#ClasskickChat Archive
Classkick is hyper-focused on one goal: increase student learning. To achieve this, they listen to educators to truly understand how technology can assist in the learning process.
Tuesday April 5, 2016
Good evening everyone and welcome to tonight's
We're excited to have you in our new monthly format where we meet on the first Tuesday evening of each month!
As people are getting started tonight, can we have everyone introduce themselves, where they're from, and what they teach?
Laura here from Chicago - used to be middle school math and an instructional coach PreK-8th. Hello everyone!
Hey, Nikki LeFevre from Georgia Gwinnett College here!
Welcome Nikki! Glad you could join us!
Lupe! I teach 2nd-3rd science on the south side of Chicago
Our host for this evening is - a brand-new Classkick engineer! How are you doing tonight Jeff?
Jenn from MD, Elem Math and ELA
Hi everyone. I'm new to chat
Hi Jenn! Excited to hear about your edtech and hands on integration!
Studying Instructional Technology for my masters at Wilkes University. I teach special education! :)
Hi Sara - where are you chatting from this evening?
Great! I'm excited to hear everyone's responses!
So important to have those great special educators with us! Thanks for joining!
Can you tell us what got you interested in EdTech and Hands On Learning?
Hey all! Engineer at here, excited to hear teachers' thoughts on/needs for technology and hands-on learning
Jenn from Md. Elem Math and ELA
my interest started while teaching 5th grade in Las Vegas. Huge potential to make a positive impact for my kids.
Sounds great! We'll turn it over to you to host the topic this evening. In case you miss a Q, check: https://t.co/rld0JUVbNR
Thanks! Once again, I'm excited to hear everyone's answers tonight!
Q1: Outcomes: What do students learn when you integrate technology? How about during hands-on learning activities?
A1: I think students are learning the things that you are emphasizing with and without the technology.
I am a student teacher in a suburban high school. I am currently Romeo and Juliet.
A1: But using technology means that you're adaptive, and willing to try new things, which can show risk-taking = good habit
I think students learn how think outside the box and collaborate. They are learning skills they need for future jobs too!
A1: And its in talking through why you're using any particular piece of technology that students learn WHY to use tools
Welcome, glad to have you!
A1: Students learn there are multiple ways of creating knowledge. They learn to integrate creativity with content.
A1: Hands-on learning activities give students the chance to demonstrate their learning physically, get their hands dirty!
A1 one of the first things I like to do is review norms whether its with tech or hands on https://t.co/ngFfatRdnm
Q1: Outcomes: What do students learn when you integrate technology? How about during hands-on learning activities?
I like the way you phrased that- the multiple ways to create! Definitely learning creative solutions with tools
Totally agree. Most if not all jobs these days require tech skills.
Q2: Added Value: What is an example of how you use technology in hands-on learning? Or vice-versa?
How do you get them to reflect on that deeper understanding?Is it natural w/ hands-on exposure, or do they journal?
Students can learn virtually anything when technology in integrated.
A1: I feel technology is just a tool, so besides the lesson, Ss are simply learning how to use technology
Doug here West Mi HS Chem
A1 Working w/ different senses gets Ss more in-depth understanding; hands-on and tech both provide ways to get more involved
A2: Using ClassDojo to reward student behavior while Ss work on projects
yes, but why is technology an important tool to learn how to use? Or is it?
A1: creativity, collaboration, multiple ways to present knowledge, show knowledge
A2: I saw a great example of a teacher using a Geo Board to promote geometric thinking, then recording results on Classkick
A2: using the smart board for interactive math games during centers
A1 Ss construct a deeper understanding with hands on, technology opens the content up to limitless potential
A2:I have used BrainPop in the classroom to supplement many subject areas. The kids love it!!
A2: Use technology mostly for assessment, technology seems to help Tchr more than Ss provides key info
A2 this year we used this link that has tons of interactive sites
Are your kids taking turns on the SmartBoards? Working in groups? Whole group?
Kahoot.it is a great interactive app.....
One of my favorite lessons is HOE combining my Smartboard with manipulatives
Interactive smart board activities were a personal favorite for my Ss. Feel free to share links to activities.
And I bet the kids are LOVING the physical choosing of an answer on a device and the math that displays the leader!
What does the "HOE" stand for?
Why do you think tech isn't as helpful for Ss? & is that a limitation of current state of tech, or tech in general?
We use Nearpod to research, teachers control what content/videos Ss see
Definitely like that one! So easy to jump in and out of new activities!
A2: Museums frequently have amazingly well done, interactive, tech heavy displays, and kids just eat 'em up.
That's why the Museum of Science and Industry is so popular with my kids!
Sorry, Hands on Equations- introduces algebra to 3rd, 4th and 5th graders
S's are "Swiss Cheese" Learners. We need to spend time to fill in the holes in their digital literacy
can be helpful depending on its use. For me it seems more informative to Tchr than Ss. Gives me info on every Ss
amazing tech displays at museums, but poorly done ones aren't really interactive and defeats the purpose
We do it as a whole group activity with students coming up one at a time to give their answers.
Interesting! I was just chatting with a teacher introducing subtraction through "prediction" as intro to algebra
Q3: Time&Effort: Is time spent on integrating the technology worth the time it takes to implement? Short-term vs. Long-term?
Both WG- introduce, SM group rotations, and we have Cromebooks so individual practice too
Example: "7 kids left. 6 kids in room. How many were in room to start with?" She had 2nd graders working on that!
A3: If tech is being used to enhance the learning, then it's always going to be worth the time. It really depends on results!
A3: Yes! Technology will be part of students lives in everything they do. Practice makes perfect.
A3:It's worth it because learning is more authentic and meaningful to students. But always have a plan b with technology!
A3: ... If implemented properly. Continuity of PD for staff and regular use of interactive technologies for students
A3: W/some Ts I work with, it takes years to really learn the computer, but that saves them SO much time down the road.
A3: Time spent implementing tech is worth if you don't try too much at the same time. Like teaching in gen, pacing is key...
A3: A lot of tech is specifically made to save time, so besides a small ramp-up time, overall I feel you'll be saving time.
Q3: times have changed. No longer have to teach Ss how to use device. but absolutely important for Ss to use and learn
A3 Yes! Students can learn important life-long skills https://t.co/l8zv4OSL9b
Q3: Time&Effort: Is time spent on integrating the technology worth the time it takes to implement? Short-term vs. Long-term?
That's a really good point, we often don't have to spend as much time "prepping" Ss as we once did with new tech!
A2- Smart Technology ( senteos, notebooks) Discovery Ed video, games, are my favorites
A3 Agree with everyone that it's worth the time/investment, but not if it gets in the way of actual class content/activities
that is so true. If Ss can take it home it would "keep up" for teacher?
A3: Absolutely. It will prepare students for long term goals as well.
I like the looks of this Greg Tang Math site - any particulars you'd point out?
Totally agree. The challenge now is teaching them to use tech appropriately and productively.
A3 YES, if we are not using technology, we're not meting our Ss needs. Our world is tech driven
I am curious how technology is too much technology within the 67 minute class period?
A3 maybe we suggest use of tech not force upon
Kakooma is excellent for fact fluency and problem solving.
What constitutes "get in the way of?" Trying to introduce problem-solving? Solve that this isn't working
PD for staff is key. Technology changes quickly. Even S's must be CFU.....
But in addition to using the device, more complex learnings about digital literacy now, e.g. privacy
That's a gentler approach, to be sure. Sort of like the way we approach Ts - with suggestions instead of demands.
I dont think it can be too much, if its well planned, if its engaging, interactive, leading their learning... :)
digital citizenship, digital tattoo, 21st century skills, etc...
For sure - Ss and Ts - and Parents - They might be afraid to ask exactly what all this "tech stuff" does!
e.g. if a student is struggling with problem/material AND with the tech, drop the tech and come back to it later
as Tchr we must model appropriate use constantly.
Well - if the student is struggling with derivatives AND the TI-86, do you say - try this by hand instead?
Depends how you're using it. Using tech to facilitate feedback can be used the whole time.
but even when students are struggling, maybe it means using a different tech to approach that
Technology is an instructional strategy, not an extra
Ts level of PD improves comfort level and confidence using technology with Ss
Q4: Syllabus: What’s the fit? How do you decide when to integrate technology vs. hands-on learning and/or both together?
if a student is struggling you can use a video to help reteach a topic while you continue the lesson
IMO yes, at least at 1st. agree it's not practical to do complex eqs w/o tech, but need to get fundamentals 1st
Sure - Or, with that authentic opportunity to apply the tech knowledge, guide them through...
A4: both together for me. Well rounded
agree on trying a different tech approach! I don't mean to drop tech, but to get it out of the way
A4: I think the syllabus is determined by objective mastery... What, when, for how long. Then how best to get there.
definitely take the calculator out of the learning and come back to the calculator later
A4: And in the "how best" - sometimes thats tech, sometimes its a hands-on activity
A4: Technology should be used as an enhancement tool. I believe hands-on learning should be used as much as possible
A4 for me it depends on the topic, for ex when Ss create circuits, pulleys, mixing colors hands on https://t.co/72uZm01K8l
Q4: Syllabus: What’s the fit? How do you decide when to integrate technology vs. hands-on learning and/or both together?
A4: Depends on Ss and subject being taught. A combo of Tech and hands-on approach is best. Differentiation is always key!
Don't separate the two. They are used in conjunction with each other. Interactive boards are not overpriced overhead proj.
that sounds awesome, can I take that lesson?
A4: Tech can be used to grease the wheels of PBL. Ss can research problems, ask 4 help, and get feedback w/ tech
A4 I agree with both! Both can be used to introduce, reteach, enrich and assess Ss learning
everyday math has a cool activity called brain vs calculator and Ss do simple math problems
to show how much quicker a brain is
A4: Technology should accompany the hands-on if it's needed.
I like that! Especially with your younger students that want to jump on a calculator when its "hard"
Agreed! Sometimes Ts treat tech as this special, isolated thing, but it should be another avenue for interactivity
I agree with . A combo of tech and hands-on activities make for a well rounded classroom
But is that proof of "speed" specifically?
Q5: Skills: How do you build up your students’ skills to handle the technology and/or collaboration for hands-on activities?
RT : Heather here, third grade teacher, and Classkick mentor. (Be sure to use ) !
Students are taking a test tomorrow and I want to differentiate the writing with docs. Can I trust students with the internet
A5: having great integration of the tools. WG to learn the skills and then SG activities to practice the skills.
A5: It is the responsibility of every teacher to incorporate tech across the curriculum. Same as using a pencil and paper
A5 taking the same approach to any other collaboration activity: norms, rubrics, assessments https://t.co/XaQA8ngtOV
Q5: Skills: How do you build up your students’ skills to handle the technology and/or collaboration for hands-on activities?
Demonstrate directly and model for Ss how to use technology appropriately.
We took our Principal Test in a Google Doc. They "asked us" not to look at the Internet for guidance.
A5 I think the hands on and tech is what builds up the Ss skills, it should be HOW we teach, not What we teach
Don't we need to teach responsibility when they have Internet access rather than not allow them to use it?
Scan the class. S's look at each other's papers too
A5: setting expectations from the start will allow for better use of tech and hands-on activities as well.
A5: Man, kids are so good with tech, they're exposed to it at such a young age. I can barely twitter
could not agree more! Do you use any specific models, rules, rubrics?
Q6: Role: How do you scaffold/dictate/release students with these new roles and responsibilities? (creators vs consumers)
Is there an in between answer, I can sometimes twitter lol
. Some students type faster than they write. I wondering how typing a response affects their understanding.
I'm definitely better at writing than listening. I sometimes just write what people say to read later.
A6: I think you find those Ss w/great ability to lead classmates in taking out/handling/putting away tech
Im in college for now, but one day I will set specific rules! I don't have anything specific for now!
A6: And other roles spring up from there - kids (like adults) will be trying new things, finding something they're great at
Just started a year ago, building my digital learning community to always push myself to improve my practices
A6: Take advantage of their strengths and have them teach each other!
Did you mean they're able to understand it better because they can get our their words faster and match thoughts?
A5: Small lessons, group projects, assessments, hands-on activities
A6: Always demonstrate new technology first and then allow Ss time to practice before releasing them
A6: setting expectations, modeling correct use, and then releasing students to practice activities on their own.
The reverse is my concern since 3rd grade is the 1st year Ss take PARCC online,
As we're wrapping up here - can you tell us your favorite learning from the evening?
yes! I like allowing students to play with something first as they explore before moving onto the lesson
A6: Same idea of using gradual release of responsibility- Direct instruction, guided practice, independent practice
