The goal of #wvedchat is to provide educators an opportunity to connect, share, and learn from others by engaging in conversations around issues and topics in education.
Q0: Welcome to tonight’s #WVEdChat on #EdTech Strategies. Introduce yourself location, job title, and your favorite piece of technology currently (it doesn’t have to be an educational tool).
A0: Randy - Educator, Technology Specialist, and Podcaster - I'm really digging #Flipgrid and have helped share the #FlipgridFever with other educators recently #WVEdChat
#wvedchat Derek Oldfield, Instructional Tech Specialist - Berkeley Co Schools. Just installed these sweet LED smart bulbs in my living room from LOHAS (amazon). Any color you can think of + a dimmer. #nerdalert
A1: Even though I haven't taught yet, I would personalize learning by using technology to allow students to upload words, pictures, or videos to express their thoughts. #WVEdChat
A1: my students are still learning and things are new to them I am currently using @Seesaw to record their weekly reading story and have them answer a question about the story #WVEdchat
A1: Not having a classroom this is a hard one for me, but I was able to share @Flipgrid with one of the elementary schools I work with and they all fell in love with it because of the power it gives the students to amplify their voice! #WVEdChat
A1: Even though I haven’t taught my own class yet, I would something like Padlet. It is low pressure and I could get my students thoughts quickly! #WVEdChat
Sorry I'm late #wvedchat! Tia from Logan. AP Literature, AP Language, AP Seminar, and Dual Credit English teacher. Got a new iPad for my birthday that works with the Apple Pencil (love that little thing!) Also finding lots of uses for Adobe Illustrator lately.
A1: let me clarify: they record themselves in @Seesaw reading their story and then answer a comprehension question; I like seeing their progress in reading from week to week #WVEdchat
#wvedchat A1 Twitter was a tremendous catalyst for me. Ignited a journey to so many other growth opportunities. still finding value in connections 5 years later.
Q2: What NEW #EdTech tools have been introduced in your school or district this year? Were teachers involved in the decision making to adopt this? #WVEdChat
A2: In Putnam County the schools have some decision making power to pick tools that they want to use and subscribe to. The biggest change has been a shift from Engrade to LiveGrades this year as a grade book platform. #WVEdChat
I went to an online high school and they began using Adobe Connect instead of Blackboard Collaborate because Adobe was much easier for both the students and the teachers. The decision to use Adobe took into account input from students and teachers. #WVEdChat
A2: This year we got Amazon Echo Dots which is the kid version of an Alexa; still working w/ mine but it was a suggestion from a K teacher in our building #WVEdchat
A3: I know that my school started the use of Google Classroom to get assignments back to students quicker, and to share more rescources with students. The teacher at my school did have input on this decision of using Google Classroom. #WVEdChat
#wvedchat A2 Year 1 with Schoology this year, in the whole district. The news from Engrade made us move quickly, still ironing out the wrinkles as we go, but making progress.
A2: #wvedchat What a fascinating notion…the county taking a lead in promoting the use of technology. I don't see it happening here. They did buy new laptops that no one likes and neglected to buy the new connections we'll need to use them with our projectors.
Yea, I'm finding it cooperative for the most part, for the teachers that is. I think admins are not finding it as friendly yet, but it'll get there. #wvedchat
I think that the teachers should learn how to use the technology so that if a student has a question or a problem, the teacher can give a knowledgeable response. #WVEdChat
A3: (Cont.) Without the professional development we are setting our teachers up to fail and the technology will simply become technology for the sake of technology, not technology for the sake of learning #WVEdChat
A3: in my opinion think that it depends on the piece of technology. I have found that some K-5 students are not afraid to explore other times it is better to wait. #WVEdchat
A3/1: #wvedchat Schools, probably, yes. But if a teacher is comfortable with the technology, I don’t see why he or she shouldn’t use it if it’s available. If I had to wait around for someone to give me PD on new things, I’d probably wouldn’t have gotten past PPT.
A3: I think that schools should not give students new technology without the teachers knowing how to use it. The teachers should know how to use it so when the students are learning how to use the technology,the teacher will be able to help the student. #WVEdChat
#wvedchat A3: Stared at the cursor for at least 3 minutes on this one. A perfect world would certainly allow it. I tip my hat to districts who find a way to strike a balance. Starts w/leadership.
A3: (Cont.) We see too many districts and schools hand out devices with no means for teachers to learn the effective ways to integrate them into the classroom. LAUSD and their failed iPad deployment for example. #WVEdChat
A3: PD is key to success. Most Ts just need a little guidance as to how to transform learning. We are fortunate, KCS does a good job providing support. #wvedchat
A4: To employ a new strategy, I would first do a little 'orientation' lesson and let the students explore the tech by themselves for a little bit. That should help them become more familiar with it. #WVEdChat
A4: I think one of the best ways to integrate new technology in a classroom is to go through the settings with the students, but then to let them explore it on their own and let them figure out what works best for them with that technology. #WVEdChat
A4: #wvedchat Try it out with a small group first. I always have at least one class I consider my “guinea pig” group who will roll with the punches and won’t be freaked out if it doesn’t work. They help me work out the kinks – figure out what CAN go wrong (and probably will).
Nicole, that's true. Especially at the secondary levels, I wish we brought in students more often during conversations around what we're doing w/tech. #wvedchat We have some student leadership representatives lined up to attend our #edcampITL on Nov 3 in Martinsburg WV.
A4: When I do a new strategy I talk it out with a college then when I feel ready I slowly intro things to my students; if it works then great if not then I see what didn’t work and think about how I can fix it to try it again #WVEdchat
#wvedchat A4:My biggest go-to is find someone who's done it before me. There's almost always someone. I connect, find what works/doesn't, and try my iteration.
A3: I would say not to completely leave the students completely on their own. Still be there to guide them, and be familiar with the technology yourself. #WVEdChat
A5: I would say not to completely leave the students completely on their own. Still be there to guide them, and be familiar with the technology yourself. #WVEdChat
Not feeling well tonight everyone. The questions are scheduled for the rest of the chat. I'll try to follow along and comment as I can, but it's not looking good... Thanks to everyone for joining us tonight. #WVEdChat
A6: I would just say that teachers should keep learning and staying current with the newest technology trends so that they can use them for learning. #WVEdChat
A6: The best way for teachers to prepare for the evolution of #EdTech is to keep up with any new technology that comes out and take the time to learn to use it. #WVEdChat
A6: #wvedchat Keep up to date on what’s available. Don’t wait for the PD to come to you; seek it out and go to it. Be the one already using it when everyone else finally gets on the bandwagon.
A6: Evolution... remember, at one point pens were considered technology compared to the quill. Technology ceases to be technology when it becomes commonplace. There will always be something new on the horizon. #wvedchat
A6: Be a connected educator. @Mr_Oldfield and I discussed that on the very first episode of #TheRandallBlackShow back in May 2017. (Please forgive the crappy audio; it's gotten a lot better since then) #WVEdChat
I think that #EdTech can promote digital creation instead of digital consumption in the classroom by providing something more engaging than a random YouTube video or a mindless game. #WVEdChat
A6: I think that teachers should encourage students to use new technology in the class and be creative with it instead of using the normal tech platforms that everyone uses. #WVEdChat
A7: #wvedchat SO many ways. Blogs have been great for my classes and have created connections to students in many other states. Last year we started playing around with adding more/different media to the blogs to take them beyond just text. Hoping to do more this year.
A7: I’m not sure it has to. Inevitably, when people are sick of the same old thing, they look for new sources or make their own. Many of us carry one of the most powerful tools for creation in our pockets right now. #wvedchat#phonesinedu
A7: I think that teachers should encourage students to use new technology in the class and be creative with it instead of using the normal tech platforms that everyone uses. #WVEdChat
A7: Our kids are fantastic at using their devices to consume (Spotify, Netflix, Fortnite), but they often time lack the skills to really create using things like iMovie, Instagram, and Canva to enhance their learning. We need to have a #paradigmshift. #WVEdChat
A8: #wvedchat When it comes to tech, I learn about new stuff from others, but as far as learning, I’m usually best sitting down and working it out on my own.
A8/2: #wvedchat I highly recommend @AdobeEdu if you are into using their products. I took three classes this summer, and I’m signed up for another right now (even though I really don’t have time for it!)
A8: I’ll tell you how I’m NOT willing to participate... “Make one original post, and comment on two other original posts.” Not every post deserves a comment or reply. #wvedchat#PDisntcookiecutter
I like to do that to Tia, sometimes I put in earbuds and just work on things until I figure it out and strangely my daughter has picked up that habit as well #WVEdChat
#fcpslearn Back in 2014 I invited a superhero to my class to speak about blogging in the math class. He taught my students a lot about commenting, crafting catchy blog posts, using images to enhance your story, etc. BLOGGERMAN! #wvedchat
