#sschat is a network of educators, resources, and ideas that started on Twitter, but has expanded to Facebook, an annual NCSS unconference, and more. Join us to chat asynchronously on Twitter or Facebook, or chat with us live on Mondays from 7-8pm EST.
INTRO: Kymberli Wregglesworth, HS social studies, Onaway, MI. Tech Geek! I hope to get some ski slope time and just hang with my 4-yr-old over the holidays. #NoMI#sschat
I'm your host for tonight's #sschat
David Olson - HS T from Madison, WI.
I'm definitely looking forward to building a snowman with my daughters. I'm assuming the Upper Midwest will cooperate.
Intro: I am a senior at Plymouth State University in social studies education. I have a short winter break because I start student teaching fairly early, but I plan to sleep and spend time with family to recharge over winter break! #sschat
Intro for #sschat 8th grade Civics T from rural western Pa - over break I plan to spend time with family and gear up for an AWESOME 2nd half of the year
I am studying to be an educator at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire. I cannot wait to get some much-needed rest and relaxation with the family over winter break! #sschat
Chris from Bloomington, IN. Teach world history for private online HS affiliated w/ Indiana Univ. Also one of the #sschat co-leaders. Spending time w/ family helps me recharge - and getting away from my computer. :)
Jenny Morgan, 8th grade US history teacher and methods lecturer at university in W. WI; absolutely nothing except spend time with family and friends
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Chris from Illinois - 7th global studies & #worldgeochat moderator. This winter break I want to read a book without it connecting to school. :) #sschat
Hi from Pasadena! I’m Darren and I teach high school social studies at @csdriverside. Watching the Rose Bowl parade in person will surely recharge me. #sschat
Evening - I teach social studies and critical reading/writing through comics. I’ll be reading comics and planning comic con presentations over break! #sschat
Mary-Owen, 7th grade world history in Tennessee and one of the #sschat co-leaders. Done with grad school and getting back into baking this holiday season!
Mary-Owen, 7th grade world history in Tennessee and one of the #sschat co-leaders. Done with grad school and getting back into baking this holiday season!
A1: Collaboration is important for students to help each other with their strengths and weaknesses. Collaboration can also help students to build off each other's ideas to think more critically as well as become more focused and involved. #sschat
A1 my room is set up in tables of four students. They collaborate all the time - then questions/discussion gets to me. We all learn from each other as I sit in with different groups. #sschat
A1: Collaboration is an important life skill for students. In my classroom it makes learning more interesting and fun for all, including me. It challenges students to work with those from diverse backgrounds instead of just their friends. #sschat
A1. Students must learn to collaborate as it’s an essential skill for life, not just our classrooms. Don’t have to love ‘em but gotta be able to work w/‘em #sschat
A1: I mean, at @iCivics we like to say "Teamwork makes the dream work" which is certainly true. But collaboration teaches students...collaboration! It's real world training for C3 and everything else. #sschat
Q1. IF students are collaborating on something they view as worthwhile, they will find the collaboration interesting, informative, and engaging. #sschat
Q1: Collaboration builds on what students like to do anyway-- talk. It also has the potential to bring higher order thinking skills into the classroom-- more than simply spitting back the facts. #sschat
A1 I can't think of any jobs that don't require collaboration. It is a 21st century skill that should be encouraged in all classes. Ss need to know how to work with ALL types of people - not just people like them. #politicianstakenote#sschat
A1: Collaboration is one of those "real world" skills - benefits by seeing it's not always 50/50, yet learning still occurs. Benefits by learning from each other and not always from ME #sschat
A1: My students gain skills by talking to each other and pushing each other to get their best ideas. They learn how to sift through ideas and hone them.
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Collaboration helps my students solve problems, debate issues, find solutions, and grow. They’ll be expected to collaborate in the workplace, so why not the classroom? Learning is more fun in community. #sschat
A1 - Two brains are better than one!
Collaboration allows us to know more than we are capable of knowing by ourselves. It empowers us to think differently, access information we wouldn't have otherwise, and combine ideas as we work together towards a shared goal.
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#sschat A1 Allows Ss to take control of their learning. We are working at our school for Ts to become the facilitators and have Ss worked together to solve problems.
A1 Collaboration is a skill Ss will increasingly need both in and out of school. Tech always Ss to collaboration that is more than just face to face #sschat
A1 Plus it's real world skill - civics, civil discourse, multiple perspectives. All are skills our kids need to be practicing these skills now. #sschat
I completely agree! Students need to learn firsthand that not everything is fair/equal as well as there are more perspectives than our own and that doesn't mean that their or other's are wrong. #sschat
My Ss have "accountability buddies" to help them stay on track and to bounce ideas off of. I never thought 7th graders would go for it, but I forget, 7th graders are weird. #sschat
A1: Collaboration helps students feel seen and valued. It also brings in new perspectives. I find the best projects come from students working together on meaningful tasks. #sschat
I'm Spenser, a senior at Plymouth State University in Plymouth, NH. I'm excited for much needed R&R, as well as hitting the trails on the snowmobile. #sschat
A1:collaboration falls under the umbrella of Communication. The number one foundational skill. We cannot practice this enough - especially in today’s world #sschat
A1: Because it gives them a chance to interact and discuss meaningful information in ways that they can understand. It provides leadership opportunities that can further the depth of understanding. It also allows for a team mentality, where students can feel confident. #sschat
If anyone is looking for REALLY cool and important ways to get students to collaborate - look no further than @collabgenius - collaborative classrooms across town from each other.
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A1. Some of the best game play we’ve witnessed was though student group/collaborative play. Allows for many perspectives to be heard and have influence on each other. #sschat
A1: Because it gives them a chance to interact and discuss meaningful information in ways that they can understand. It provides leadership opportunities that can further the depth of understanding. It also allows for a team mentality, where students can feel confident. #sschat
A2) My classroom is virtual, asynchronous, and self-paced. Integrate collaboration by having Ss work in GDocs & use Padlet & other tools to share ideas, give feedback, offer ?s & alternative views. #sschat
A2: The physical space of my class had to change: I cleared the rear of my room and put down carpet squares to make a "student space" with a large marker board for collaboration/brainstorming #sschat
A2: I would love to have tables instead of individual S desks to facilitate collaboration, but it's not in the budget. Make Ss move desks, put desks in groups, etc. Use backchannels and online discussion until Ss are comfortable speaking out. #sschat
A2: #gamification - Ss are seated in teams and are required to work together. When group work is assigned, individual projects are a no-go. Ss need to learn to work with each other. Ss get to choose groups sometimes, and are assigned other times. @gsuite helps Ss collab. #sschat
Got rid of a ton of independent work/teacher lecture and replaced with #PBL opportunities and inquiry learning. I love it and have a better idea of what my kids know. #sschat
A2.1 whole school rebranded so we now have collaboration in our school name which fosters an environment of collaboration. In my classroom flexible seating and tables not desks to gently push toward collab. #sschat
Q2: The physical setup of a classroom can have a big effect on collaboration. I am a big believer in grouping students at tables to promote collaboration. Even when not related to the material, this grouping still promotes the fostering of those real-life skills! #sschat
A1: For my deaf students, collaboration is key to building their language and communication skills, in addition to other benefits of collaborative learning. #sschat#DeafEd
A2: Have dedicated time to it, have to be intentional, might mean less info covered/taught but far more depth and learning can take place. From simple think-pair-shares, review of quick writes, full blown PBL activities. Just have to spend time. #sschat
A2: I feel that an open classroom that promotes collaboration both physically and emotionally is key, clear expectations is a huge factor in successful collaboration as well as a flowing and easily accessible set up. #sschat
A2: We digitally collaborate across 18 miles. The physical absence brings a new and intriguing sense of connection and helps students develop empathy over a virtual void. Their peers are often not in the same room. #sschat
A2.2: almost all of my assignments require collaboration whether it’s peer editing, group work, discussions, etc. the smartest person in the room is the room. Everyone could and does benefit from everyone not just me #sschat
A2: In the last five years, I've transitioned from desks in rows, to tables in rows, and now tables in groups. I wouldn't go back. I've also made a philosophical shift to get my kids talking more often and incorporating more choice in activities.
#sschat
Within the instances I have been able to teach, it is important to structure your classroom around the ideology of collaboration to incorporate it in the work. #sschat
A2. Collab is one of our team goals. Workin in more collab to reach pinnacle: end of year group efforts to create practical solution to an inequality with visual & verbal pres to community. #sschat
#sschat Complete overall, students no longer write down from a powerpoint on the projector. Students spend more time reflecting and creating pieces of their project. Had to change organization and value of importance.
A1: Joining late and may be in And out but Jordan Collum US History teacher and African American Studies teacher. Spending time with family will recharge the batteries #sschat
A2 When I taught HS I changed from traditional rows to pods of 4-5 desks together. Allowed easier flow for me to interact w/ all & led to natural Ss collaboration #sschat
Yes, b/c some Ss do online schooling b/c they don't really want to interact w/ peers (bad experiences) while it's always challenging for the first S to complete a lesson to have to wait for others to get done. #sschat
A2 I have always kind of been there philosophically, but my classroom needs lots of work. It is definitely a work in progress. Have added some tables and desks are in groups of 4. Not a lot of space to work with. #sschat
A2 All of the above! Ss sit together so they can chat. At least half of class involves partner or group work. Discussions, partner reading, mapping labs, etc. #sschat
A1 Great for so many skills. problem solving, working w/ others, mult perspectives, but to work best Ts need to model group skills & interaction #sschat
A2 (for realzies this time): I think it's mostly about promoting a culture of commitment and accountability. And what a great civics lesson embedded in all of that!?! It's not enough to care about oneself -- you gotta care about the common good #herdimmunity#sschat
A2: Student collaborate using @zoom_us and #FaceTime to teleconference, collaborative documents to develop feedback and group projects, and project management using @basecamp to organize it all! #sschat
A3: I second @DrJHarmon on @PearDeck
I use it as a back channel, but also as a great way to spur debate and make direct instruction far more interactive. This is how we gauge the room and foster discussion in my class
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A3: @Google Classroom is a biggie. Ss see the agenda I post, answer a starter question or form, and work collaboratively on assignments withing @GSuite. #sschat
A3. For collaborative projects, I use lots of different ed-tech tools. Polleverywhere. Flipgrid. Google Slides. Nearpod. iMovie. Zoom Video Conferencing Technolgy. #sschat
A4: I'm all in with @GoogleForEdu - Google Class to post Q's, Docs/Slides to collaborate, don't like Forms for quizzes, I'd rather use @quizizz - easier to create. Allows Ss to take, retake, retake..no one is failing; #everykiddeservestosucced#sschat
Q3: As mentioned in a reply tweet, @PearDeck is an excellent resource to promote collaboration while including technology. Students seem to enjoy the interactive nature and that state of mind (happiness/enjoyment) helps to foster deeper discussion and understanding. #sschat
A3: Based on the EdTech tools I have seen, I feel that when I start student teaching one that I will utilize often will be Planboard. This makes lesson planning easy and accessible, which I feel will be useful when I am getting my feet on the ground. #sschat
This is where great co-teaching/team teaching is so beneficial. Hard to model when only 1 teacher in the room though, of course, can model through interactions w/ Ss. #sschat
A1 Great for so many skills. problem solving, working w/ others, mult perspectives, but to work best Ts need to model group skills & interaction #sschat
Joining late from KC, teach 7/8 social studies. I just experienced polleverywhere in a conference session building word clouds and then a feed of responses to prompts #sschat
A3. Here's an article I wrote last year describing some of the different ways I’ve used @Polleverywherehttps://t.co/OGxDc1yGBk I'm a super big fan of this ed-tech tool. Advise for K-12 #sschat
The @quizlet live feature is my favorite. My Ss love when we review using this tool. It forces them to work together and share their knowledge.
#sschat
A2: In the last five years, I've transitioned from desks in rows, to tables in rows, and now tables in groups. I wouldn't go back. I've also made a philosophical shift to get my kids talking more often and incorporating more choice in activities.
#sschat
#sschat A3 Google Forms, Google Classroom, a project management system that I have been developing over the last two years. Let me know if you are interested in seeing it. Its a Google Doc full of hyperlinks and resources.
A2b I do want to stick up for introverts here. We must be aware that this is particularly difficult for them, and most truly genius type work happens alone. I still believe collaboration is important now and throughout life. #sschat
#sschat I still have direct instruction, but I focus more of my time allowing students to complete work in class. I also focus on themes during direct instruction that carries over into their projects. For example, we talked about using evidence
I use it to review #SCOTUS cases. Each S has four different cases on their screen. A description pops up and they need to find it on a screen in the group. The result is they talk and argue and all sorts of actual learning.
#sschat
A3 Quick sharing via Flipgrid and Google tools. (Did I already say that I love Google My Maps? Cause I can't ever say that enough!) Student response tools like Team Mode Kahoot with help with collab. & formative assessment #sschat
Yay! Our LMS is great for displaying game data as well as data from our other digital tools. All free with your iCivics Teacher account! Learn how here: https://t.co/4UezYf9NEE#sschat
Q3: @GetKahoot is a great resource to promote collaboration using technology. Students enjoy the competitive nature and when paired correctly students will not stop brainstorming. The range of pre-made quizzes is also extensive, and useful for almost any situation #sschat
A3. Here’s a recent @Flipgrid video made by the teachers AND students at my school, along with some “outside guests” - all commenting on whether the confederate statues should be removed from the public space. https://t.co/razngStsk2. #sschat
A4 same as previous answer. Google Hangout & Skype for cross-cultural collaboration & sometimes collaborating w/ classrooms of other universities. This is also great for bringing in experts. #sschat
#sschat A3 Google Forms, Google Classroom, a project management system that I have been developing over the last two years. Let me know if you are interested in seeing it. Its a Google Doc full of hyperlinks and resources.
A4: I've been using the new Google Sites. Students collaborate in teams to create real-world websites - graded ONLY with a 4C rubric I created. #sschat
A4: Looking forward to reading all of the responses. Heaven knows that we at @icivics live and die by Google Drive when it comes to collaborative projects #sschat
Tonight is definitely a night to check the replay...Too many great tools to keep track of.
#sschat@CHitch94 - you may need to tell these fine folks how to find the chat archive.
If you're looking for creative and innovative ways that K-12 teachers are incorporating tech and digital media tools into their curriculum, you may want to check out @KQEDedspace 's In the Classroom https://t.co/m9Oq4MnD05#sschat Articles publish Tuesdays. 3-5 minute reads, each
Tonight is definitely a night to check the replay...Too many great tools to keep track of.
#sschat@CHitch94 - you may need to tell these fine folks how to find the chat archive.
A4: Collaborative Keynote has been incredible. Students contribute one slide using shapes, texts, colors, etc. to creatively contribute what the Preamble meant to them. Shy and academically low students flourished. Use @zoom_us and the classroom has changed completely. #sschat
A4 About to start a US History book project on The Great Influenza https://t.co/qAgixJpupD by John Barry. Each S will summarize a chapter in a collaborative Google Doc. Then they will present as an Ignite Talk. #sschat
A4 We've had a lot of success with Zoom.us. Another virtual meeting tool but so easy to use. Like it even better than Google Hangout or Skype. https://t.co/GZKuUIgRNw#sschat
A4: I just found out about @GoogleKeep - I am going to suggest this to Ss for their next project. It seems like a great way for Ss to keep tabs on what they need to add and remember.
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Same...I get tech once a week, don’t use for collaboration, except for the occasional video project. Most of my collab=discuss/debate/create poster, TL, chart, or like a @SHEG_Stanford SAC lessons #sschat
Padlet can be personalized more with different backgrounds. Also has different built in formats you can use for different purposes (streaming, grid, flow chart, etc.). I haven't played w/ Trello much, though. #sschat
'Tis true. I've only used it in a professional manner for a year and a half - and I wouldn't go back... Best way to connect with professionals in Education
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There is a great bar in SLC (where I have been going to grade #apgov exams) that has a frozen bar rail to keep your beer cold. That definitely counts.
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A4: I just found out about @GoogleKeep - I am going to suggest this to Ss for their next project. It seems like a great way for Ss to keep tabs on what they need to add and remember.
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A4 #sschat we use lots of these tools (we are 1:1) but my school is having hard discussions about how to teach kids how to collaborate - the soft skills. Listening, asking good questions, helping. We throw tools at them wo giving that support.
I have started communicating more with fellow Ts in the Schoology "Home screen" of message boards like Schoology Educators #sschat It's a great hive-mind!
A5: Not to (re)state the obvious, but I am always shouting about the amazing networking and professional learning happening on Twitter. #sschat Let me say that again... #sschat
That is such a great point. They may know how to use the tools individually (though sometimes I'm not even sure of that) but need instruction & practice to use collaboratively. #sschat
A5 not sure anybody mentioned Instagram... that's where many of my Ss "live" and they ask me to take pics of class activities so I can post... brings out the *best* effort in many kids during class #sschat
A6: battling the age old group work issue of the alpha student who does all and the beta who does nothing. Effort is still an issue whether tech is added or not. #sschat
A6: Ss don't always WANT to collaborate. High achievers who want to complete a project alone; low achievers who don't want to pull their weight. How to grade group members separately and as a group #sschat
A6: "Dr. Harmon, we did all the work and (insert name) didn't do anything" also, how to handle when Ss are absent for several days during a collaborative project. #sschat
A6: I've found the more engaging the project and the more authentic the audience, the greater the willingness to avoid the "one kid does all the work" pitfalls
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A6: Ss don't always WANT to collaborate. High achievers who want to complete a project alone; low achievers who don't want to pull their weight. How to grade group members separately and as a group #sschat
A6 Ts have to model the collaboration expectations. Ss need to know their roles & that there is accountability in EdTech collaboration just as in regular group work or won't work #sschat
Q6 Finding the time to collaborate; figuring out how to grade the collaboration; and deciding what to do with students who don't want to collaborate and/or who aren't willing to pull their share of the weight. #sschat
Our district is moving everything to @Schoology. We use Groups to collaborate. And you can join content or interest groups outside your district to collaborate. #sschat
A6: getting the students to take the time to consider what they wanted communicate. We love to throw things out there, but need to make sure it relates. #sschat
This was always my biggest challenge. And I had to learn to stop being so surprised by it. Like, "Wait, what? You want to do book work by yourself?" #sschat
Thanks @GeoJo22 Is it as easy to use as Google Classroom? I am switching more toward blended instruction with personalized playlists. My Ss need to be able to access all the digital artifacts in one place. #sschat
I have an appointment in the Guidance Office this Wednesday with a couple girls who feel this way too (but of course they went to the counselor during my class today instead of telling me directly) #sschat#flippingproblems
A7: Something to bring those introverts out of their shell? #PotKettleBlack
A way to display brainstorming from groups that is as easy and good as giant sticky notes! #sschat
A6. On a military base, Ss needing to move out or new Ss moving in adds level of complication to collab work, most recently @NationalHistory proj’s #sschat#militarykidprobs
I hate the viscous cycle of how many points is this worth? #sschat Everything is 10,000 points and 100% of your grade. I'm ready to go #Gradeless#sschat
#sschat A7-I want an online platform that helps differentiate (skill, interest, potential, strengths), standardized grade, and manage projects/curriculum. I have begun to work on such a system, but it is a long ways a way. Let me know if you are interested.
A7: I need a personal tech device that can detect & capture those ideas I get at the wrong time/place (shower, car, dinner) & then verbalize it perfectly to share with others #sschat
A7 Tools to overcome language barriers & THE DIGITAL DIVIDE in order to have more enriching cross-cultural collaborations (oh, and while dreaming that issue of differences in time zones, too) #sschat
#sschat A7-I have been working on a system to help with organizing projects. Check out https://t.co/gqP2yKRTYi to see some things I have started. Feel free to message me if you would like more info or wish to contribute.
Tips for encouraging Social Emotional Learning #SEL in the classroom. The well-being of our students leads to productive healthy learning environments for the whole class, even the #teacher.
#edchat#cpchat#sschat
True Augmented reality/ Virtual reality Tools that will allow our two classrooms to have a greater digital presence in each other’s room. If one of one class students could be virtually/digitally sitting next to one of the other class students… Mind blown #sschat
LOVE this question. I'd really like to see more options for second screen collaboration, especially in online courses (which, as we know, are proliferating). #sschat
A7 I would like a @Flipgrid like app that incorporates Google Slides or PowerPoint so I can video capture my students doing Ignite Talks. https://t.co/kXm8WXml3q#sschat
We can tackle the language barriers issue. We just released a Spanish language version of #DoIHaveARight👉 ¿Tengo algún derecho? Game comes with #ELL supports and teacher resources. More game upgrades like this to come! #sschat
A7 Tools to overcome language barriers & THE DIGITAL DIVIDE in order to have more enriching cross-cultural collaborations (oh, and while dreaming that issue of differences in time zones, too) #sschat
A7 actually I would also be happy if @AdobeFlash apps just worked seamlessly across platforms and websites ... it feels like the PC/Mac split all over again! #sschat
