#SquirrelsChat meets once a month at 8:00 p.m. EST to discuss education technology and tools, professional development and technology integration. This chat is moderated by Squirrels LLC, creators of classroom screen-mirroring solutions Reflector 2, ClassHub, AirParrot 2 and Ditto.
It's finally time for #SquirrelsChat Introduce yourself and tell us about a holiday moment that didn't go as planned where you had to be flexible and go with the flow.
It's finally time for #SquirrelsChat Introduce yourself and tell us about a holiday moment that didn't go as planned where you had to be flexible and go with the flow.
Hi friends! It's Emily from @Squirrels and I'm excited to end 2019 on a positive note with @kelhans leading #SquirrelsChat tonight! Living in Northeast Ohio, it seems like the weather always requires us to be a bit flexible. Snow and ice have altered more than one holiday plan!
Adam Rogers, CTE Technology Coordinator for Oklahoma City Public Schools. Last year we took the kids to Branson MO for Christmas it was the coldest Christmas they have had is years. But it all worked out and the kids had a blast. #SquirrelsChat
It's finally time for #SquirrelsChat Introduce yourself and tell us about a holiday moment that didn't go as planned where you had to be flexible and go with the flow.
Hi! Becky, Director of PD @Squirrels, currently joining from a car in Los Angeles starting a road trip to Maryland for the holidays with my cousin! #squirrelschat
It's finally time for #SquirrelsChat Introduce yourself and tell us about a holiday moment that didn't go as planned where you had to be flexible and go with the flow.
Whether it’s a white Christmas or not, Squirrels HQ almost always gets a hefty amount of snow in the winter months...gotta be prepared! 🌨#SquirrelsChat
Hi friends! It's Emily from @Squirrels and I'm excited to end 2019 on a positive note with @kelhans leading #SquirrelsChat tonight! Living in Northeast Ohio, it seems like the weather always requires us to be a bit flexible. Snow and ice have altered more than one holiday plan!
Q1: Mobile furniture is just one small part of what makes a learning space flexible. What else helps turn a traditional learning space into a flexible one? #SquirrelsChat
A1: Flexible scheduling is key to a flexible learning environment. T's need to be able to adjust schedules to meet the needs of learners and projects #SquirrelsChat
Q1: Mobile furniture is just one small part of what makes a learning space flexible. What else helps turn a traditional learning space into a flexible one? #SquirrelsChat
A1: Unconventional grouping structures and schedules. We rarely allow Ss to collaborate across grade level, content area or both but the real world requires us to do these things everyday. #squirrelschat
Q1: Mobile furniture is just one small part of what makes a learning space flexible. What else helps turn a traditional learning space into a flexible one? #SquirrelsChat
A1: We had a PD and wanted 3 small groups that rotated.We used the flexible space to have one of the groups in the shared flexible space. #squirrelschat
Q1: having a flexible learning space means one has to be flexible with using the space. Talk with the other teachers around and discuss who will be in that area. #squirrelschat
I think varying technology helps create a flexible learning space. From robotics to writing prose, tech can help inspire students to think outside the box. #SquirrelsChat
Absolutely! Collaboration shouldn't end at the grade level or subject area. True flexibility would be allowing students to connect in a more authentic way. #SquirrelsChat
Hi I am Gayle Geitgey former colleague of my Urbana friends. I agree flexible tech has really given Ss and Ts the ability to personalize learning. #SquirrelsChat
A2: The greatest impact comes when T's collaborate across grade levels and content areas and S's are allowed to move (and think) freely. #SquirrelsChat
A2: I think that flexible learning spaces are wonderful for small group work or breakout sessions. It gives students and teachers space to move around. #squirrelschat
A2: When you give the S’s the ability to learn the way that works best for them. Why can’t educator see that the “traditional classroom” is changing. #SquirrelsChat
A2: When flexible learning spaces encourage students to pursue original ideas through #PBL, independent study or collaborative projects, students become more motivated and new concepts make a much deeper impact. #squirrelschat
Perhaps a bit cheesy, but I think the greatest impact comes when a student accomplishes something and feels proud about what they did. Impact looks different for each student, so I think flexible learning spaces can have a profound impact in many ways. #SquirrelsChat
It has been great walking through our building and being able to see #PBL in action - with our flexible spaces learning is so much easier to observe! #SquirrelsChat
YES! It's one of the best things to witness. I love that flexible learning spaces can help contribute to accountability and ownership within the classroom #SquirrelsChat
And that way everyone benefits: students, teachers, coaches and admins. The culture of the school begins to grow and become more collaborative. #SquirrelsChat
A3: Regardless of the space, students need consistency and to know there is a safe place for them to learn. Some students need that small quiet spot in the corner to do their best learning. Always keep in mind the needs of your learners. #SquirrelsChat
#SquirrelsChat Divide and conquer! Move students who are independent away and keep those who need guidance close is one way I tackle structure. @kelhans
A3: Noise pollution and acoustics are often neglected in designing learning spaces but is so important. While open, collaborative spaces are great, it’s important to provide quiet spaces for students who need them. #squirrelschat
A3: Find out what students need by trying out different arrangements and giving students the opportunity to show what they can handle. If they can't make note of it, and adjust. #squirrelschat
I've seen lot of our T's arrange and rearrange their rooms and moveable furniture depending on student need and task at hand. It's pretty amazing! #SquirrelsChat
I had a great reply to this and then I accidentally deleted it and now my true genius is lost in the great abyss. There's no way I can recreate its perfection. #SquirrelsChat
A4: Absolutely! T's and S's are collaborating more. Teaching and learning become more transparent. There is more ownership of learning for everyone involved. T's are seeing what their colleagues are doing and are learning to support each other #SquirrelsChat
A4: I think it should. However, not every T is ready for it. Educator’s need to learn how to teach in a flexible learning space. It is different. #SquirrelsChat
A4: Flexible learning spaces naturally create the need for teachers to be more a facilitator than purveyor of knowledge. It helps teachers move away from being front and center all the time. #squirrelschat
I think too often we throw T's into situations they aren't ready for and we need to make sure they have the supports in place that are needed. #SquirrelsChat
It was something along the lines of "True flexibility isn't an open space. It allows for all learners to feel comfortable. Flexible learning spaces allow for every kind of learning -- individual, group work, collaboration, and more!" I'm paraphrasing myself 🤷🏼♀️ #SquirrelsChat
I agree with both of you! Just like any new initiative, theory, or practice, we need to prepare for it. Maybe some teachers are ready to jump in feet first, but not everyone will be. Students need flexible learning spaces and so do teachers. #SquirrelsChat
"True flexibility isn't an open space. It allows for all learners to feel comfortable. Flexible learning spaces allow for every kind of learning -- individual, group work, collaboration, and more! -Emily Carle Hafer" -Emily Carle Hafer #squirrelschat
A1: I think having flexible opportunities/expectations is important. I assigned a poster group project in AP Lit this year and students asked if they could 3D print theirs - my answer: DUH 🔥#SquirrelsChat
A5: As an integrationist that isn't in a room all day long, my fav experience is being able to float in and out of the different learning communities and spaces and see all the learning that is happening. Kids are freely moving but are engaged. #SquirrelsChat
A2: When they are actually improving learning opportunities, collaboration, PBL - flexible seating can look cool but not actually accomplish anything. It has to enhance your teaching philosophies/student learning. #squirrelschat
As a principal, I had flexible space for students. Some needed to calm down on a special plastic, others used a cubby between file cabinets to have a chill down space, and others felt more comfortable sitting in a traditional chair. #SquirrelsChat
I taught at a satellite site in a church. There were tons of rooms & different spaces. I fully utilized all spaces for group projects, independent work & small group instruction. It was old & in disrepair but definitely my favorite space I’ve ever taught in! #squirrelschat
Q5: One of the best was watching two different classes seamlessly moving to different spaces to complete project work while my colleague and I worked with small groups to support their learning. #SquirrelsChat
A3: I think my job as a teacher is to provide stability in our classroom environment. Task-oriented chaos is essentially the real world so welcome kids. #SquirrelsChat
Also I'm learning from everyone right now in while I'm in the car...totally a flexible learning space! And I've had a special helper the whole time too! #squirrelschat#dontworryimnotdriving
