#EdTechTherapy Archive
Integrating technology into the classroom can be a difficult, frustrating, and disappointing endeavor. Join us to freely discuss the good and the bad, without fear of judgment. You are guaranteed to walk away with some great ideas and a support group to help you through your journey.
Tuesday October 4, 2016
Welcome to ! My name is Larry, Educational Technology Coach from NJ. Tonight’s topic is Frustrations,… https://t.co/hKTxVQ2J2G
Before we begin, please share a bit about yourself! Be sure to include the hashtag in all responses. https://t.co/10hDuqPLWK
Good evening ! Cherise from CA. Teacher Educator and Digital Literacy Researcher.
Welcome, Cherise! Thanks for joining us, tonight. Get ready to drop some "F-bombs" :)
Hello all, Laura from Bethlehem. Tech Coach, former math teacher. Here for some !
Welcome, Laura! Thanks so much for joining us.
Hi everyone at . I'm an ESL\ISSP teacher and lit coach in Canada
A1 When the tech gets in the way of learning! Stalled tech, disappearing displays, persistent issues, etc
Hey ! Thanks so much for joining us.
Hi Brian! Thanks so much for joining us tonight!
Welcome back, everyone! My name is Cherie, Applied Tech Teacher from IL!
Our first question will begin shortly! We will be using the Q/A format for this chat. Follow one another & grow your PLN!
Good to be here on Larry! Thanks for the invite!
Teresa, MS Literacy Teacher, NY. Joining for a question or two. Early bedtime....exhausted!
Hi Teresa! Thanks so much for joining in, despite the exhaustion. I definitely feel your pain ;)
Hey neighbor, I hope all is well!
Hey ! Mind if I hop in for a little? Dylan here, English teacher from NJ!
Early to rise, early to bed. LOL 7:00 AM meeting tomorrow.
Hey Dylan! I'm honored to have you. An like you is MORE than welcome!
Things are great, learning alongside so many talented Ed's and Ss...quite enjoyable!
Welcome back, Cathy! Thanks so much for joining us.
Jumping in for a bit . Jon from MD here
A1: That there are SO many apps/ways to do the same thing, it's daunting and it detracts from extending and enriching.
Eesh...7:00 AM?! My answer is "no". :)
A1:Most frustrating part of edtech? Infrastructure fails. When the tech doesn't work, you gotta improvise. Stressful!
Hi! I'm Susan, English teacher from Illinois.
A1- when getting tech issues handled impedes student learning.
Result of me forgetting to turn mirror displays off so I can drag & display keynote + web browser at same time
YAY! Thanks so much for joining in. Jon!
a1. When I realize that something isn't working because of me and not the tech. I can be lazy and assume to much
Hi! Everyone!
- How come I didn't know???
A2 debuted as a "quick" into activity but forgot to start the quiz! Ss waited patiently but I hate losing time
yep. and this can be often!
A1: things work and then magically get blocked....
A1: Trying to plug and play apps/tech before deciding what the goal/purpose is for the learning.
A1: People afraid to try, no collaboration, failing servers, waiting for IT, only one person knows answer
I agree. Finding the right tech to fit your objective is a challenge, but when you do, it's a great feeling!
Tech or no tech...give students options for choice, but not to meaning to overwhelm. https://t.co/P6PuGSHOpU
A1: That there are SO many apps/ways to do the same thing, it's daunting and it detracts from extending and enriching.
Such great reflection, here. I honestly thought about you and when I was planning this topic. https://t.co/rwk5v14vpD
a1. When I realize that something isn't working because of me and not the tech. I can be lazy and assume to much
grr..misalignment between classroom goals and the powers that be
Hi, Susan! Thanks so much for joining us, tonight.
A1b how dare I forget...failing wi-fi!!
when there are a bunch of apps that do same thing, pick 1 u like & run with it! I love picollage so don't use Skitch much
Plan B's (sometimes C and D's) become critical, right? https://t.co/VzYU2z3PnG
A1:Most frustrating part of edtech? Infrastructure fails. When the tech doesn't work, you gotta improvise. Stressful!
True! I love options but not novelty for the sake of the novelty.
Relying on school provided tech during a PD session and staff not being able to log on A1
Our next question will begin in just 1 minute.
Ugh! Web filters. The bane of my existence (sometimes). https://t.co/LmqZgdHu6t
A1: things work and then magically get blocked....
I am so sorry to bail, but having trouble concentrating. Night everyone!
that drives me up the wall! Makes those resistant feel like there's no point in trying. https://t.co/S2Pl59ai61
Relying on school provided tech during a PD session and staff not being able to log on A1
Good night, Teresa. Thanks for stopping in. I greatly appreciate the support.
Doe with filters. I'm that one that says open the web AND monitor and teach.
A1: I LOVE progress; however, I sometimes feel companies change things just to change things. Makes it hard to plan PD.
A2: A poll not working because of connectivity.
YEEEESSSSS!!!! I usually get backlash when I say that, but we can't keep bubblewrapping the world. https://t.co/xePvuprt8D
Doe with filters. I'm that one that says open the web AND monitor and teach.
A2: Just held PD on iPad accommodations following upgrade. Everything was in a different place! Lots of "uhhhh...."'s.
A2: Often, I'll try to cram too much tech in. More moving parts=greater danger of mishaps. Simpler can actually be deeper!
A2 - how about a room of 150 kids and board members and the tech issues occur?
This. Incredibly profound points. https://t.co/tkzZqaQIMJ
A2: Often, I'll try to cram too much tech in. More moving parts=greater danger of mishaps. Simpler can actually be deeper!
A2 Introducing students to a text to speech program only to find out there is no volume and the "voices" are not available
a2. It wasn't a lesson but I was set to present a GHO but had not tested it out first. It bombed. I use Periscope instead
Yup....totally agree with you on that one! Sweat instantly pours from places I never knew existed. https://t.co/7i0DdiOg6z
A2 - how about a room of 150 kids and board members and the tech issues occur?
Oh no! I wasn't there, was I? https://t.co/JMdYRd1oVH
A2 - how about a room of 150 kids and board members and the tech issues occur?
Much rather have a kido screw up when I can help rather than later with no one around to care.
This is my biggest fail. Putting too much in a presentation.
Amy from Iowa. So happy to be there. Sorry I am late.
A2: I'm classic for introducing a new resource and i immediately forget the Rolodex of passwords in my brain and can't login.
A1: When the airplay doesn't work but it says that it should be working.
I'm actually experiencing this now in my new classroom. Trying to move too quickly from one point to the next
So happy to have you join us, Amy!! Jump right on in :)
Our next Q is coming up in 1 minute.
Julie from Arkansas. Made it home, finally!
Welcome, Julie! Happy to have you here.
Right? It all looks so good in our imagination when we're planning it.. Reality is often a little different
Ugh! I loves me some ! https://t.co/GacVsdKyGe
A2: I'm classic for introducing a new resource and i immediately forget the Rolodex of passwords in my brain and can't login.
A3 Do a song and dance and shuffle out the door
Consciously trying to slow myself down has been something I've been striving for recently.
A3:Stall while trying to fix it, followed by a related segway to something that is working. Makes me look scattered and ADD!
A3: When tech issues go south I analyze the situation and do my best to problem solve on my own. It's a 50/50 shot so try it!
A3: FREAK OUT!!! Kidding -- I usually try to troubleshoot, group Ss, think of alternate ways to accomplish same objectives.
A3 I start to talk it thru. Believe it's imporant to model 4 my audience that sometimes Tech does go bad
Nicole here. 9th grade English teacher jumping in the conversation.
A3 Techgods work against me sometimes.... be transparent and flexible with your students and staff
Great answer! What an opportunity to demonstrate perseverance and grit! https://t.co/hHHAmJahTm
A3 I start to talk it thru. Believe it's imporant to model 4 my audience that sometimes Tech does go bad
A3: When a tech-filled lesson goes bad, I'll often ask the students for help. Often, they know best!
A3: Break out the pencil and paper, if I can. If it's working on my end, keep going.
A3 On a more serious note, I just say we are experiencing technical difficulties & are going old school, need to be prepared
Totally agree. Just read an article by about how doing that is important for kids to see.
A3: Use it as an opportunity to teach the value of patience and a plan B!
A3: When in doubt, ask a student to help you! Seriously...they are amazing and give great pep talks!
Thanks so much for joining in, Nicole! Great conversation, tonight.
A3 always have a plan B. Even on the fly... go for a plan. Don't waste 10 to 15 minutes trying to fix, move on.
Sometimes, they are your best resource
A3: Say sometimes it doens't work. Have them talk to a partner about the topic so I can try to fix the issue.
a3. I find a way to capture the attention of the audience.It only takes a few seconds to lose their attention. Kids & adults
I love this! https://t.co/S4FSRFlXTU
A3 On a more serious note, I just say we are experiencing technical difficulties & are going old school, need to be prepared
Absolutely! Do not let the tech hinder the learning! https://t.co/XgjfTrKTbo
A3 always have a plan B. Even on the fly... go for a plan. Don't waste 10 to 15 minutes trying to fix, move on.
Moreso adults, but definitely holding their attention is key. https://t.co/XEg3fVwwo1
a3. I find a way to capture the attention of the audience.It only takes a few seconds to lose their attention. Kids & adults
A3: I also ask my first graders to use their magic to get it to work. :)
Play it cool! Love it! https://t.co/bPhS0jqQNZ
A3 On a more serious note, I just say we are experiencing technical difficulties & are going old school, need to be prepared
this is the best solution. Freak out inside, but come up with alternates and keep moving forward. https://t.co/rmTAb4wBpp
A3: FREAK OUT!!! Kidding -- I usually try to troubleshoot, group Ss, think of alternate ways to accomplish same objectives.
They can be a wealth of knowledge, feel proud when they can help and teach you something https://t.co/cm4r1eIFWI
A3: When in doubt, ask a student to help you! Seriously...they are amazing and give great pep talks!
I so agree! Many times, they're able to solve a problem before I am.
True. And don't bail completely, either! I've seen some Ts get frustrated and give up on the entire lesson.
Our next question will begin in 1 minute.
and somehow they always know a way to fix it using 18 less steps too!
so true. Although in the moment, can be tricky 2 determine how loing it'll take, esp when u "almost got it!"
. it's great when kids help with their own magic! I miss kindergarten
A4: I really want to try my hand at content/curriculum creation for flipped lessons. I know the mechanics but...
Right!! A lot of learning happened prior to tech....kindof how we got tech to begin with
That moment when u decide to sing the song and "let it go".... https://t.co/gE27IXj8DU
so true. Although in the moment, can be tricky 2 determine how loing it'll take, esp when u "almost got it!"
A4: I would love to do more with and . I'm nervous about the $$ investment and amount of available resources.
A4:Genius hour, hyperdocs for personalized learning.
A3 how many of us have asked kids for help, and they solve it?
. That's great. I love when I can laugh at the situation.
Hyperdocs is another one I want to try...doesn't make me nervous as much as I don't make the time. https://t.co/mZlW3IkOmX
A4:Genius hour, hyperdocs for personalized learning.
A4 I really want to build a website that. Looks at how to meet standards thru play for kindergarten. Want to mix in tech.
Agreed, but also pulling it off as personalized learning plan driver? Need help w/ to structure.
A5 For me it's just using new apps and not knowing the ins and outs
Exactly! How to structure the content and get Ts to value and use it! https://t.co/3LxjqjDd6i
Agreed, but also pulling it off as personalized learning plan driver? Need help w/ to structure.
I love using new apps and never have the time to learn "the deep dive!" Sometimes I get into a jam that way.
Yes, me too. It's also how it can be used in the class, but most often Ss pick it up before me LOL https://t.co/Z46wYQbqRi
I love using new apps and never have the time to learn "the deep dive!" Sometimes I get into a jam that way.
that's when the kids show me everything the app can do https://t.co/wnzyicYYZV
I love using new apps and never have the time to learn "the deep dive!" Sometimes I get into a jam that way.
a5. I will never again use my overhead projector. I do miss it though. The ink on my fingers, the heat from the bulb :).
A3b given that i teach adults, i find mixed reception 2 "ask the audience"- works sometimes & doesn't at others
A5: I ABSOLUTELY LOVED a website called Kerpoof. I'll never use it again, because bought it & then closed it down :(
A4: Genius Hour! I still need to do more research.
Yes! The smell of melting plastic, right? https://t.co/g7BgvK0pkJ
a5. I will never again use my overhead projector. I do miss it though. The ink on my fingers, the heat from the bulb :).
A5: I'll never use a PowerPoint/Keynote/GSlide again to strictly present - it must be interactive. Q&A Polls Backchannel etc.
Aww man... The glass in those is great for a maker space! https://t.co/AC5QFfaEEq
a5. I will never again use my overhead projector. I do miss it though. The ink on my fingers, the heat from the bulb :).
A5 Excel spreadsheet and I don't get along ... for the life of me I don't get it, I think it's just me
A4 Soooo want to make parodies aka rejams... Not confident with the right tools for all the layers. https://t.co/aga5cZMJYj
We started genius hour this year! It's wonderful! https://t.co/9wwJXorefE
A4: Genius Hour! I still need to do more research.
There's a lot of tools in Excel that'll do amazing things, but unless you're breaking down data not many Ts need
OMG I thought i was alone in the world. Thank you ! Excel doesn't get me.
Larry is a Buncee Guru! Thanks for sharing your genius during , Pal!
Interesting! https://t.co/zaAJmm2DSX
A5: I'll never use a PowerPoint/Keynote/GSlide again to strictly present - it must be interactive. Q&A Polls Backchannel etc.
LOL, I'm glad I'm not the only one https://t.co/mrqrUq15Vj
OMG I thought i was alone in the world. Thank you ! Excel doesn't get me.
We had Ss create a GSlide today with 1 map & creating hyperlinks to their slide about a battle Rev War
I'm in the exact same boat. What's up with that?!
Our FINAL QUESTION of the evening is coming up in 1 minute!
I've checked it out, but can't afford another fee based app at this point. Using G Slides a lot.
Hi ! Jacqueline, from northern NJ, joining the chat super late tonight, but excited to catch the last part of it.
The free version is all we really need, at this point. The paid version is still a dream to me.
iPads? We use StripDesigner & love it. Very powerful. Also BookCreator paid version
Hey, pal! Thanks so much for jumping in and for the continual support.
Never heard of it... I'll check it out!
Good to know, I might take another look. I know I have an AWESOME stylus from them.
A6: In spite of it all, tech in the hands of a strong T can launch Ss into some amazing learning opportunities.
is pretty cool for comics...sprites are limited, but you can improvise.
A6: Tech breaks down barriers, opening doors of knowledge. Making meaningful connections to people anywhere & at anytime.
Also, there is a program on in code studio that may be a bit easier
A6:Ss need to author their own learning and create in ways that should not be limited by our design.
A6It's great 4 Ss who would otherwise have difficulty accessing material & resources, opens up a new world 4 them tech=future
Q6: We are preparing Ss for careers that don't yet exist. Tech is going to continue to advance and Ss need to be prepared.
A6: We need to prepare students for their future. Can't just keep doing same lessons that prepared us. Different world now.
Absolutely! https://t.co/YhZM08rgKY
Q6: We are preparing Ss for careers that don't yet exist. Tech is going to continue to advance and Ss need to be prepared.
is so important for creating lifelong learning and a truly authentic education. https://t.co/SowYqmPKbk
A6:Ss need to author their own learning and create in ways that should not be limited by our design.
Thank you for participating in our chat! Please follow each other & join us again on 10/18. https://t.co/aMA3CBlzq6
Tech allows students to be creative, reach authentic audiences, & problem solve...all skills valued!
Definitely hard to keep up, don't think we ever will, but will have fun trying https://t.co/sDLz3R6QAp
I prefer to go deep, but have had so much new thrown at me, I can't keep anything straight! My SS hate the tech an… https://t.co/cfDP2wiX9D
But that requires Ts to open up the classroom & change pedagogy. That's bigger than teaching apps
Such a great conversation tonight! I appreciate your time and all of your contributions. Thanks again, !
Thanks and everyone at . Always a fun and informative chat
Do you think tech can be a catalyst for pedagogical change?
Keep talking/working with staff. I had an intense convo today with a T about tech in their class
Definitely. Key is Ts realizing WHY we need to change. Are enough schools doing this?
Great question! Yes, if the person teaching/using it is open to pedagogical change. https://t.co/9e6fmuwuvi
Do you think tech can be a catalyst for pedagogical change?
I've had success so far, but Ts need to take next step Need to go deeper w/ Inquiry based learning
Yes, it has to be. Tech is only moving forward.
Exactly. We've been trying to get that across with everything we do.
