#CatholicEdchat Archive
CatholicEdChat is a twitter chat. Topics focus on discussions around educational issues for Catholic Educators and topics beneficial to Catholic Schools. We look forward to continuing to connect Catholic Educators online to discuss education and teaching with faith in our schools. The chat takes place on Saturday mornings. Time 9am EST.
Saturday January 30, 2016
Br Christopher from KS, middle school science and religion
Stats class again this am so I'll chat the feed later. Have a great week
What's our topic todwy? Can't wait to get started
Sorry to miss the chat the morning! . Have a great time!
Morning all, snow melting in NJ almost as fast as it came down.
Good morning! My tweets for the next hour will be devoted to we are talking about awesome school websites!
Good morning from Nashville. A few remnants of snow left, mostly gray-black piles in corners of parking lots. Sunny today.
Good morning, , John, Ohio, first timer, work 1.5 days per week in Catholic School teaching technology.
Welcome! Great topic for you to join in today.
A1. Definitely the school's mission- its clear we are a Catholic School that has excellent academics.
Welcome all - thanks for joining in today! Are you ready for ?
We're waiting for some snow here in ks. Maybe snow day midweeek?
Thanks! Saw the topic & thought maybe I could contribute as well as learn.
What is the first impression about your school visitors to your school website have?
Prediction: in 5 years Ss will be asking "what was a snow day?"
YES!! Events kick off tomorrow!
Q1: What is the first impression about your school visitors to your school website have?
Q1: What is the first impression about your school visitors to your school website have?
Welcome, . I teach a tech elective, but struggle to make it work. Any tips?
A1 I hope, when visitors see our website, they feel welcomed and find it easy to navigate!
RT Prediction: in 5 years Ss will be asking "what was a snow day?"
Good morning, . Just checking in as I have an appointment today and won't be able to stay ;(
A1
too much, it's cluttered, hard to navigate, not kept up to date
Great topic today! Unfortunately I have to miss the chat. Thank goodness for the archive! Have a great day & a great !
have a great day! Get all your errands done this weekend before the storm!
A1 That we are a Catholic school family who welcomes all to be a part of our community.
students moght... but it's us Ts who will remember!
A1: The site (which I’ve been asked to redo), has some positives, like this school a faith based, family atmosphere.
A1 As a Catholic School parent who recently relocated, I relied on school websites to identify schools and narrow my search!
a1: current student achievements are featured, but it really needs an overhaul to create a more cohesive "brand"
A1 They always comment on how helpful it was in answering questions about our school. I wish our parents would use it more!
Yeah, but I'd rather dig out from the snow than from the lost time now.
A1 Our parish and school websites are easily linked to each other.
A1. Our Ss engaged. Our Mission articulated. A feeling of joy. easy to find stuff pic from phone https://t.co/rS8BiGYOlP
Well being on Twitter is a great place to start. Look at what other Ts are doing in similar aged classes.
Then look at how can I add a faith element to the project, assignment, etc. What grade level(s) are we talking?
Checking from NJ. A1: Nice info but aesthetically lacking.
A1 Love that our volunteer run blog, features both school and parish activities on our website.
Same here! I've found QR codes and easy mobile phone access have helped with some of this
Also, do you have a curriculum for technology class? If not, visit ISTE Nets for Students.
Q2: 2.Why is it important to have a great school website? Share example, favorite pages.
Okay, that sounds great! Well I do units in my middle school classes (GAFE, Coding, Video, Photography, etc)
A2: For most, website is introduction to the school. First impressions.
A2: If parents are doing research on where they want to send their child, a quality site can be great marketing for school.
Good morning from northern Saskatchewan just had to share my selfie with Prime Minister Trudeau https://t.co/i8RgPX1IJ9
A2 A school website is often your first impression to prospective families
A2 Need to shout out the good things about your school, PR is hard work, a good website helps. https://t.co/umhC1RLGOE
a2: Good looking sites often equate to good school for parents
a2 gets message of school out, communication, transparency
Exactly- First Impression. I sent things to our web director to put on about sport and class wkly https://t.co/wc2Z6Bp4MK
A2 A school website is often your first impression to prospective families
On other hand, great schools might not have access to great web designers. Kind of a rare skill.
late good morning from the Indiana High School State Debate Tournament. - Be Awesome everyone.
And a user-friendly site isn't always the prettiest site.
True, but with ease of builders or services, schools have more choices & don’t need coder on staff.
You've just described my school! It's a struggle. Hard to see a good school represented by a not so great site
A2 Website introduces your school to the outside world. Gives them a feel of who you are.
Q3 - 3. Name the 'must-have' items on a school website. How many can we name?
A2 after word of mouth Ps will check out the web. Great ones provide the FAQ in a transparent manner https://t.co/Cwvw3ra4Rr
RT a2 gets message of school out, communication, transparency
Good morning late busy watching deer in our backyard.
gotta go! Will check in on the conversation this afternoon. Have a great day everyone!
RT A2 Website introduces your school to the outside world. Gives them a feel of who you are.
@ NCAR A current and accurate calendar!
A3. Mission. Location. Photos. Curriculum. Teacher Contact Info. School Calendar of Events. Intros by Ts and Admins.
Agreed. There are only so many ways you can pretty up a registration form
Good morning /hands in tardy slip
A3 Mission Statement, calendar, accomplishments of students/teachers, and of course the lunch menu!
A2: Happy Catholic schools week. Website is important it is what sells your school to prospective parents.
A3: Events going on at school, the Vision of the school, and access to teachers’ pages.
A3 Our lunch menu is the most visited tab!
Its funny because a tech class assignment this wk is to do just this- design a draft school website-
Updated events calendars are hugely important! Times, dates, etc...
That one is very important to families!
looked really plain on my tablet, no images loaded, just menu bars.
Thanks for looking. I appreciate it.
Q4. Does your school integrate social media and digital media on the school website? Why is this important?
Ok - fav companies to do websites or does your school do all on own? We are looking around
Got asked about that by parents during Student Teaching- food looked good but I'm a runner so packed salad.
different audiences for sure- current parents, prospective parents & older students when applicable
A3 Links to teacher webpages, so the school website is a hub for communication between stakeholders
Google Sites, Weebly, and Wix are good for template based sites. Other paid services out there.
A4 - some, more pics than social media.
There are a lot of website builders that are easy to use
. Any paid someone loves? My development director is looking around.
good point. Sites should facilitate 2 multi-day communication, not just static display.
A4: We have a link to our FB page, which is the most consistently updated media channel we use.
A4 A link to our Facebook page is very visible-can reach additional people via FB
I know she wants to look at both - nice to have things people really love to show her
a4: We're going slowly with social media, but find it increasingly imp to look good on phone, tablet.
We use Wordpress, which provides benefits and challenges!(especially when we recently redid the site)
do you think website gives parents a better sense of the type of instruction based on what teacher posts?
a4 my school does a little bit with media. However, principal is only gatekeeper, so lots of things don't get posted
Schoolwires, CatapultK12 are two that schools use in this area.
Sometimes packages can be good. We use SchoolMessenger, looking at their platform.
pulling all together 2find-often go 2website find links 2 socmedia-time 2have/ begin planning mobile version website
A4. Yes we embed our Twitter feed and Paper.li publication. Facebook link and Twitter handles https://t.co/56NtbaBVlB
The smart adjusting for phones and tablets is a must
Anyone thinking redesign now needs to build in "responsive design."
I love the ability of social media integration to add real time content from school events, important info, more!
Thank you ... word that was not coming to me. Ne coffee yet today :(
A4. I love Social Media, and not just because I'm 22 haha. Sports/School events- post score updates makes parents happy.
As I’m tweeting, my 5 yr old… (After sneezing)... Daddy, can I change my shirt? I got some Bless You on the front of it.
Agreed! Parents like immediate feedback and to be informed in "real time."
Giving multiple people ability to update the school website is important - streamlines everything
A platform like eCatholic has responsive design built in - this can be a deciding factor.
if funds available, worth the investment- perhaps pull in admissions, too- it's your best commercial
that is is what my principal is thinking. Pull in one student, pays for self
I’ve heard good about that one as well.
Who do you have as admins for your website? Are you at a HS?
Yes! Websites can be a great tool for advancement, enrollment, fundraising
I'm a coach and also baseball umpire. Baseball starts at 4 PM- hard for parents to physically see. more connection
right. .. but can be difficult to convince admin to release permissions!
there is a whole philosophical mindset in marketing as well as schools around msg control and timliness
5. Do you have your own school leader or teacher website or blog?
Yes, I think it is a great opportunity to showcase your teaching style and build trust with parents
helps with signage too. Our digital signage uses a IFTTT tie in to our instagram feed :)
where I student taught, yes. Where I went to HS, yes. Hopefully in a couple months I'll have my 1st FT gig.
a5: We feature msgs from P in our regular, every Thurs email blasts.
Be sure to check Google Analytics on your school website - what pages are most visited? Apply what you learn
A5 - I have a blog, barely use it. Working on that now. Need to document journey better
A5 I have a website that covers my classroom and myself
I love when a website has a calendar I can easily sync with my personal calendar. I love all things Google!
Tiffinite my whole life! Enjoy working at OLC in Carey. Good kids, good staff.
want my school to utilize our Google calendar on website
Barb, I love that you have your Twitter on your home page and the link to Padlet!
Schools need a strong marketing strategy. It's social media + website + word-of-mouth + engagement.
We started this before we rolled out . Still trying to get subcals for activities going.
Great feature! Being able to click a button and add school events to your own calendar on phone or laptop - love
I love a funny acronyn considering how great the resources are.
Teacher websites are easy to creat for free - sites, Tumblr, more
not in charge of the website. Our Dev Dir takes care of it. Just trying to involve more
everytime i feel guilty abt not blogging anymore i blame my kids &their obsession w/ me not having a heartattack
I agree, the difficult part is figuring out how to delegate the responsibilities w/ limited staff.
nice website. Go Green! Were you involved at St Johns?
The word is that Google is doing major Sites overhaul for next school year.
even funnier is how many pronunciations of it there are. Google girl here :)
Any school wide hashtags? Are they used regularly & consistently? Hard thing to get rolling
I get that! I really am feeling the need to document my journey the last few years esp with coming up.
RT Any school wide hashtags? Are they used regularly & consistently? Hard thing to get rolling
Why did I never think of that? I'm forwarding that idea to my tech director- she'd love it. Thx
It can be done. You have a strong plan with a timetable.
Good. sites is hard to work w, let alone getting ss involved!
Do Ts have any classroom pages?
heard similar info- no updates to sites in many years so that says something significant is coming
Thanks - Go White! I was the Campus Ministry intern during my junior/senior year!
i think that other formats are appealing to me more. Think im going to fire back up the vlog and do video
True, do you use Google Classroom by chance?
I wish! They do post information to plusportals so parents get info.
Any tips on how to start that plan or what it should look like? I am picturing an Excel spreadsheet. haha
School hashtags are great option for year round marketing.
Do it!! I hate being on camera so that is out for me :)
Choosing a hashtag and using it consistenly is a great idea - keeps latest news in clear view
Katie Diller & Fr Mark are great friends of mine.
What is your school hashtag?
Good idea from … does Schools have a consistent year round hashtag?
I was a driving force to make happen at my school
Yes ... that was the one I had to work the most with to get comfortable.
If you are into do your research about content calendars. You need to bridge the content w/ experiences.
Great question! We use - simple and tells our name and location.
You should do Google Certified Educator training, if you haven’t already!
great way 4community 2connect-easy 2use - hard 2get rolling & really used - but when it is- very effective
We also do not have a Twitter - just FB and Instagram.
Innovator! How is the integration coming along?
The new version of Google Educator is aimed at use in Classroom. Lots of good takeaways for anyone!
I’m an old school Google Educator, but have to do new training in Level 1 and 2.
did over Christmas. Trainer and just got into Innovator - headed to next month
fits and starts. I'm only T who employs consistently, trying to get Ss to work collaboratively. Trial & error
Sometimes just takes 1 to lead the charge and provide PD to staff to take away the fear factor.
I think you will appreciate the shift. The old one focused more on the technical - now on use in class
one thing I love about great practice w/o own classroom. Added demo page to my teaching portfolio for schools.
there might be something ironic about a Benedictine monk leading the tech charge...
It takes time but worth it : )
That is great to hear. I am former elem T, turned Tech T and Coordinator. Want the classroom focus.
Embrace the error F.A.I.L. = first attempt in learning
Big shift - new test is partially in a domain showing you can do specific tasks.
Working with Franciscan Brother who teaches 8th grade in bldg. He’s got 25 Chromebooks and all sorts of ideas!
So important, but so hard to promote. Our Ss are so afraid to make mistakes.
Q6. What are some takeaways from today's chat that you can apply to keep your website vibrant and relevant?
. :heart: Blogging is a great way to get others in on your self reflection! Now that’s redefining reflection!
I've come to love when things go wrong. Throws my ss for a loop when I get excited over such!
our adults usually are too - my Ss have come so far with growth mindset!
I am working on it. I tend to overthink everything and be picky about every word!
You wonder if grades are a bad disincentive to real learning sometimes.
Sometimes that is the most learning.
In some ways they are ... too much worry about grade vs what was learned.
A6 focus on doing what I can, class Web presence, not what I can't (school wide)
A6: Create a plan to keep website updated & remember to use digital channels to welcome prospective (and current) families.
I LOVE Google Classroom That is my fav thing to train on Changed the way my Ss and I work
I need to learn that lesson!
love Google classroom. Launched it in november, still learning how to use it well.
A6: Google Analytics must look into this
We’re taking baby steps, but yes… it’s coming!
A6 Content is crucial and collaboration is critical to keep it current Stay focused on Mission https://t.co/JGgmwyn4YT
let me know if you need any help!
. It’s okay — I’m in the same boat! But it feels good getting it done too! Baby steps!
A6 If possible, work with administration to create a social media/website strategy school wide
A6. Im wqith Google Analytics is something I intend to check out more. Already like FB and Twitter analytics.
Always! If we just keep learning something and moving forward we keep making progress
A6 Need to figure out and use Google Analytics.
it is a job keeping the site updated it takes more than one person.
gotta go, Mass and lunch w Archbishop for KCK. Blessings!
- so excited and got to visit you this week
If you don't already, you need to follow@alicekeeler
I found this, didn’t create it.
If you don't already, you need to follow
This is AWESOME! Thank you!!
Very true, especially with a PK-12 school, lots of content. Any tips you have to organize the site responsibilities?
a6: Never hurts to get a stranger to take a look at site - fresh pair of eyes can help you see what needs attention.
sweet! Saved to Drive. Thanks.
It is fun to look at the G Analytics! It tells a story - helps you revise your communications plans
He sent me the pic that day. Still love the students on your walls!
Side note on as we look to hopefully warmer weather, who's going to San Diego in April? Making 1st trip this yr!
Woohoo! Love meeting members of I'll be there! Presenting.
Thanks for joining the discussion today! Have an awesome You make it great!
Thanks for leading a thought provoking chat today!
been following . So many great ideas, hard to find time for them all.
