyone. Itâs Nyree Edtech Coach from So Cal. I agree with @KarlyMoura I am willing to pay for the tool that is just right for me. #tosachat.
For this one, Iâll focus on that dept. then it will spread and Iâll get more licenses. I want Ts to WANT a product before I spend too much $$. If they ask for it, theyâll use it.
In reply to
@cogswell_ben, @EdTechAri, @KarlyMoura, @TosaChat, @Jyoung1219, @peerlessgreen, @Flipgrid
Buying software for people before they are ready for it is a big waste. Create the need for some, let them spread the word, build on that "gentle breeze" approach, and then make the big purchases. I've learned the hard way. #tosachat
In reply to
@cogswell_ben, @kmartintahoe, @EdTechAri, @KarlyMoura, @TosaChat, @Jyoung1219, @Flipgrid
I don't think any tool should be paid for without using the free features or a pilot. Helps to avoid the shiny factor or purchasing a tool one person liked. #tosachat
In reply to
@cogswell_ben, @EdTechAri, @kmartintahoe, @KarlyMoura, @TosaChat, @Jyoung1219, @peerlessgreen, @Flipgrid
(2/2) It is why, when I started in #EdTech, I used to tell Ts, when they found a #NewFreeTool That they loved to slow down a second, and find out how the company actually made money. If they only do 1 thing⌠It wonât be free for long. It just canât be.
#YouAreTheBeta#TOSAchat
Party is over, but Iâll jump in. Iâm an Ed Tech TOSA in SoCal. My district pays for MobyMax for RtI. I will list it as my fav b/c Tâs use it and get Data from it. #TOSAchat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @cogswell_ben
And there it is too. Purposeful professional learning on the tool, a strategic plan for deployment, follow up, evaluation, and continued review. #tosachat
In reply to
@peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @TosaChat, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben
Our district has a tech committee that is able to vet some tools. How the tool impacts learning is my biggest concern. High impact would be worth the money for me. #tosachat
Buying software for people before they are ready for it is a big waste. Create the need for some, let them spread the word, build on that "gentle breeze" approach, and then make the big purchases. I've learned the hard way. #tosachat
In reply to
@cogswell_ben, @kmartintahoe, @EdTechAri, @KarlyMoura, @TosaChat, @Jyoung1219, @Flipgrid
And within that strategic plan, a very specific support plan-- before the evaluation part. Without the appropriate support, it all falls apart. #tosachat
In reply to
@Jyoung1219, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @TosaChat, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben
The continued review and follow up gets lost A LOT in integrating tech tools in my district. I feel like we are still âtryingâ things to get a good fit. #tosachat
In reply to
@Jyoung1219, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @TosaChat, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben
Hereâs another Q. What about the absolutely free tool/resource that only ask for donations (like @khanacademy)? How many have actually donated? #TOSAchat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @kmartintahoe, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @cogswell_ben, @khanacademy
A couple of tools/resources are being sunsetted soon in Palo Alto bc of the review process of cost and frequency of use. Good decision overall but for those who use the tools, there certainly is sadness & confusion. #TOSAchat
In reply to
@iluvteaching72, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @TosaChat, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben
This is an interesting point. I think youâre getting into the difference between operational tools and pedagogical tools. When it comes to training and PD, I firmly believe the operational tools need to be much more uniform than the pedagogical tools. #TosaChat
In reply to
@peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @TosaChat, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben
and i have a feeling somme organizations over buy software because they cant see the physicality of it and just by software to fix a standards gap #tosachat
In reply to
@elteacherfig, @EdTechSpec, @TosaChat, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen
This is an interesting point. I think youâre getting into the difference between operational tools and pedagogical tools. When it comes to training and PD, I firmly believe the operational tools need to be much more uniform than the pedagogical tools. #TosaChat
In reply to
@peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @TosaChat, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben
Lester Dinerstein from Mo Val. Ran late tonight but jumping in. I paid for a few. One that surprised me was Storyboard That. The kids loved creating the animation. Although, drawing a storyboard went a bit faster. It took the kids several days to create a panel. #TOSAchat
In reply to
@TosaChat, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @peerlessgreen, @cogswell_ben
The biggest takeaway from this is the importance of having a replacement. Donât just get rid of something without a replacement of something better. Those who have used it will be happier if thereâs another option available (with proper PD) #tosachat
In reply to
@cogswell_ben, @iluvteaching72, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @TosaChat, @kmartintahoe
A1: This is a tough one for me, I have paid $50 or more to use a program. Flipgird normally $65 had a coupon deal on Labor Day which brought the price down to $44 for the year. A program/tool needs to provide value for the price and get the kids excited. #TOSAchat
on the other hand sometimes we just have too many tools. I can think of about 10 software programs in my district and a few of those don't get used a lot because there is too many #tosachat
In reply to
@Jyoung1219, @iluvteaching72, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @TosaChat, @kmartintahoe
Our district was looking at Engage New York for math and that didnât go well. Wonders won for Language Arts and mainly because of ELD component the district needed. #tosachat
In reply to
@Jyoung1219, @HKoleszar, @cogswell_ben, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @TosaChat, @kmartintahoe
Operational: SIS, LMS, accounting, lunch and some inventory systems. Pedagogy: Parker, flipgrid, any tool in direct use with students that they r using to learn #tosachat
In reply to
@peerlessgreen, @EdTechSpec, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @TosaChat, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben
That Iâm tired and not checking which account I am in? Then yes. And that Iâm tweeting from my phone cuz Iâm too tired to walk 10 feet to get my laptop. Lol! #TOSAchat
In reply to
@ggtechtosa, @TosaChat, @cogswell_ben, @iluvteaching72, @Jyoung1219, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri
Okay
Operational: an LMS, an SIS, email & communications, website CMS
Pedagogical: (1) anything Ss might use to produce evidence of learning. (2)Anything Ts use which contain (but not necessarily delivers) contents
Both: #GSuiteEdu is both ops and pedagogy #TOSAchat
In reply to
@peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @TosaChat, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben
The phonic awareness is not taught the way the reading specialist were trained so now it becomes creating a work around that falls in line with what is truly best for teaching Ss to read. #tosachat
In reply to
@cogswell_ben, @Jyoung1219, @HKoleszar, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @TosaChat, @kmartintahoe
Interesting. Wasnât thinking SIS... aeries and Illuminate are dictated tools for us. I think the LMS has the potential to be in both categories, though. #tosachat
In reply to
@TechTomBUSD, @EdTechSpec, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @TosaChat, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben
Itâs so interesting about content pilots. Some work great for some districts and so horribly for others. Always important to consider the population and its needs #tosachat
In reply to
@iluvteaching72, @HKoleszar, @cogswell_ben, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @TosaChat, @kmartintahoe
Following up...you also do need a set of common pedagogical tools so that teachers have a means by which they can collaborate. Teams need to move in a somewhat unified direction. That said, itâs not fair, to Ts or Ss if we restrict professionals to _only_ those tools.
#TOSAchat
In reply to
@peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @TosaChat, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben
But, like potato chips, having more than one gets too messy and complicates training and just becomes a $$ nightmare. Why pay twice for something? #TOSAChat
In reply to
@peerlessgreen, @EdTechSpec, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @TosaChat, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben
it could be like horse racing style, coming up on the left is Joe's tweet deck, followed by Karly... I think we all use it a little differently #tosachat
In reply to
@iluvteaching72, @ggtechtosa, @kmartintahoe, @TosaChat, @Jyoung1219, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri
Yes indeed. Itâs definitely going to be a long process. Fortunately itâll be the teachers who will serve on the piloting committee who will do the work. Theyâll be in the work #tosachat
In reply to
@HKoleszar, @cogswell_ben, @iluvteaching72, @peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @TosaChat, @kmartintahoe
Yeah. I agree, BUT how many LMSes are we going to make out Ss and parents learn in the name of T choice?
Thatâs why the ones in the âbothâ category require more finesse and thought and input. #TOSAChat
In reply to
@peerlessgreen, @TechTomBUSD, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @TosaChat, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben
True. Weâre working on all of this with our Innovation Leads. What I donât love about the non-uniform part is when some Ts at a school use the LMS and others use Classroom. I think Ss need more consistency. But maybe they donât mind. They can differentiate #tosachat
In reply to
@EdTechSpec, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @TosaChat, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben
(1/2) Yeah. Iâm on a Time delay here...just wrote his before I saw your comment. If the LMS is also parent facing...more than one is gonna be a problem, not to mention the $$ & training issues. I can see varying site but site, but I think room by room is a bad idea. #TOSAchat
In reply to
@peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @TosaChat, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben
(2/2) this is what I meant about finesse & input. Why are we using 2 different ones at the same school? What features do some need that others donât, or are just unaware of those features? Can we get to a middle ground? Do we need a mandate to get us on the same page? #TOSAchat
In reply to
@peerlessgreen, @KarlyMoura, @EdTechAri, @TosaChat, @Jyoung1219, @kmartintahoe, @cogswell_ben
