#BetterTogetherCA Archive


Monday October 1, 2018
10:00 PM EDT

  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:00 PM EDT
    Welcome! Please introduce yourself, tell us where you’re from, and where you are in your #EdTech journey (Newbie, Apprentice, Expert)? #BetterTogetherCA #EdChat @CATeacherSummit
  • CATeacherSummit - Moderator Oct 1 @ 10:01 PM EDT
    Here goes! Join @nayrbgo for a #BetterTogetherCA chat on Student Voice & Inquiry: Engaging & Amplifying with EdTech #BetterTogetherCA #EdTech
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:01 PM EDT
    Hello, #EdChat #BetterTogetherCA! I'm Bryan Sanders -- high school English teacher at Culver City. I feel Expert in many things #EdTech and am passionately Newbie and Apprentice in other aspects. Always seeking! Thanks for joining the chat! @CATeacherSummit
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:02 PM EDT
    We will be using the Q&A format. Be sure you use the hashtag #BetterTogetherCA in your responses, so you are part of the group conversation. @CATeacherSummit
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:02 PM EDT
    Hi #BetterTogetherCA! Jori here from the Chico/Paradise area in Northern CA. Although there's no way I'd call myself an expert, i've been teaching English for over 20 years, and just recently discovered a new love for it because of many in my Twitter community!
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:03 PM EDT
    You and I are both 20+ English teachers! That's awesome! Welcome aboard the #BetterTogetherCA chat!
    In reply to @JoriKrulder
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:04 PM EDT
    Thank you for discussing such a crucial topic! #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @nayrbgo
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:05 PM EDT
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:05 PM EDT
    Me, too! Even though I teach AP Lit, AP Lang, and on level Eng 10, it is relevant at all levels. #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @nayrbgo
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:06 PM EDT
    Q1: What #EdTech have you used regularly in the classroom and why? #BetterTogetherCA
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:06 PM EDT
    Come play on the #BetterTogetherCA chat!
    In reply to @MrZiebarth
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:07 PM EDT
    Hey #aplitchat #aplangchat #engchat #edchat buddies out there! Look at what we're chatting about on #BetterTogetherCA right this minute! Join us if you're so inclined (or still awake for my East coast friends)
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:09 PM EDT
    A1: I am always #blogging with #students and @GoogleStreetView and #GoogleCardboard are regularly there to help expand their creativity and input potential. #BetterTogetherCA
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:10 PM EDT
    There are some seriously cool tech tools out there. @Flipgrid is one that the https://t.co/wAG3xZoWDI challenge just reminded me of. Super friendly format for kids to do video responses #BetterTogetherCA
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:10 PM EDT
    A1: I always make @Minecraft and @PlayCraftLearn #Minecraft options because I can play the game well enough to push the #students to develop their own games. #BetterTogetherCA
  • Library_Ang Oct 1 @ 10:12 PM EDT
    Hello everyone! I’m Angelique, Teacher Librarian in the east bay. #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @nayrbgo, @CATeacherSummit
  • CATeacherSummit - Moderator Oct 1 @ 10:12 PM EDT
    Welcome! #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @Library_Ang, @nayrbgo
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:12 PM EDT
    Flipgrid is a blast! Can't go wrong there. I saw some tips to make some recording boxes (studios) to help the sound not leak out so much when multiple #students record at once in the room. #BetterTogetherCA -- I think the trick with @flipgrid is to keep recording past one video
    In reply to @JoriKrulder, @Flipgrid, @Flipgrid
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:12 PM EDT
    Hi Angelique :) Librarians are some of my favorite people! #BetterTogetherCA @bsafarik
    In reply to @Library_Ang, @nayrbgo, @CATeacherSummit, @bsafarik
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:13 PM EDT
    Thanks for joining! Would love to hear about your experiences with #EdTech. #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @Library_Ang, @CATeacherSummit
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:13 PM EDT
    Also, sometimes kids are camera shy, so it helps to let them record in pairs or groups #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @nayrbgo, @Flipgrid
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:14 PM EDT
    Q2: What methods do you have for including student voice, choice, and inquiry? Not necessarily with #EdTech . . . #BetterTogetherCA
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:14 PM EDT
    true true -- I have that a lot -- I found that the most successful videos were based on writings and conversations we had in class and at home -- and I loved the videos that didn't just sit still in one spot -- #Creativity! #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @JoriKrulder, @Flipgrid
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:16 PM EDT
    A2: I think that a lot of teachers do a 'get to know you' type exercise and it's a great opener that can lead to curricular choices -- my concern is that we are bound so heavily at times by local and state standards that we get shy with following the kids' #BetterTogetherCA
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:17 PM EDT
    This is so important - I'm always looking for ways to give students more voice in what we're doing. Student blogs have been great for this. My AP Lang students respond to op-ed articles and then read and comment on other students' responses from other classes #BetterTogetherCA
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:17 PM EDT
    What do you mean "following the kids"? #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @nayrbgo
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:18 PM EDT
    Have you had students write strong enough pieces that could be published on @HuffPost and the like? #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @JoriKrulder, @HuffPost
  • Library_Ang Oct 1 @ 10:18 PM EDT
    A1: I’ve used Chromebooks, iPads, Apple TV. Right now, mostly at the middle school level, but I’ve done some with elementary. #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @nayrbgo
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:19 PM EDT
    'following the kids' -- chase their interests rather than what's in my planner book :-) #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @JoriKrulder
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:19 PM EDT
    Not there quite yet - still early in the year - but that would be super cool! #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @nayrbgo, @HuffPost
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:21 PM EDT
    Nice! Do you have any particular goals with digital citizenship or digital literacy? I imagine you do -- any useful apps or curricula you have come back to time and time again? #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @Library_Ang
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:21 PM EDT
    Ah, yes - I decided last year after neglecting making connections with my AP kids because of curriculum that the curriculum doesn't happen without the connections. #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @nayrbgo
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:22 PM EDT
    Q3: What are some ways of using EdTech to amplify student voice? What are students able to do with EdTech that they cannot do without? #BetterTogetherCA
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:22 PM EDT
    I'm still pretty new to Chromebooks, but I like what I've experimented with so far. Any advice on cool ways to use them? #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @Library_Ang, @nayrbgo
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:23 PM EDT
    That's for sure! My ninth grade child just told me that while he thinks #JoanDidion is a good writer, he doesn't really care that much about middle-aged women to give his all into a rhetorical analysis of her essay. !!! #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @JoriKrulder
  • CATeacherSummit - Moderator Oct 1 @ 10:23 PM EDT
    Onto Q3 and it's not too late to join the #BetterTogetherCA chat about how to amplify student voice using #edtech!
    • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:22 PM EDT
      Q3: What are some ways of using EdTech to amplify student voice? What are students able to do with EdTech that they cannot do without? #BetterTogetherCA
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:24 PM EDT
    #Chromebooks are great! I would get yourself organized within something simple like #GoogleClassroom and use @PearDeck to reinvent your classroom PDFs and slide shows with interactivity. @GoogleForEdu #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @JoriKrulder, @Library_Ang, @PearDeck, @GoogleForEdu
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:25 PM EDT
    That's the trick - to help them find connections/relevance where it's not obvious :) #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @nayrbgo
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:26 PM EDT
    I LOVE Google Classroom! I'll have to check out @PearDeck Not familiar with that #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @nayrbgo, @Library_Ang, @PearDeck, @GoogleForEdu, @PearDeck
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:27 PM EDT
    I think that one of the biggest dilemmas of schools and classrooms and teachers and students comes in the form everyone still being responsible INDIVIDUALLY for material that could not only be harvested/created together, but in many cases is ALREADY available #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @JoriKrulder
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:28 PM EDT
    Interesting - what is an example of this? #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @nayrbgo
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:28 PM EDT
    SHOUT OUT to @cultofpedagogy for lots of ideas for expanding your #EdTech use #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @JoriKrulder, @Library_Ang, @PearDeck, @GoogleForEdu, @cultofpedagogy
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:29 PM EDT
    start simple -- everyone taking notes on something that you lecture -- they could just take your lecture notes on a shared doc and do something ELSE with that information -- why are they taking notes in class on something that you prepared already? #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @JoriKrulder
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:31 PM EDT
    I've never understood that, either - but then I'm not a lecturer - I learned early on that I just wasn't good at it so had to develop other ways to teach - discussion is my primary mode of discussion #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @nayrbgo
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:31 PM EDT
    A3: I use #EdTech to amplify student voice through discussion boards and blogs on a regular basis. I could not do that with paper and pencil. #BetterTogetherCA
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:33 PM EDT
    A3: @voxer is one tech tool I use for discussion in my classroom. Sometimes students ask questions about the homework - sometimes they carry on a discussion we started in class #BetterTogetherCA
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:34 PM EDT
    Q4: Has EdTech ever failed you in the classroom? OR What prevents you from using #EdTech? #BetterTogetherCA
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:34 PM EDT
    Right -- so, discussion -- reinventing that could also be intriguing -- where does the end point reside for a discussion? Are we looking for a new idea that shows up in the dynamic and magic of co-constructing truth? If so, then what will we do with that idea? #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @JoriKrulder
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:34 PM EDT
    I have not tried it -- will check it out! I do love BackChannelChat. #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @JoriKrulder, @voxer
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:35 PM EDT
    A3: I use #BackChannelChat to help bring the voices at the margins into the middle of the room -- literally on the big screen! #BetterTogetherCA
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:35 PM EDT
    And @GroupMe is also a great app - but I like the addition of the human voice on @voxer #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @nayrbgo, @voxer, @GroupMe, @voxer
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:36 PM EDT
    Does @voxer have walkie talkie mode? #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @JoriKrulder, @voxer, @GroupMe, @voxer
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:36 PM EDT
    Yes - its icon is actually a little walkie talkie :) #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @nayrbgo, @voxer, @GroupMe
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:37 PM EDT
    That's great! How long do students work during the reading and math choice times? #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @notsammyorsam, @CATeacherSummit
  • AndrewNRoxanna Oct 1 @ 10:38 PM EDT
    A4: Absolutely. Usual hiccups include software updates with bugs or bandwith bottlenecks https://t.co/DIiDl6i51e #BetterTogetherCA
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:39 PM EDT
    I think the sheer amount of tech tools available to educators can be overwhelming. That's why I like things like the https://t.co/wAG3xZoWDI challenges. They let me explore and play in small, manageable bites #BetterTogetherCA
  • CATeacherSummit - Moderator Oct 1 @ 10:39 PM EDT
    This is so great - thanks for sharing! #BetterTogetherCA #EdTech
    In reply to @JoriKrulder
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:40 PM EDT
    Ugh -- I know -- we are SOOOO reliant on #bandwidth -- I have certainly gotten fed up enough to just take pencils and paper and go outside for a week #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @AndrewNRoxanna
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:41 PM EDT
    Yeah - my school seems to have solved the bandwidth problem for now, but my SmartBoard software closed unexpectedly today - lost about an hour's worth of work :( #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @AndrewNRoxanna
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:41 PM EDT
    Love this! I would probably advise that teachers choose five to explore in a month and then try to make one stick for a week solid. Then reevaluate. I suppose there are no rules, but I would personally be overwhelmed by one new tool per day. #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @JoriKrulder
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:42 PM EDT
    Q5: What concerns do you have about students using #EdTech during class time? #BetterTogetherCA
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:42 PM EDT
    WHAT!? UGH . . . . . I am afraid this is too common an experience and causes unintentional departures from tech. #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @JoriKrulder, @AndrewNRoxanna
  • AndrewNRoxanna Oct 1 @ 10:43 PM EDT
    My class sizes are 50+. For the most part it works fine, but sometimes kids get stuck with the little spinner just waiting and waiting. #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @nayrbgo
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:43 PM EDT
    I like the concept. Bite-sized chunks of time! How are the students reacting? #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @notsammyorsam, @CATeacherSummit
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:43 PM EDT
    There's the obvious one - that they'll be off task. But I confront this the same way I do non tech approaches. It's all about teaching and reinforcing norms #BetterTogetherCA
  • ToutouleNtoya Oct 1 @ 10:44 PM EDT
    Watching the Broncos game and I am late to the party #BetterTogetherCA
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:44 PM EDT
    Yeah, the cool thing about the challenges is you can do as few or as many as you want. Last month was about creating connections with students - SO many great ideas #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @nayrbgo
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:46 PM EDT
    Do you ever feel like YOU should be doing something other than guiding/coaching? I know that some teachers have that concern when the classroom is #decentered. #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @JoriKrulder
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:47 PM EDT
    Sometimes I do the assignment with them - depending on the activity. I also have no problem pausing things and having everyone reflect on the effectiveness of what we're doing #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @nayrbgo
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:47 PM EDT
    A5: My biggest concern about #EdTech during class time is that #students may not be being stretched to do something unfamiliar. I have an ongoing debate with myself about the purpose of a #classroom and the sacredness of the meeting. #BetterTogetherCA
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:48 PM EDT
    Q6: What concerns regarding student accountability and grades come up when you try to use #EdTech in the classroom? #BetterTogetherCA
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:49 PM EDT
    I like the boldness. I am similar comfortable questioning everything in the middle of things or stopping to help all of us #reflect and figure out what is going on -- and if ANYTHING is actually going on. Sometimes we are spinning wheels. #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @JoriKrulder
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:51 PM EDT
    A6: Grades are strangely accurate and detrimental all at once (sounds like another chat topic!) so I think that it makes sense with #EdTech in the room we are using minutes differently and confused about meaningful ways to 'capture' them towards a grade. #BetterTogetherCA
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:51 PM EDT
    Yep, never a waste of time to stop and reflect on the purpose of what you're doing in the classroom and whether you're effectively working toward that purpose - and students should be involved in this conversation - that's an important part of giving them voice #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @nayrbgo
  • ToutouleNtoya Oct 1 @ 10:52 PM EDT
    A3 love the idea of student created content #BetterTogetherCa
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:52 PM EDT
    We are doing similar work on both ends of our great state! #SimilarTogetherCA #BetterTogetherCA #DidntKnowWeWereSoAwesomeAtTheSameTimeTogetherCA
    In reply to @JoriKrulder
  • AndrewNRoxanna Oct 1 @ 10:53 PM EDT
    A5: I teach music, so I have to balance out edtech time vs practice, methods, and rehearsal time on their instruments. #BetterTogetherCA
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:54 PM EDT
    It's essential to get their work into the room! How do you best do that? #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @ToutouleNtoya
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:54 PM EDT
    We need to chat more often :) #definitely #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @nayrbgo
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:55 PM EDT
    Q7: Before you go, inspire us with the greatest student achievement that has happened in your classroom with the use of #EdTech! #BetterTogetherCA
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:55 PM EDT
    I admire your patience! Does the #EdTech enhance their skills or performance? #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @AndrewNRoxanna
  • AndrewNRoxanna Oct 1 @ 10:55 PM EDT
    A6: I give students extra time if they need it and they can always do makeups or revise their work. We still have little pockets of the digital divide at home. #BetterTogetherCA
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:57 PM EDT
    A7: I am proud of a massive many-years-long student-run radio station project, and also semester-long student-created #MinecraftEdu games. My one period gem is @Snapchat as #Postmodern narrative #writing! #BetterTogetherCA
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:57 PM EDT
    Hmm, which one to pick? Some of my favorite student tech triumphs are when they share books that they love with each other using @Flipgrid #BookLove #BetterTogetherCA
    • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:55 PM EDT
      Q7: Before you go, inspire us with the greatest student achievement that has happened in your classroom with the use of #EdTech! #BetterTogetherCA
  • JoriKrulder Oct 1 @ 10:57 PM EDT
    That is AWEsome!! Talk about promoting student voice! #BetterTogetherCA
  • nayrbgo Oct 1 @ 10:58 PM EDT
    That makes sense. The digital divide is a very real problem -- still! We should put solar panels on the White House and high-speed Internet in every classroom! @SenateGOP @SenateDems #BetterTogetherCA
    In reply to @AndrewNRoxanna, @SenateGOP, @SenateDems