The #michED chat is a grassroots effort dedicated to giving teachers, students, and parents across Michigan a bigger voice in the conversation about education in our state. We welcome all voices through a variety of projects, media, and social networking. We’re trying to address educational issues through apolitical conversation, spreading ideas and stories of success from Michigan classrooms across the state, and helping teachers and students regain the courage to connect and demonstrate that schools in Michigan are creating amazing opportunities for learning. We want the face and voice of education in Michigan to be a mural of shared experiences and positive examples of connected learning.
Nominations are open for the 2019-20 Board! Help shape the future of our organization & submit a nomination to be a board member today. Deadline is Feb. 12 at 5:00pm. Learn more at https://t.co/DQJa2TvWEZ#macul19#miched
#miched multitaskers! I'm going to be joining in this chat as well at 8pm - #HSGAchievement - Great conversation around education & data. Join in! @KellCusmano#edchat
Come one, come all, to the first #HSGAchievement chat starting in five (8 EST)! Topic tonight is "Data Transparency"! Would love to see all my #ed & #workforce peeps join the fun! 😀
Good evening! Welcome to the #MichED chat. We're discussing UDL and assistive technology this evening. But first, introduce yourself. Where you're from, where you work, position, level, etc. And share a favorite quote.
Tyler from Onsted. Professor of teacher education at Siena Heights Univ, APUSH, WHAP, APHUGE, and AMH at Clinton High School.
“Hard work pays off” - keep it simple, but keep the focus. #miched
Hello! I'm Bobbie Sue, and I'm a future teacher! I am a K-12 Music Education student at Siena Heights University in Adrian MI.
"The highest purpose of art is to inspire" -Bob Dylan #miched
Hi I’m Hailey a special education student from GVSU! This is my first ever MichED chat and I’m super excited to be here and learn some new things! #MichED
Hi everyone! My name is Sam okopski. I’m from canton but I am currently in school at GVSU (Grand Rapids) in my student teaching semester. Currently in a MOCI self contained class with 3rd-5th in Muskegon. Love the quote Live Fully 🥰 #MichED
Hello #miched! It's been awhile :) I'm Sarah from A2, MI. T Leader, Curr Coordinator for WAVE - alt HS in Washtenaw County along with SEL coordinator for the @WashISD. Excited to chat tonight! My fav quote - "Be the change you wish to see in the world"
My name is Quinn Hall @QuinnHall_Teach and I am a current student at GVSU studying to become a special ed teacher! I am currently student teaching in a self-contained k-2 classroom. My favorite quote is you can't control the wind, but you can adjust your sails! #miched
Hi! I am one of the Special Education/CSAT majors from GVSU. I am from the east side of the state! I am currently Student Teaching in a 3-5 CI categorical classroom. My favorite quote is "kindness is the language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see" #miched
Hi, I’m Madison Boyd. I am studying special education with endorsements in EI and ZS. One of my favorite quotes is “I’d rather aim for the stars and not hit them, then not to aim at all” - Layne Norton #miched
More higher ed representation here 💚 Mary from MSU’s #MAET program (Masters in Ed Tech) #miched Also STEAM teacher at Waverly MS. Hoping some #cep810 students stop by. We are learning about Twitter chats this week, so this is perfect!
Hi, I'm Jess a preservice teacher at Siena Heights in Adrian Mi. I am studying Language Arts with a focus in elementary education.
"Believe in yourself and there will come a day when others have no choice but to believe with you." Lion King #MichEd
Hi #miched Dan Giddings from Ann Arbor, MI. Teacher Leader and IB Math teacher / Coordinator for @WIHI_School Fav quote is, "Don't give up, don't ever give up"
Hi, I'm Mary! I teach 1st Grade in Northville MI and I just started my graduate classes at MSU for educational tech! #MichED
"Believe you can and you're halfway there" -T. Roosevelt
Hello! My name is Taryn Ingersoll and I am a special education major at GVSU! I am originally from Portage, MI but I have been living and working in Grand Rapids/GRPS for 4 years!
"Children must be taught how to think, not what to think." - Margaret Mead
#MichED
Hi everyone! My name is Emily and I’m studying to be a special education teacher at Grand Valley! So excited to take part in my first twitter chat! #MichED
One more word of advise for our first time chatters. I'll send out questions with "Q" and a number before the question. Respond by beginning with "A" and the corresponding number. Don't forget the hashtag! #MichED
Q1: The UDL framework is student focused, so thinking about the Ss seems like a good place to start. What does learner variability mean to you? #MichED
Hi! I am currently collaborating with Saleem Mohammed from GVSU on connecting Preservice teachers with my website on tech integration https://t.co/21GnxcY4zb
Hope you don't mind me joining #MichED chat tonight... was looking for #udlchat but this looks fun! Jana from New Brunswick, Canada here... classroom teacher and #udl enthusiast
A1: it means that students are able to harness conceptual knowledge via an option of choice, thus feeding on their passions.
The more a student cares, the further they will go. #miched
A1: Learner variablity means finding what works. There are hundreds of ways to learn which equals hundreds of learning styles. If you just use the common styles I feel your leaving students behind because you're keeping them from thier LRE. #miched
A2: To me learner variability means paying attention to and understanding that all students are unique in the ways that they learn, their background, and their experiences #MichED
Not at all Jana! A goal of #MichED is to connect eductors beyond the Mitten. Here are our questions for the evening. We're currently responding to Q1 https://t.co/53j6TY02TN#MichED
A1: To me learner variability means paying attention to and understanding that all students are unique in the ways that they learn, their background, and their experiences #MichED
A1) Learner variability means that we have to offer voice and choice in what Ss do in our classroom. Have to be able to reach all of our Ss at their level as best we can everyday. #miched
A1: learner variability means to me that students are all different and as edcuators we need to take into consideration our Ss interests so that they will stay motivated. #miched
Yes! I feel as though one of the most common things that teachers can overlook is a students background (home life specifically). That can play a huge factor in how they learn/retain information. #miched
A1) Learner variability means that we have to offer voice and choice in what Ss do in our classroom. Have to be able to reach all of our Ss at their level as best we can everyday. #miched
A1 Learner variability means every student is unique! What works for one student, might not work for another. Find what helps a student do their best work! #miched
A1: To me learner variability pertains to each student coming to understand a concept in different ways. Therefore, some students may need a little extra assistance due to their different needs. This can come in the form of assistive technology! #michEd
#miched A1- Each learner is an individual with multiple variables affecting their ability to learn. We must look at each one to find what best suits their needs.
I love this example. And, in my understanding of #UDL, by applying the principals to meet the need of 1 student, you most likely are meeting the needs of others of which you were not aware. #MichED
A1 Learner variability means every student is unique! What works for one student, might not work for another. Find what helps a student do their best work! #miched
I am Claudia Hoezee, a student teacher at Paris Ridge Elementary in Caledonia, MI. I support students of all abilities in their K-5 Resource Room. I am studying Elementary and Special Ed with endorsements in emotional impairments and learning disabilities at GVSU. #MichEd
A1: To me, learner variability means that each student learns differently and it is our job as educators to help support each of those students through their educational journey.
#MichED
Hello, I’m Madison Cullitan from GVSU studying to become a special education teacher. I am student teaching in a self contained classroom for 3rd-4th graders who have cognitive impairments. I love learning about new technology to use in my future classroom. #miched
Yes! As I finish my college career I’m looking forward to learning new ways to bring technology into my future classroom to assist my students. @jjgbacher has already given great ideas and I’m looking forward to learning more! #MichED
Welcome Madison. I highly recommend @lkolb book and website on the Triple E framework, Learning First, Technology Second. Great focus on the instruction and how tech supports. https://t.co/pQFy5vo420#MichED
A1: All teachers need to keep in mind that all students learn differently and we need to make sure that we are incorporating that into our classroom so that our students are given the best educational experience. #miched
Q2: Describe the kinds of variability you notice in classrooms? How does learning variability contribute to classroom culture or to a learning experience? #MichED
A2: The variability I notice in classrooms are lectures, presentations, group discussions, projects & technology guiding lesson plans for interaction. it makes class more memorable! #miched
My name is Rachel and I am a student teacher at Greenville Middle School is a MiCI special education classroom. I am studying at Grand Valley State University and my endorsements are in cognitive and emotional impairments. 💙 #miched
A2 (Part 1): In music, we try to touch on various learning styles at once! This not only helps the student learn through their preffered learning style, but it also helps them grow in the other learning styles. #miched
Curious about using VR and AR in your classroom? Join our workshop to learn how you other teachers have done so and how you can too. Register here: https://t.co/JBgATR1uow#macul19#miched
I just started my Masters in Educational Technology through the #MAET program at MSU! We are learning so much about the ways to expand our professional learning network digitally! Technology is a great way to learn and grow with other educators! #MichED
In reply to
@MsClark2020, @GeorgeHistory, @jjgbacher
A2: auditory, creative/art driven, video production, speech, inter and interpersonal, and a new one: tech and no-tech!
Basically reaffirms that if you only teach one way because it works for you, manu students are suffering and not reaching their potential #miched
A2 (Part 2): For example, in band students have to read (visual) music while pushing down valves or and playing instruements (kinestetic) and listening to make sure they're playing correctly themselves as well as with their section #Miched
A2: All kinds in my alt HS! We don't have classes, years or days defined. We also have all sorts of kids & subjects all togther in an open space w/ a variety of Ts all over the place. We are one giant collab. system of moving parts #miched
Hello! I’m from Grand Valley State University! I’m going to school to become a special education teacher. My endorsements are in CI and EI. Can’t wait for the future #MichED
A2: We often do #PBL in our district and use Ss strengths to allow variable roles in the group. Students can then show their understanding visually, verbally, written or in other ways as it applies to helping the team. #michedhttps://t.co/9SPqbNwN04
A2: The kinds of variability that I have noticed in the classrooms are visual and hands-on based activities. Learning variability contributes to the learning experience by giving students the opportunity to collaborate with each other #Miched
A2 - There is so much variability in the classroom, but I think they all add to and create the classroom culture and because of that there is a better learning experience for everyone #MichED
A2: The most recent trend that I have seen in classrooms is the 1:1 availability of Chromebooks being used for more than just writing papers. Students are creating presentations, videos, and even their own books! #miched
Ah, yes! I"ve recommending it already here tonight, but a foundation piece for understanding the "why" of tech in the classroom, and purposeful planning based upon instruction needs, is @lkolb's Learning First, Technology Second. https://t.co/pQFy5vo420#MichED
A1- learning variability can consist of many things like larger font, visual aids, extended time or the use of assisted technology. Using variety to meet each of your students needs helps creates that classroom environment where all ss feel included in the lesson #MichED
A2
The variabilities I have seen in the classroom include teacher driven lessons, with a few interactive activities throughout the lesson.
When students get to express their learning variabilities, the classroom turns into a warm and welcoming place.
#miched
A2: All kinds in my 1st Grade classroom! Daily 5/Literacy stations are great ways for students to express their learning variability. They have so much choice at this time and can show their learning in creative ways! #MichEd
A2) I see variability in how we tackle math everyday. We use whiteboard tables where students can collaborate on answers and share multiple solutions. Helps create the culture of collaboration instead of competition. #miched
I love using visual aids to support my students. This year I changed my learning target posters so they had a visual for students and a dance to go with each subject. I didn't even think about the larger font idea! #MichED
That's a tricky one! Sometimes things like art therapy or journals or other creative outlits creates windows that you can peer into their homelife through. I don't think there's really a set and stone way to find out! #miched
In reply to
@Tingersoll3, @TalesSpedTeach, @MrsEEagles
Q3: UDL is about removing barriers to learning for all learners. What barriers (physical, cultural, emotional) have you noticed in typical classroom materials, methods or environments that keep Ss from learning? How could we eliminate these barriers? #MichED
A2: One example of learner variability in classrooms is different levels of comfort working in groups. Constantly changing groupings is a great way for students to learn from one another and develop their ability to make meaningful contributions in different situations #MichED
The first thing that comes to mind when I think about variability is personality! I have noticed that when we utilize these and help expand their funds of knowledge, the students are more engaged. It also allows us to learn from our students! #miched
Q2: Describe the kinds of variability you notice in classrooms? How does learning variability contribute to classroom culture or to a learning experience? #MichED
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A3: connectivity, access, communication, by in, and others.
The best way to approach all of these is to put the keys in their hand and let them suggest presentation/lesson styles that work for them, make sense, and hold them accountable. #miched
A3) The biggest barrier is access to materials at home for a lot of Ss. If the homework is so important, why do we have students complete at home? We should allow for time in class so that all students have the same access to resources to solve and complete the work #miched
A2: one of the activities my cooperating teacher did recently was all about states of matter and they had a little “quiz” and there were 3 different worksheets for the students. Had all the same end point but was varied by academic level #MichED
First twitter chat tweet take #2. Hello! My name is Jessi and I attend GVSU studying to be a special education teacher with endorsements in CI and LD. I am currently placed in GRPS in a self-contained CI classroom. Excited to be here! #miched
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A3: The barriers that exist are external factors from home life when the parents don't/can't help their children do hw & Ss feel non motivated to work in class. make sure we care for & love each child #miched
Q3: A common area I notice that affects how students learn is the amount of time they are focused on one thing. High school students can only focus for about 20 minutes at a time before doing something different to "reset their brians." Students need more time to "reset" #miched
A3: The most common barriers that I have noticed, primarily with elementary students is the constant disruptions causing a loss of focus. Creating a safe and loving environment for students is crucial to overcoming these barriers. #MichED
A3: Many of my Ss from traditional districts that come to our alt school have the barrier of time. Why do we say that kids only get 4 years to do HS? Also the self-segregation of Ss culturally, racially, etc. are more barriers #miched
#miched A3 the barrier I see most at K-3 is the difficulty with reading. I have been working on breaking down those barriers & loving using @Seesaw to get content accessible to the Ss
A3: A major barrier that I notice in my classroom is a child’s inability to interact socially with their peers. Interacting, sharing, adding to others' thinking and collaborating with others is SUCH a huge part of the learning process #MichED
Hi everyone! My name is Jordyn Tibbe. I am studying Special Ed at GVSU and will be getting my endorsements in EI and CI. I am currently placed Fennville Public Schools working with 6th and 7th graders with emotional impairments.
#miched
A3 - a big focus for us at Fruitport this year is childhood trauma. That has become an increasing variable in our student's lives the past few years. So many issues all stem from that. #MichED
A3: a large barrier I see in schools is the cultural one, but this can be combated with being a welcoming teacher who shows that they care about each of their students. #miched
A2: One variability that I notice is that there is a higher ratio of students using tech in the classroom. I'm beginning to see students using Chromebooks/IPads for things like text-to-speech and visual aids in lessons! #MichED
A3: working in a high school that is divided racially and socioeconomically the barriers occur often- trauma, hunger, exhaustion, racial tensions in the community, lack of resources at home. Often it is a growing list per class, per day! #miched
#miched A4- Voice typing in google forms, and allowing Ss the ability to show what they know in the best way- video, photo, voice, picture, predictive spelling etc. the list goes on. @Seesaw a MUST~
Mostly behavioral disruptions brought on by external influences. Whether it is hardship at home or basic needs not being met, those struggles and challenges are brought into the classroom. #MichED
A4: A very basic way I incorperate digital learner variablity in the classroom, specifically choir classroom, I use an electric piano! This helps students aural, as the visulaly read along with the music! #miched
A4
I have seen teachers use ipad games to help students work on a skill, during stations. I have also seen teachers let student type a paper instead of writing it by hand.
#miched
A4: We use different apps and assistive technology to meet each of our students' needs. For example-some students need the Ipad to help them write while others simply use them to help "cool down".
#miched
A4 - The ability to easily differentiate many aspects of the lesson for individual students has been a great advantage for using digital materials #MichED
A4: I actually do not have much experience using digital materials for students. One thing that I’m excited and interested to learn more about. #MichED
@Tingersoll3 I agree! When I was in middle and highschool, we primarily went to the computer lap or had a classroom cart with laptops but now I see schools pushing more and more for one to one technology #miched
A3: We can eliminate barriers to learning by maintaining high expectations, while offering choices in how students can demonstrate why they have learned. Activating background knowledge and modeling also increases accessibility #MichED
A4: I have used many different tech options to promote this, it really depends on the goal in mind. Some of my favorites:
Flipgrid
Kahoot/Quizizz/Gimkit
WeVideo
Various blogs
One-Pagers
Pops!
Etc. #miched
A3: Ss are kept from learning when they are taught through strategies that don't work for them or when they simply do not understand the instruction. By including students in the lesson style planning process, they become more willing to learn. #MichED
A4: I've been in classrooms that utilize tablets, laptops and SmartBoards. The SmartBoard is a wonderful tool, as it gives students the ability to interact with their lesson plans. #Miched
#miched before the chat is done I want to say how excited I am to see SO many Sped preservice T from GVSU- where I got my Masters back in '99 PLEASE follow me. BIG plans for connecting you w/ https://t.co/Ui6qqV3G8O Currently working on this~ https://t.co/UH3uboNIbg
This study is not very good for a variety of reasons (more on that soon). But...even taking it completely at face value, here's the summary: Gov. Engler and Snyder increased education funding while Gov. Granholm cratered it. #mileg#michedhttps://t.co/kAnIe7sbc2
A comparison of Inflation Adjusted Total K-12 Education Revenue
Percentage of 1995 Revenue across states. Michigan is the red line. Via: https://t.co/4iZhzYLLgu
A4: Supported learning in used in classrooms that I have been part of through iPads and cromebooks and it helps teachers to differentiate levels of subjects/material for different students and it helps students learn at a pace appropriate for them. #miched
Q5: Assistive technology and UDL go hand in hand. When Ss with disabilities see other students in their classrooms using technology to learn, their AT adoption rates soar. How can we build a culture where using technology to support learning is valued? #miched
I LOVE IPads! Esspically for the music classroom. It makes reading music so much clearer and easier to mark (as well as saves trees!). I wish every school district had the funds to give students IPads. #miched
#miched Designing to support Ss exposed to trauma is so important. Let's design safe spaces that reduce anxiety and allow students to take learning risks. Thats the power of UDL.
A3 - a big focus for us at Fruitport this year is childhood trauma. That has become an increasing variable in our student's lives the past few years. So many issues all stem from that. #MichED
A5: We need to emphasize that using tech in class to learn is not an "easy way out" but it enhances learning for Ss to problem solve, be creative & collaborate esp w/ Ss who are using AT so everyone is learning #miched
A5: have as many stakeholders as possible get involved. The more people (parents, students, admins, BOE) that understand the vision, the more support the Ts will get and thus the more the child will grow. #miched
A2: I notice a lot of variability in the classroom, from hands-on activities to independent work. I think learning variability contributes to a learning experience by allowing students to find what approaches work for them as learners #michED
A5
I think it all starts with teachers knowing how to use technology. It is also important for teachers to have a support system so that they know that what they are doing is beneficial to students. #miched
A5: Emphasizing that the technology being used is for them to be creative and interactive with their own learning rather than listening to a lecture. #miched
A1: Little late to the party but to me learner variability means that instruction should not follow a "one size fits all" method. Each student has unique needs and strengths that should be considered when differentiating and scaffolding their instruction #miched
January is almost over and you know what that means....it's almost #LoveTeaching Week! Love Teaching Week will kick off on February 14th. How are you planning to celebrate?
A5: I've always attempted to focus on the question "How do we learn?" I spend time early in a year looking at diff tools (tech & non tech), then as the year progresses, Ss choose how to move forward. Tech in my class is one of many tools that anyone can use at any time. #miched
Q3: Barriers I have noticed are that not all classrooms have a variety of seating for students to choose from and that would work best for their learning. To eliminate this barrier all classrooms should have wiggle stools or other alternative seats for students. #miched
Assistive technology needs to be taught to the parents and students on how to properly use it so that it is being used for its full purpose. Parents and teachers need to work as a team to help students be successful. #miched
A5: Offering AT to everyone destigmatizes its use. Presenting technology as just another tool to demonstrate learning helps all students learn to see its value #MichED
A2: In my teacher assistant placement last semester, my CT did her instruction primarily in centers with each focusing - specific task like sight words at one center, independent work at another and then guided instruction at another, the students really liked the centers #miched
A6: At my job, I will make sure I tell my cute little toddlers and preschoolers the importance of being kind to all their friends & have them know learning is happening all the time #miched
A5: I've always attempted to focus on the question "How do we learn?" I spend time early in a year looking at diff tools (tech & non tech), then as the year progresses, Ss choose how to move forward. Tech in my class is one of many tools that anyone can use at any time. #miched
I love flexible seating! Teach the students the expectations and rules early and they will use it with respect and appreciate the chance to learn in a more comfortable setting! #MichED
#miched A6 believe that my Ss can learn & do anything just like every other S. I want to be the voice for the usual voiceless and keep fighting the good fight to bring success to every S even when it is REALLY difficult! (Just gave myself a pep talk)
A5: We have to start w/ making sure we have a classroom culture that supports learning. Period. Using tech seamlessly w/ this structure will help supplement successful relationships #miched
A6
While planning lessons, for my college classes, I will take into account each of my students learning styles and making sure that each style is meet during my lesson. #Miched
A6: Community building is a vert important component to me when building a classroom of inclusion, I will try work hard at my ST placement to find time for these activities and chances for students to grow and connect to one another #miched
Great point. Too often, tech is considered the answer. It truly is not. But oh the power when the culture is right and the tool fits the learner need and outcome! #MichED
A6: I will make sure all of my ss have different learning styles presented to them (visually, aurally, and kinesteticlly), and try to figure out all of the learning styles inbetween! #miched
A6: well, since my school just closed I will continue to work with my EDU and SST candidates as well as follow my PLC for new opportunities to engage my students! #miched
A6) I love taking a small amount of time every day to just have the students connect to one another. This can happen in various ways, but it is SO important. #MichED
My year always feels so messy in the beginning. It is exhausting. But when I can get to now and have students say "I don't believe you. Let me try it my way to see that it works." I know what I do is working. #miched
#miched It's been a great hour~ Wow did it fly by. Looking forward to gaining more connections. Keep in touch to continue this discussion which is near and dear to my heart for the past 5 years!
