#miched Archive
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.
Wednesday March 30, 2016
Can I be in both and at the same time with ?
Why it's important to pare down learning targets in your assessments, and define assessment terms: https://t.co/G6cpMgzwR3
Hello friends and welcome to tonight’s tech chat. Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about you.
Is the chat still on for tonight?
Wednesday, 8 pm - you know what that means! chat time https://t.co/SkaHA3yXAq
Hello friends and welcome to tonight’s tech chat. Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about you.
Hey Erin from Boyne City - I teach 8th grade Social Studies!
It sure is! Great to have you here tonight and to learn with you.
Howdy, . Kit from Sarnia, ON. EdTech Supervisor for Port Huron Schools.
I'm Megan from Grand Rapids MI. I am an education student at Cornerstone University
Excited to host tonight’s chat tonight. We’re the Boyne Tech Conference held annually in June up at the tip of the mitt.
Welcome, Megan thanks for joining in tonight!
Hello I'm Kaylie. Currently a student teacher and masters student at U of M Ann Arbor. Excited to be here!
Hi! Amy - Ed Strategist with CDW. Just fell in love with GR earlier this month
Good Evening ! Ann Smart from Adrian. Ed Tech for Jackson ISD.
Good evening ! Rachelle from St. Clair (not the Shores!). Proud to be part of -Sec Instructional Svcs Excited to learn
I'm a Masters of EDU student at UMich. It's my first live chat so I'm eager to hear what fellow educators have to say!
Hey! My name is Ali Khalid. Student Teacher from UofM teaching Biology in Wayne, Michigan. Really excited to be here!
Social Studies teachers, what has been the most surprising or valuable for students when learning about the Vietnam war?
Hey I'm Alex, a student teacher, teaching chemistry in Wayne, MI
Hello Craig from Novi. Currently student teaching at Scarlett Middle School, graduating with my masters in a month!!!
Heather Gauck checking in from Grand Rapids
Marvin from Paw Paw, MI (Grade 7 SS) in the house. Just around the corner from my Mattawan peeps. Holla!
Todd Barraco, Principal at Merrill MS/HS
Welcome!! We love having student teachers part of the chat. Us veterans have a lot to learn from ya!
Good evening, ! Brett Kilgore here - joining you all from Ann Arbor. Go Blue!
Hey, Heather great to see you again tonight!
Question one coming right up...
Howdy Andrew from Boulder, CO. I teach MS math and programming.
Q1: How does your school support teachers when learning new technology?
A1:We are very blessed to have great instructional tech team. They create blog posts, 1:1 training, PD, consult, etc
A1 not much is being done in this area. We have one tech integrationist/trainer for all of GRPS and a few other staff in tech offic
A1: Provide days/half days to collaborate and create cross-curricular lessons which infuse tech.
Matt from Mattawan, it's Spring Break!!
Hi Melissa from new Lothrop. I teach middle school and high school math and health.
A2: Districts/schools contact (us) the EdTech team to come in a support.
A1: Our school utilizes its own staff to provide training and support.
A1: Districts/schools contact (us) the EdTech team to come in a support.
Secondary MAC teaching intern at U-M. Currently teaching World History at Canton High School. Excited to join chat tonight!
We have been trying to give good PD. bringing in techs to train. Google classroom, ISD edupaths, etc.
A1 we are slowly getting there. Hope for more in future. I do monthly iPad PD with 3 other presenters.
A1: we use our building vanguard and tag groups to help facilitate our tech PD.
What a great way to support teachers in learning new ideas! https://t.co/vLsLEnqxUr
A1: Provide days/half days to collaborate and create cross-curricular lessons which infuse tech.
A1: Cadre of "TechnoDragons" across all buildings. Teacher experts to help model/mentor tech.
A1: Provide the resources and energy to go 1:1.
A1: We have teacher tech leads in each building to help, and I provide one on one support. It still doesn't feel like enough
lol that looks very good.
A1: That and by encouraging Ts to share with one another, allowing there to be many points of expertise. https://t.co/DkpRwViQhg
A1:We are very blessed to have great instructional tech team. They create blog posts, 1:1 training, PD, consult, etc
one of the best ways to do it. How do they get PD to help you all?
Hey popping in between packing and cleaning for spring break. Erin 2nd grade
A1: we also introduce Tech in an instructional context instead of just a tool.
A1: We have building level technology teams and a district team that coordinates large scale efforts
Student teacher in Ann Arbor
A1 Ts led PD to support new tech initiatives
A1: Admin is supportive of failing forward but there is no provided PD or $$
Those Ts need opportunity also. Its important. (I know you know that)
A1: Media specialist was scheduled to come troubleshoot with teacher & students during each class period
A1 in midst of grassroot mvmt to share awesomeness of correct tech usage creating PD website $40,000 grant from Mark Zuckerberg!
I think its great that so many schools have tech teams that are able to support the rest of the staff
How would you do this in a smaller district? any suggestions? https://t.co/DaIbe5nJLM
A1: We have building level technology teams and a district team that coordinates large scale efforts
do you have ISD Tech Consultants? They are a free resource to your district if you do.
Welcome, Elizabeth to the chat. Always love new ideas from new teachers. You are going to love it when you get your class!
Yep, that's what I'm doing. ty
Media specialist is fantastic, however she is part time so when she is not there you are on your own.
Q2: How do you and/or your district select the most effective technology tools?
A1: In a HUGE school district, only a few media specialists. Suggestions for how to get the right support?
A1: No real formal system: Teachers tend to learn on their own and ask others who seem to have knowledge: Would be nice for formal
what about your ISD/RESA?
So are these 'tech leads' staff members with tech experience or is this a job title of its own?
A2: That is a tough question. So many different answers:)
A2: start with WHY using tech to determine WHAT tech to use. Single sign on (GAFE) helpful.
A2: For me: Go with twitter recommendation: and Free is always better since no budget
A2: Ah... There's the rub. This has been a source of controversy in our district. We finally started w/ a pilot using variety.
A2: District Tech Advisory Group looks at tools. Staff also have input. Look at what is best for staff and students.
A2: District seems to lag behind ...
Off topic here but hope our friend is having a speedy recovery Judging by how fast his tweets are...he's well on his way!
A2 - when possible try tools out, talk to those that have used them, and visit where they are implemented
A1. Participating in is a great way to discover new tech tools and tips as well. Found a ton of great resources here.
A2: How will it help the students? How will it help the teacher? What is the outcome you want?…
A2: I think a vision of how we want to improve teaching and learning comes first (or should), then best tools can be determined.
Not sure, I would have to do some research. Will look into what they have to offer. Thanks!
The cutting of media specialists is such a tragedy... I usually connect it to books/library but the tech loss is real
Yep started a tech team at our school. Principal sets aside 1 fac. Mtg per month towards tech
A1: We have building tech leaders that are available to assist staff in implementing tech into lessons.
A2 Would love to know! There are so many tech training options available, but I don't think the possibilities always get to Ts
A2: Device neutral, GAFE single sign-on, rooted in Universal Design for Learning and driven by instructional needs
A2: My process--what do my peers recommend? What do I want to accomplish in class? Is it better than what I currently do? Is it fun?
A2: I get input from other teachers in/outside my school on what has proved to be beneficial for them and try to use those resources
A2: I try to use technology the students can use or can be easily taught, but it has to have a purpose.
I love this new push towards discernment in ed tech! https://t.co/wG0KOGE5Zz
A2: I think a vision of how we want to improve teaching and learning comes first (or should), then best tools can be determined.
A2 GREAT tool to use is Future Ready Materials https://t.co/oUMKSIpDBa attended Future Ready Summit this past June!
A2: It's a balancing act between costs (price, availability, user-friendliness) with benefits (students who benefit, time-saving).
A2: Tech plans seem to focus more on infrastructures and less on how teachers are using it but we are getting better as a district
A1 cont. - Tech leaders assist on the instructional end while our tech dept. handles the functional part.
A1 I am the unofficial tech coach. I go to trainings and then provide trainings for our staff. Our next pd is completely staff led
That's because district is required to have IT tech plan. Tech is now integrating in school improvement too. Should help
we do some staff on a release hour. It's one of there
Question 3 coming up.... Sorry I got distracted from Todd's back.:) Glad he's getting better!
The idea of a volunteer tech support team in schools is very intriguing. I wonder if that could be successful at
Had to have L4-L5 Spinal fusion due to old injury ... Surgery 2 weeks ago on the mend
Q3: How do you help bring parents along with the ever changing needs of technology in the classroom?
We've talked about doing staff-led PD but lots of extra effort to implement. Admin is on board but no time given
This is a great question! If you haven't yet, what could you do? https://t.co/6IjG8fo2oz
Q3: How do you help bring parents along with the ever changing needs of technology in the classroom?
I think the question is always how the technology will benefit the students. Other teachers are always a good resource.
Q3... this is tough, clearly there are equity issues most places? Or is this Q re: buy-in/support at school?
A3: Let me know when someone has the answer.
A3: Open communication. Transparency as to what tools are being used and for what purpose.
Q3: Parent tech nights are a start. Need to develop something more systematic, integrated with instructional practices.
A2. I try anything I can get my hands in but I filter it for the staff
A3: This is one I struggle with. Its difficult to bring parents along when working in low SES areas so tech isn't always affordable
YES, I like the new integration: Have seen many improvements since the change moving in right direction for sure:
Offer Parent Tech Nights... get parents connected to Ss tech usage through personal digital portfolios sent to their phones-
A3: We had parent meetings when going to 1:1 so parents could play on the devices.
A3: Parent reps on tech committee is a must! Right, ? :) Big advocates when they are part of the plan.
A3: Try to share with Ps how tech is being used to supplement and enhance our teaching and learning. The Ss are great advertisers!
A3: Explain the need for future use in college/career readiness. Any suggestions for successful BYOD initiatives?
A3: Make videos by students to train parents ...
A3 - I think many 1:1 schools focus on rollout events and good lead up conversations, tougher to keep momentum going
A3: I open up my tech club to parents to visit anytime. They are amazed with what the kids can do.
A3: In former position, occassionally presented to parent advisory overview of how we were using tech in classroom
A3: Is there frequent pushback from parents re: use of tech? (I feel like I'm missing the context of this question!)
A2: Word of mouth goes a long way in our school. A seal of approval from a trusted colleague trumps my inertia.
Probably not until the are parents!
I wholeheartedly agree at ability to connect parents to what their Ss are doing in the classroom! https://t.co/YG6GAYgCOU
Offer Parent Tech Nights... get parents connected to Ss tech usage through personal digital portfolios sent to their phones-
A3. I found School Story (by ) yesterday. Seems like it could bring parents into the classroom. https://t.co/FmlzSJorEI
A3: More of a question. How do you move parents along at a Title1 school where many students don't have the same access as others?
Found the best response to the parents is to expose them to as much work of kids tech work as possible
The students are the best advertisers LOL they love twitter as much as anyone.
A3. I want to host a tech showcase night but currently we include parents on leadership teams
A3: Maybe send home/email information about the technology and how it will be used to parents?
A3: So little time! How do we connect with parents in this way?! Help!
I'm with on this. Not sure what's needed with parent communication. Most parents want more tech.
In Boyne we have been 1:1 with iPads for 5 years. It really has changed over the years. Many more Ps embrace tech than B4
A3 What do you mean "Move parents along"?
3rd grade T has Ss make video tutorials to teach the parents the "new math" and post on https://t.co/3g8MGY71DV
A3: Make videos by students to train parents ...
? Do many school they are lagging behind their neighbors in Tech? Hurting them for school of choice?
When went 1:1 in former district there was considerable push back. Didn't believe it was worth distraction
A3: I agree with communication is key! Be transparent about learning objectives and how tech helps
A3: I used open house at beg of year to teach parents how to use the website/tools/Remind etc so they were comfortable.
I find parents are much more interested regarding what we're learning in class than what tech we're using to learn the material.
A3: Whenever a tech bond has been up for vote, community supports most of the time.
Check out . It's easy and Ss can do it themselves. Parents can see what they are up to in class!
Question 4 coming up momentarily....
I think 3 years ago than would have been true here as well. It's amazing what a difference 3 years makes.
I appreciate this as a parent. Don't just tell me we'll get Chromebooks. How will it be used to facilitate learning?
less and less each year. Downside is they expect you to monitor even kids out of school activity
Q4: What was your best or favorite tech enabled lesson this year? What made the learning powerful for your students?
And if I can't articulate that as a T, I probably will not be effective in using it, either!
A3 I am taking one step to get Ps connected to tech by textnow app to connect w/them~ Also, strt yr off w/ letter explain tech use
Love using MinecraftEDU. Pair up Ss who know the game with those who do not. Collaborate on the task at hand and teach each other.
I can see that. I have known parents who imagine/expect extreme/unreasonable monitoring ability
Why teachers should join twitter @EdWeekTeacherhttp://ow.ly/1036j7
A4: Tech allows my math classes to look at topics I didn't think possible for them to understand 4 years ago https://t.co/sgD4mtHc4H
Q4: What was your best or favorite tech enabled lesson this year? What made the learning powerful for your students?
A4: Our students are loving SIFMA's Stock Market Game. Would not be possible without our trusty MacBooks & iPads.
A4: We used Phet Simulators to understand energy transfer then built roller coasters... It was engaging and powerful learning
A4: Our Ss Tech Day was a way to expose all of our 4th Gr Ss to numerous tech lessons in 1 day. It was an amazing day of learning.
A4: My favorite was today, actually! 3rd graders. They made a dichotomous key, used to create an answer key for classmates.
a4 I've used illuminate to do some summarize testing. Instead of spending time grading I spent time analyzing
A4:Had students interact with a photosynthesis simulation on Day 1. Giving them the ability to manipulate variables got them engaged
A4 - teaching coding w/ Spheros, -Ss loved seeing digital code come to life in realtime great collaboration https://t.co/0vqlPz3sOI
Q4: What was your best or favorite tech enabled lesson this year? What made the learning powerful for your students?
A4: Currently doing 7th grade IB. Students have to research a product and explain the many places it goes/comes from globally.
I can attest. This was amazing! https://t.co/sD5ybcG7rA
A4: My favorite was today, actually! 3rd graders. They made a dichotomous key, used to create an answer key for classmates.
A4: MC great for reenacting early civilizations, teaching scarcity, building architecture and learning purpose.
Age Group for this???? middle/high school?
A4 Tech enabled lesson? Hard to say any weren't. Even our discussions are fact checked and enhance via Ss phones on the fly.
A4: Student love Kahoot for review games: fun and engaging: Have students make own games works great
PCEP partners w/ & to support teachers, in setting Google classroom, flipping, bending, or "any crazy idea"!
A4: Very simple, but effective. Used books on tape to help students understand difficult dialect in novels
A version of Batman? We have one, he's called .
like that we've moved along far enough that this is starting to just become the "lesson" w/o "Tech enabled" label
Id love to hear more about this. I LOVE
The sweet spot for age is grades 5-8 although is popular with younger ages as well.
Just casted my vote for ya yesterday! Glad to see you on the ballot for MACUL!
A4: Skype sessions with experts have been a great way to get Ss exposed to other sources of knowledge.
I was listening to the Book Love Foundation podcast & heard my buddy 's voice in the preview for the next episode 😃👍🏻
I can attest to this also. It was awesome to see how they applied to later learning also! https://t.co/eKpjqLrihd
A4: Skype sessions with experts have been a great way to get Ss exposed to other sources of knowledge.
That's how we roll in northern Michigan! Go big or go home!
Joe you coming to Boyne with us in the RV?
1st step- leaders willing to admit vision is missing. 2- opportunity for all stakeholders to create the vision. 3- Go.
Question 5 coming on up friends...
Mike from Chelsea, 2nd grade....better late than never.
It's crazy how much focusing on better teaching pedagogy helped me be more discerning with my new tech adoption.
Q5: There are many FREE tech tools for us to utilize. Please share one that you love to use with your students!
A4 being 1:1 most of my lessons involve tech at some level. I love my Ss ability to create books and video using
A5: Student response systems like Kahoot, Quizzizz, poll everywhere, etc.
A5 , especially drive to save and share content.
A4: Survey Monkey to monitor students' ability to reach learning goals and improve for next lessons
A5: Lucid Charts in Google Docs add ons. We are at the beginning stage of using, but Ss love! 💙
A5: DRIVE, CLASSROOM, All things Google! Prodigy is a great math game for elementary Ss too!
What grade levels is this best for? Good for elementary?
A5.2 Apple TV paired with an iPad as a portable document camera to focus discussions on student work.
A5 # 1 free app- , google cardboard, Skype in the classroom, PicCollage, Number pieces,
A5: My favorite when I was in the classroom was . If I went in the classroom tomorrow, I'd use stop motion studio!
A5: Twitter for use as exit tickets.
It's good for 6-12. It's an intuitive graphing program.
A5 I am a big fan of curiosity and anything that can help us get to the next question LensMob is something I want to try
Google Tour Builder kids used it to showcase volcano types with real world examples
A5 I could list a ton...free is the best, , , epic app
The online math teacher community, , is putting lots of teacher created content into it.
A5: iMovie = the most approachable video creation tools around for student video projects.
A5: Skype and Hangouts with Experts are free, and a very powerful tool!
A5: I'd love to see what Ss can create w/stop motion studio. I think it could be used to explain SO MANY concepts in a creative way
So pumped to see all these amazing new FREE tech tools being shared by the educators in the chat!
A5: Hadn't heard of Desmos. Thanks, ! I personally enjoy GeoGebra. :)
Fav tech tools: Google Maps, Google Survey, kahoot. Can't wait to try: Google Classroom, and simulation/forum type!
A5: ! I'm reviewing my Ss learning from today. They practiced retelling different versions of the Three Little Pigs.
A5 Adobe Voice, Chatterpix, speed drill, slate math, Geoboard, Pic for Kids, Popplet, lite, Tynker, Kodable,
A5: Ok no longer have students, BUT conditional formatting in Google Sheets. So quick and easy to display color coded data
A5: Any device with a camera. Video is the killer app for learning and sharing. Available across most platforms ;)
At the elementary & middle school level we can't say enough about ! Amazing for all subjects!
https://t.co/9M0fhTzojy
You can thank me again once you've started using it. Type in "y=ax+b" and then "add sliders". Then salivate.
A2: We use what we can get our hands on and what works. Many T's are great at taking risks and trying new things!
Really recommend as a really great planning tool!
Question six on it's way...
Q6: Share your best tech take-away from (or any PD this year).
A6: Friend in education make us grow and have personalized learning: Loved connecting with
A5: I will add Vine to the list. Getting students to deliver content in 6 second can prove to be a strong motivational tool
A6: Loved Karsten's Skype session. Motivated me to try Skype and Hangouts.
Type in "y=ax+b" and then click "add sliders" (It also does regression)
A6 really enjoyed , great sessions, meeting up with friends. Checking out the , just a great two days.
PD at Genesee ISD community and courses
A6: Many different Google sessions this year plus my wife's Pinterest session. Lots of great things.
I came back excited about I heard was leading some great sessions https://t.co/iB7F6mdA1V
Q6: Share your best tech take-away from (or any PD this year).
A6: Connecting and problem solving with lots of great educators in the MakerSpace.
A6 MACUL taught me how much is possible, how much I need to learn, and encouraged my curiosity. I want to experiment with Swivl
A6: Some of my great tech take-aways from : as a potentially better alternative to Kahoot, and .
A6: and helped work out assessments that are creative AND strategic using tech tools.
A6: Story-centric learning presentation by at
A6: listening to & share apps they were using (how/why/student work examples) made me smile!
A6- MACUL this yr was more about connections~met Director of 21st Century Learning for MDE & will be helping advise State tech plan!
A6: taught me that anything is possible in education, we can always improve: JUST keep reaching for the sky!!
I'd rather pay a couple bucks to have the tech stick around... and not treat me like something it needs to monetize.
A6: For me, It's definitely . I always plan on leaving with 1 thing I can do the next Monday. Seesaw has been great!
That was great conversation my me desire Ipads for my classroom
A3: Keeping parents in the loop through tech! Smore newsletters, twitter, communication apps, Instagram, Facebook!
Reinforced even conferences are most productive with connections & relationships!
A6: Watching a dozen educators stumped for a half hour was priceless
A6: Breakout EDU was incredibly engaging, required tremendous teamwork, and championed problem solving skills like no other!
A6: MACUL make me see what is possible but jealous of those that have more tools: HAVE to focus on what I can use
We sure did have a good time learning together. Was my best take-away for sure!
Thinking about using it for reflective practice regarding segments of my own teaching/presenting?
I did one at the Museum party. Coolest thing ever and I learned some stuff about my learning style
Question 7 is up.....now!
Q7: We have a wealth of knowledge here tonight...Looking for any specific tech tips or ideas? Ask and let’s support each other.
My students don't have their own devices in the classroom. Jealous of lots of schools in MI.
Exactly. I piloted 🆕Tech in the ClassRM w/a few or Whole Group before sharing w/peers or the whole School.
A7: What's the gentlest/most effective way to suggest and get a T started using Skype w/an expert?
So glad you discovered Seesaw~ I met the creators in San Fran this past Oct. AWESOME company and mission
yes the time we invest implementing, changing practices, refining...too valuable to risk
We are still using a computer lab model too: and not enough access: BYOD attempts but only some Ss have devices I hear you
Attend a session in another classroom and have the teacher help you make your first contact.
Why would T want to connect? What would be concern? Managing details for them is a great way to start
Have to say did a bit of vendor shopping for school and an Ozmos for kiddos
beyond some innovations or personal customizations, teachers shouldn't be paying out-of-pocket much either
Show few example vids and offer to ride shotgun (tech support) on the big day. https://t.co/K12q5ElrEo
A7: What's the gentlest/most effective way to suggest and get a T started using Skype w/an expert?
A2: (sorry😬) I research🆕Tech independently + have a certain "procedure" ... I'm VERY selective. And have had SUCCESS.🙂
A/Q 7 what is a favorite practice for cultivating, celebrating, curating student voice?
A7:How do you handle using tech in classes where all Ss can't afford their own device and the schools devices/network are unreliable
A7: Best piece of advice for those of us beginning our first interviews in education/teaching this spring?
The final question is already here....
Love to add student reviews/booktalks/trailers to digital library catalog/software
Q8: Share any great local learning opportunities/conferences. Please share any links with more info.
set them up and "invite" Ts to attend in Library. Post on School Facebook page or email pictures after to get more
A7 any tech ideas for summer programs or summer school?
I'm not from Michigan, but I will say usually has a pretty good chat at 9pm as well, consider it
A7 I need more lessons/ videos examples for Ozobot and Dash
A8: The MSU Tech Conference in the fall is always nice. It's a great way to connect with those up and coming educators.
show continual learning & willingness to innovate, be flexible. Ask Qs of your interviewer! No Qs is a bad sign for me.
Agreed - I want Tech that is useful + shows results + has longevity.
I almost went last summer... sounds like fun!
Looks like I missed a great chat tonight. Catching up now!
