#EdTechAfterDark Archive
"Welcome to EdTechAfterDark! Our community was born out of discussions for a rich EdChat type gathering for those of us who are thinking about the digital edu-landscape long after the sun has gone down. For us night owls, when the clock strikes 10PM EST, you’ll find us on Twitter over at #edtechafterdark. All are welcome! Our discussions range from our philosophies about EdTech, digital best practices, and simply sharing our stories." --www.edtechafterdark.com
Monday February 29, 2016
Good Evening fellow educators! I'm Trish Douglas and am excited to facilitate our discussion tonight.
hey Rachel glad to see you again!
I am here because is in the house!
Glad to be back after a couple weeks off.
While we are waiting for everybody to join us...let's get to know each other. If you had a yacht, what would it's name be?
Alex from Citrus County, FL present and accounted for 😀
Glad you could make it, Cassie!
I'm here! Julie with consulting co based in Brandon, FL
hey Terry glad to have you!
Well then we'll have to have her moderate more often 😀
My yacht… (yeah, right) would be named The Pegasus. (Because Hercules is my favorite Disney movie.)
Dan from FL here; Media Spec, tech guy, ELA T, weird person
Also, I’m Rachel, a K-6 STEM specialist in southern Minnesota!
do you have your own class?
Danielle, K Tchr in AZ! Happy to join tonight!
Awesome, Cassie! Welcome aboard!
Glad to have you, Danielle!
was one of my first teaching partners. Great memories. I am Terry, 2nd gr T in Citrus county
Going to try to chat (with infant resisting bed).
. I love that we all accept that we’re just a little weird.
Always honored by your presence, Danielle!
Zac ELA T, Central Florida, my yacht would be called Dance Central because I'm ready to shake what my momma gave me!
Chantell, 3rd grade teacher, found out next year I'm going to be in a departmentalized gr level and be the STEM room!
Nothing I’d rather be. Except maybe a yacht owner. I’d call mine “Blue Steel.”
High school Teacher Librarian. I get to teach it all!! Yacht-Seaya
Hi everyone! Jerrica, Florida, third grade.
Jeremy from CT. Parent first. I also do comm'n in education. & alum. This topic is perfect.
exciting! I may be doing something similar we shall see
Hi! Fotini ESL teacher from NJ
What level? We can swap ideas!
kicking yacht name!!! Just had to say it!
Q1 coming to you in two minutes...
My yacht would be called High Maintenance:-)
Yach name? The Pain Killer
yo Muggle in da house!!! Welcome friend
hi welcome! We are excited to have you
If i had a yacht I would name it The Wanderer
So excited. And I get to move up with the cohort I'm teaching right now.
My daughter's amazing teacher!! ": Hi everyone! Jerrica, Florida, third grade. "
Hello Anabel, techy ESL teacher from NC. My yacht? "Sea Me"
I can testify to that yacht name lol
loved that kid. Followed him thru years of the til he won. Second time tonight I'm seeing that gif.
A1: I would say one is present and attentive (involvement) the other they are engaged and participating in Ss education.
welcome! Happy to have you
A1. Involvement doesn't necessarily require action. Engagement requires action & an interdependent relationship.
A1: Involvement vs Engagement… one has a much deeper meaning. I would say engagement is a step up from involvement.
welcome! Glad to have you!
A1: Parent involve could be checking grades or sending email. Family engage means more than parents or attending events
A1: I want more than a parent who comes to conferences or cares about grades. I want a parent OBSESSED with learning
A1:Parent involvement is being physically there.Parent engagement: they are talking to Ss about what they're learning.
A1: I can be "involved" in a TV show and on my phone 1/2 paying attention. Engagement is all-in.
A1. One can be involved and not actively engaged. Engagement is a higher level of involvement where parents participate
A1: Involvement can happen w or w/out understanding of the overall vision and purpose of your child's education.
Hello, Jennifer from Oregon. Instructional Coach and 4th grade teacher as well as an aspiring admin.
A1: I love the focus to engage parents as we did/do with Ss, to me it is to meet their needs, and make our message relevant
A1: being involved does not mean being engaged
A1) First, parent has a limited definition. "Family" recognizes families come in many forms. https://t.co/b5S7ZucH2S
https://t.co/bjZeemBjx7
Yes, we have to involve them. Also, families are engaging in different ways now. We have to be open to the possibities.
A1: Engaged families are committed. Involved parents are aware and supportive but may not feel like they belong.
A1 we can create mechanisms for involvment, engagement requires parents disposition
A1: The first one sounds like an obligation and family engagement sounds like fun!
Or is the intended difference here to mean parents poking around vs a group working together & collaborating?
We have to make them feel like they belong. We need to make engagement comfortable and appealing. https://t.co/GrTFRCUjjv
A1: Engaged families are committed. Involved parents are aware and supportive but may not feel like they belong.
Parental involvment, just showing up. Engagement, taking an active role in Ss academic ups and downs, overall well being
hello! Welcome we are glad to have you!
I agree. Some P's probably feel like this. "OH GREAT, I have 2 go to family night" = "involved"
A1) Second, "involvement" implies showing up, tapping someone to do something like volunteer. Engagement comes from within.
Comfortable, appealing, & attainable. Meeting parents where they are & valuing what engagement is for them!
Mostly because I couldn't join until 8:30. Bonus points for the friends gif!
So important! I think many parents feel out of place in the school setting.
A1: involvement might be "what I have to do..." while engagement is "what can I do?"
Wooo! ADEs represent! Welcome, Michael!
..great discussion points. Just as we talk about our Ss being engaged, we want our families engaged. We play a role..
A great distinction and simple mindset shift!
Right. Just have to convince parents they can do it.
A1: It's the difference from Mom yelling at you abut a grade to everyone at home being actively involved.
Good differentiation! I think there can be over-involvement, but not over-engagement
perhaps. To me it sounds like "how do we get parents involved." But it's not about getting someone to do it.
haha, just might be 😉I'd be curious to compare models sometime when we aren't both in 😄
Yup. I read some article recently titled, “Mom needs an A.” I think that says it.
A2: It isn't easy. We have things fighting against us. We need to get true messages into their hands and understanding.
A2: Following school social media, reading weekly email newsletters, asking kids to show projects, attending events
A1 Involvement -parents are "in the know" Engagement -parents are voicing concerns, show up to school activities and DO!
A2: Engagement in person might not be feasible for all families, but thanks to tech there are TONS of ways to engage online
A2: as pointed out, the family has changed and the "parent" isn't the only part of the family connected
It's relational. You can be involved with a person, but engagement speaks to a deeper commitment, respect, and value.
A2: A parental digital presence is paramount. If we are to engage our Ss, we must meet them at the point of learning.
A2: Hopefully we can get them where we are...learning beside our Ss.
A2: Time seems to keep on slipping’ every year—not in P’s favor. New tech for them 2 learn, Ss grades..its tough!
A2: parents can participate in class.. Every week a parent can be involved to learn and teach
A2 connected physically & digitally, aware of what's going on in classes. Both parties working to create school culture
Right. I've got tons of parents who work evenings and Class Dojo has helped with that a ton.
A2: We have to meet families where they're at, meet their needs to expect engagement, too many competitors for time
I think tech can open windows and allow them to see in. We just have to get them using and peeking in.
I agree w/ here—it’s doing Ss a disservice to dismiss their . If we don’t teach them, who will?
A2 being aware of kids educational process and working with ts to support the learning environment https://t.co/RFsSNYGGqJ
A2- I would love to see parents come in to our Tinker Thursday coding night. Working WITH their kids, learning together.
A2 I think we need to give families information that makes sense and allows them to be engaged with their Ss
A2: Recognize all levels of parental involvement. Build on the good and make it better.
A2. Broadening from parents to families. Communicating in new and different ways, using tech to reach parents.
A1. "Involvement" seems punitive. Hopefully family engagement means the families understand & support learning all year.
A2. We support , engagement to us means inquiry, family asking Qs outside of the classroom, application in real life
A2. Families creating & making with their Ss. Involving parents in STEM nights. Translating creating & making for the home
. You can't be too engaged. It's when you're connected and invested. You can be involved without feeling that way.
A2 Gamify participation, such as with an app that earns points for prizes!
I think an approach we are taking more is helpful. Bring them in, allow the Ss to show work with their families.
A2: Being connected with parent communication and someone who can walk the walk..
Agree, creating spaces where all are learners at the same level ss,ts and parents is very powerful https://t.co/XtQBArI2ZN
A2: Hopefully we can get them where we are...learning beside our Ss.
A2: As a P, offer genuine opportunities for your child to practice the 4Cs: create, connect, critically think, collaborate😀
A2: trust, resources, encouragement, valuing their role, meeting them where they are
Extend your reach as much as you can even if some aren't taking the bait. Publish parent resources to iBooks, Twitter, etc.
we'd get along fine! I don't get the feeling my kids' teachers would welcome that level of obsession.
A1) parent involvement is kinda like HW for parents-P family engagement is like a passion project for the fam!
A2) family engagement looks like Friday night lights... The community comes out to support
Tell me more about this! Any specific app? I want to learn more about this! https://t.co/tdItwv22gh
A2 Gamify participation, such as with an app that earns points for prizes!
A2: Get Ps to be a part of the process! Invite them in, let them see exactly what’s going on. Keep your doors open.
Ok all, I'm fizzling out fast. Catch you on the flip side! G'night All!
awesome. So do you get that type of interest from some?
A4: Our class uses it. I need advice on how to get Ps to follow it or check it out.
A4: Remind is something I have tried to set up, as well as a class Twitter. I’ve been bad at using them, though.
A4: Share your social media with families and welcome their follows! Post anything & everything kids do.
A4: Have them grab your phone & take photos to share, then they will tell their parents and parents more likely to look
A2: engagement looks like parents & Ts connecting via , , email, to provide ops for communic8
Absolutely! Practical help and info for parents on tech/social media/how it's being used
I went to Q4 because it flowed:-)
A4: something as simple as a private Facebook group that connects Ps with what Ss are doing, also invite to Twitter chats
A4) gotta meet the fams & turn them into FANS-meet them where they are-use THEIR social media preferences & their language
A4. (Did I miss #3?) Padlet is a great for sharing voices/ideas in a non-threatening way. Love https://t.co/W6gzdnwgg1
A4: gotta meet your clientele where they are. Less signing up the better. FB, Twitter, Google voice texts for class
We have a class Twitter acct. I would love parents to follow. My students blog. I would love for them to read/comment.
A4 Facebook has been great for parents at my school. I have blogged also.
A4: are great tools for communicating the right now events. Relationships.
A4: Start sharing pics & videos of what is happening in your class and they will follow you on whatever channel u r using!
hey buddy welcome! Glad to see you!
A3. Using it to communicate "challenges" to Ps for them to complete with Ss at home based on assignments in class
A2) Change doesn't happen without family engagement. Families must feel like part of the solution. https://t.co/EXAQtvfyd1
As does information literacy or the lack thereof
I have thought about private FB page, but we can access it in the district.
A4. Use SM to connect with parents, meaning not just sharing information, rather engaging parents in communicating.
A4 create engaging content based on your class/projects, if content is good they will come
I use there is a messenger and class story page, both mimic facebook or twitter. parents love and connect easily!
Oops, I meant can't https://t.co/XRq6WZxbyG
I have thought about private FB page, but we can access it in the district.
How does Google voice text work?
A4 a)Plan to start school instagram. Pictures are powerful. b)quick on line polls.
A4: you tube, tweeter account for families, announcements etc
A4: For each event we create hashtags and parents love to follow
That is the only one many use, but the majority don't "engage" https://t.co/b22BxB1iya
I use there is a messenger and class story page, both mimic facebook or twitter. parents love and connect easily!
Polls are great. Everyone can see what everyone thinks!
My P's love seeing their kids on ClassDojo. I seem to get more communication with messaging than I do face to face. Easier!
I really think I'm going to turn into a pumpkin now. Signing off Goodnight!
sign up using your phone # and it creates one 4 u. You can text/call and it will forward thru that #.
It's all about the content...parents love content about their kids https://t.co/IO7P2TFJUb
A4: Have them grab your phone & take photos to share, then they will tell their parents and parents more likely to look
A4: Remind app.. Great app for families, students etc
Same here! Easy to use for bother Ts and Ps and they love it!
Hey Hey Hey jumping late! Where are we?
plus the kids love it! I have one but don't use it enough, digital immigrant here lol
You can also invite your specialists (librarian, music, etc.) to participate in your class ...
A4: We have embeded in our website as well as our and smores newsletter. Multiple access points
Hey Prof. Nesi! We’re jumping in to Q5 soon. Q4 was about leveraging social media for P’s
A4: Any time Ss, Ts, and Ps share digital space w the the world, we're winning as educators! https://t.co/749KYY4vER
Social media is social. If communication is one way, it's just old-style newsletters with new tech. https://t.co/gd2UDVtt3d
A4. Use SM to connect with parents, meaning not just sharing information, rather engaging parents in communicating.
What about having the tech lab open to parents once a week focusing on one engagement tech tool each week?
us at have been lobbying hard to get this in
Have you checked out the new Ps sending pics part? We did a read aloud challenge last week and it was great!
Frustrating. Same issue. ALL social media blocked. How am I supposed to teach and digital leadership ??
are you wording it like that because parents and students aren't following it?
A4: record short videos on periscopes of what's happening in your class and email parents
I like ’s idea of using for reading “shelfies.” Ss take pic of their book & why they love it & post
I have. But so far there is not that kind of engagement. I know a few will. https://t.co/Ddw0w12i2j
Have you checked out the new Ps sending pics part? We did a read aloud challenge last week and it was great!
a4: biggest hurdle I have w/ Ps is sharing their info. Many Ps are hesitant to share that part of themselves.
I agree we have to get Admin to see the importance of being proactive compared to reactive
Yes, I've encouraged, invited and tried several ways. They are not biting. https://t.co/Ut17kvxKRZ
are you wording it like that because parents and students aren't following it?
Good idea. But who will staff it? Do we change the person's contract hours? Mike From MD - Lurking
Ohhhh I plan on having a student helper. Love letting the kiddos make me look good.
Our Ps follow & share on twitter so much. Some classes have all Ps as followers. Ts have websites https://t.co/6Zt9HK07i1
we could connect classes through SM, could be powerful
We have to create opps where ss feel compeled to share with everyone...if we get there the tool will unveil itself
A4) First and foremost, just do it. Embrace it. Be a model for Ss & Ps. Teachers must lead. https://t.co/RO8LjE9Cr6
I used learned about this last week. Can't wait to try it with my Ss
is certainly my favorite and most used tool by parents. https://t.co/6KNzRT6kLM
yes! Keep open lines of communication, and builds relationships to encourage engagement
A5: We use a school blog and a district hashtag to connect with families.
Lots of creative ideas being shared but how do we make it happen?
Q5: Title 1 had a Facebook page, set up Family Universities, and had been very intentional about connecting
I am hoping that we will see more Ps on Twitter now that we have a school hashtag to share our story
Try not to implement lots of ideas/changes at once. Pick 1 or 2 easy ones to model and show success ala
Q5: School-wide hashtags for sharing, digital parent newsletters w/ Slate
A5. The use of Twitter, school hastags, using platforms like to share information and create.
I was just about to say the same thing! I would love to see Ps using our school hashtag, not just Ts.
We have student-run “Geniuses” that make tech videos and even run their own iTunes U course! https://t.co/7iQBxxaxDG
A5: beginning of year personally invite parents into your classroom.. Build tech tools so they can follow up& connect
Q5 When Ss are showcased or become the T's, parents show up at more events.
A5 My district has a mobile app to share information
do you use a particular approach to get that engagement? Ps not into it elsewhere but it's probably not on them.
A5: use remind app with parents ..
https://t.co/GvJM1cdaEG
A great team of teachers in our district is leading this initiative and it's gaining momentum!
Create events in google calendar and in it parents via emails
A5. School hashtags, family nights, invite parents into the world of Ss.
A5: Passionate educators, supportive admin, engaged Ps, motivated Ss, innovative minds, and a plan of action.
seems more of a tech divide than P/T divide. Some Ps are there & Ts aren't. Great when both are.
We fill our feed with videos and pictures! Who wants to miss that? https://t.co/Fqu1VTxLLZ
do you use a particular approach to get that engagement? Ps not into it elsewhere but it's probably not on them.
someone mentioned a lot of Ps see social media as a personal thing, not to share. We need to change that stigma
A6: Provide babysitting/food at parent nights to make it easier for parents to attend. Gives them a reason to show up
We have teacher leaders from various schools run sessions
A5. Heard abt district doing more home visits for Ss w/poor attendance, offer family support. Family may not have skills!
We may benefit from a content marketing strategy, meaning being deliberate about sharing, frequency,type of content,etc
A6: named the key: relationships. Maybe we need to work there first. Events that build relationships.
involve robots, and other simple tech things? Half time activity? Internet of things may help?
A6: Tech shares that are more informal, open, and crowd-sourced. Q & A. Like always asks..”Where are you at?”
Excellent. I'm just concerned about overextending Ts.
A6 Host meaningful events with challenges requiring parents/guardians to work with their children.
You hit the nail It will take time but it will come. The great thing it grows quick once it happens https://t.co/Icbc081qGc
seems more of a tech divide than P/T divide. Some Ps are there & Ts aren't. Great when both are.
If they're passionate, they will come 😀 https://t.co/sM9kUw2bla
Excellent. I'm just concerned about overextending Ts.
We have some amazing Ts offering, and they are compensated
Go 1:1 with tablets, Chromebooks, iPads and allow students to bring them home..
I know I wouldn't. Seems obvious, right? Apparently it still doesn't attract everyone in other places.
Start with information literacy, digital safety and awareness and personal branding?
A6. More family outreach. Low income Ps may be intimidated at school, or not have tech at home. Offer school wifi > hours.
Make sure you follow each other!! Follow for awesome updates on Family Engagement and check us out next week!!
Don't forget information literacy. People use internet differently
My admin 's mantra from : "Focus on the willing."
Thank you all for a great chat!!
Check us out next week with our theme: “The Disgruntled Tech User!”
Sounds like an amazing district. :)
So much of poor attendance is transportation. Can't believe how far bus stops are.
glad I stayed up Great conversation and an important one Beware, we may invite you to come moderate soon
