Hello to everyone in #TECHtalkGA! I'm Angela, Dist ITS for MS/HS in Forsyth Co.
Over the break, I was able to spend a week in LA to visit family + also attend the Rose Bowl, which was AMAZING! #footballstoppedonJan1
A1: Hollie Sisk and a Google for Edu Trainer. I just returned from an awesome weekend with @AppsEvents1 in Albany, GA sharing Google with some amazing teachers. @DoCoSchools#TECHtalkGA
A1: Justin Mewborn ITS Vickery Creek Middle School Forsyth County. #techtalkga. I was able to spend time with family over the break. Especially enjoyed watching the Rose Bowl with my dad. #techtalkga
A1: Ge-Anne, Whitfield County instructional tech and media liaison. I got to attend @edcampGigCity and get lots of rest during the snow and ice days.
#techtalkga
A2: I think of robocalls, Reminds, ClassDojo and getting blasted with info. Would love to see more focus on what is going on with students, though most districts use FB well for this. #techtalkga
#TECHtalkGA A2:
When I hear digital comm, I think of almost anything that isn't live, person-to-person. So a phone convo wouldn't count, but an email, text msg, email...would.
In my world now, it's sadly used most often to send messages or collect info.
#TECHtalkGA
A2 I think most often - realistically - Ts are talking email... But it's so much more! Blogs, @RemindHQ@Twitter ... even @Flipgrid is edging in.
Bridget - 6th Grade ELA at DeSana. Fun and exciting? Hmmm. Well, there was that trip to Australia over the holidays 😜😂. Also, super excited that one of my blog posts was featured on the #ShiftThis website. TWO super cool things! #TECHtalkGA
A2: Digital communication can be overwhelming. There are so many options for teachers now. Remember when Twitter was the new, cutting-edge communication tool? #TECHtalkGA
Yes! #TECHtalkGA, if you're around this Weds at 8pm, help our Gwinnett Co folks by joining in their newly-resurrected #gwinchat to talk about Online Learning Days!
A2: I think of being able to communicate at any time in many different ways... maybe less personal, but often more convenient. I think in education, it’s often used when referring to email or digital platforms like Remind, Class Dojo, or Seesaw #TECHtalkGA
#TECHtalkGA But I think there's true benefit to connecting face to face. We don't have to do all digital all the time. Using the best tool for the job is important!!
Bridget - 6th Grade ELA at DeSana. Fun and exciting? Hmmm. Well, there was that trip to Australia over the holidays 😜😂. Also, super excited that one of my blog posts was featured on the #ShiftThis website. TWO super cool things! #TECHtalkGA
A2.2 digital communication is used everywhere. T to S, T to T, admit to T....then there are parents, educational leaders....everyone, really! #TECHtalkGA
A2: Email is still what comes to mind for most people, but we are working hard to expand that through communication using learning platforms like Schoology to better communicate & collaborate with students and parents. #TECHtalkGA
A3: The lack of consistency from person to person can be irritating. We need to model best practices in every comm. we send. Is Reply-All the digital equivalent of screaming obscenities in church? #TECHtalkGA
#TECHtalkGA
A3 the lack of tone and inflection is hardest for me. As much as I an #introvert at heart, true connection with people is so important... especially in our field. Kids need connection! (*so do we*)
A3: most frustrating for me is when students have an opportunity to ask me something, discuss an issue, respond to a question F2F, but send a message instead. I also get frustrated when I fall into the temptation of a digital message when I should have called! #TECHtalkGA
A3: well the biggest downside is email and texts are often read in the tune associated with the reader’s feelings AT THAT MOMENT. Often nothing close to the intended tone of the message! #techtalkga
A3: lots of things are best said in person. However digital communication SHOULD KEEP ME FROM REPEATING MYSELF but we all know that person with 2000 unread emails #TECHtalkGA
A3: It is frustrating with digital not being able to read "tone" and body language. However, with F2F sometimes we get too much "tude" and have to watch our reactions. Professionalism! #TECHtalkGAhttps://t.co/hPGHk73O0z
A3: Also, it can be too easy to ignore digital communications. I have so many people who still tell me "I didn't get your e-mail." That's not how this works. That's not how any of this works. #TechTalkGA
A3: Try requiring read receipts for emails. Teachers and/or students tend to only focus on what is pertinent to them. With certain forms of digital communication you have to find creative ways to emphasize importance #techtalkga
A3: It is frustrating with digital not being able to read "tone" and body language. However, with F2F sometimes we get too much "tude" and have to watch our reactions. Professionalism! #TECHtalkGA
Yes! Body language and our subtle cues are so important to communication!
Little things like where we look, how we hold our arms, etc! They are still important!
#TECHtalkGA
I get frustrated when @JDigitalLearn wants to have a conversation over hangout but it looks like either A) he is playing doom or B) he is landing a plane with his giant headset #TECHtalkGA
#TECHtalkGA
A4 Advent of more interactive tools that incorporate video can help those issues a great deal... @Flipgrid is a great one. We can see body language and hear inflection and tone. This can ease those challenges!
A4: Tools like @Flipgrid kill the argument that you can’t read tone and body language with Digital communication. It really offers the best of both worlds! #TECHtalkGA
A4: @Flipgrid for video voicemail or messaging. On another note, the only other issue I have with digital is when I send out great email with tips or "need to know" info & Ts don't take the time to read it. I need a solution other than asking admin to email the staff! #TECHtalkGA
A4 such a hard question. I like using multiple ways so that I may reach as many kids or parents as I can - and so they have options too. I have a teacher phone for those who want to talk/text, then Remind, itsLearning, GC for general communication. Oh, and email 😂 #TECHtalkGA
So, @GTeacherTribe suggests #lessonsintheloo. Just like museums and bars, posting up one events and offers on the back of the stall door, why not post some tricks and trips there? #TECHtalkGA
I tend to be wary of and cautious with read receipts. I don't Ts to think that I don't trust them to do what they need to, and instead only use it as a last resort.
#TECHtalkGA
A3: Try requiring read receipts for emails. Teachers and/or students tend to only focus on what is pertinent to them. With certain forms of digital communication you have to find creative ways to emphasize importance #techtalkga
They're watching us... ;-) Seriously, @flipgrid has given so many students a voice...and an audience...for the first time ever. I get teary-eyed thinking about it. #techtalkga
I feel this so much! I have a face that I can't control - expressions, blushes, eye rolls even...it's dangerous for me to be around people sometimes!
#TECHtalkGA
A3: It is frustrating with digital not being able to read "tone" and body language. However, with F2F sometimes we get too much "tude" and have to watch our reactions. Professionalism! #TECHtalkGA
#TECHtalkGA Q5: What is your favorite digital communication tool to use with your students? How old are they and what advice would you to give to someone who wants to try it?
Good point. I agree. Main thought was to ser how many were reading my Techie Tuesday emails. Gave me great data to use other ways to communicate. #techtalkga
#TECHtalkGA Q5: What is your favorite digital communication tool to use with your students? How old are they and what advice would you to give to someone who wants to try it?
A5: Definitely @Flipgrid ... I work with students and teachers K-5... it’s a tool that anyone can use with ease!! #TECHtalkGA ... continuing to fan the #FlipgridFever tonight!
#TECHtalkGA Q5: What is your favorite digital communication tool to use with your students? How old are they and what advice would you to give to someone who wants to try it?
#TECHtalkGA I do too. I struggled so much throughout school with being shy/introverted/awkward (some would say I still am... true!). Being able to respond with time to think and process is an amazing gift!
A5: I keep coming back to comments on Google Classroom. Simple, effective, easy. I have class/private options. I can comment on specific assignments so kids can make immediate connections. The app makes communication instant. We have such great chats! 6th grade #TECHtalkGA
For sure! But sometimes, it *might* be fun just for a change of pace to get a video message with @Flipgrid instead of an email with instructions or be invited to a GHO for a conference instead of coming in person!
Teachers need to change it up, too!
#TECHtalkGA
#TECHtalkGA
A5 Best I use now with my online HS Ss is simple text. It's their language, and they are comfortable there. BUT that's after a phone conversation to develop some rapport. They need to know I'm a real person.
@CobbVirtual
#TECHtalkGA Q5: What is your favorite digital communication tool to use with your students? How old are they and what advice would you to give to someone who wants to try it?
A5: Right now I still rely on texts because that’s their world but I also try to put QR codes around the school that will link to something like a video or website. #TECHtalkGA
#TECHtalkGA Q5: What is your favorite digital communication tool to use with your students? How old are they and what advice would you to give to someone who wants to try it?
And if you're part of the "everyone likes prizes" contingent or "free food" contingent, you should plan to come to #edcampforsyth!
Food, prizes, and participant-driven learning!
2.3.18 at Lambert HS
8:30a-1p
Register at https://t.co/a3JkjdE4JA#TECHtalkGA
Also, #TECHtalkGA... SAVE THE DATE for #EdCampGSU at Georgia Southern University College of Ed on April 21 8:30-1:00. Breakfast and lunch provided! Register today https://t.co/L3bJy2qFLZ
