#Edtechchat focuses on Education Technology. Co-founder Tom Murray says #edtechchat "connects us professionally with inspiring educators from all over the world, all of who encourage us to be better every day for the children and families we serve.”
Howdy #edtechchat - Alex - #CTO from NJ and co-founder - proud holder of the #CETL certification - have had a few others over the years- looking forward to the discussion!
Apple Teacher, Google Certified Educator (L1), Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, Microsoft Certified Educator, Leading Edge Professional Learning Leader, National Geographic Certified Educator so about 6. #edtechchat
These photos of our #TechExchange@google students are giving me so much life on this overcast Monday. I think this is the very definition of "dapper." Watch out—these two are gonna rule the tech world someday. @dmbrown1#edchat#edtechchat
First time joining #edtechchat 12 years in IT. Last 2 as tech director in private high school. Hold certs in Cisco Microsoft CompTIA, etc. Going for CETL
Lee from WI. Working towards my CETL (Only a couple months until I can take it) Currently hold Google Certified Teacher Level 1 and Google Certified Administrator #edtechchat
That isn't counting my 3 teaching credentials and masters: multiple subject, single subject - social studies, and special education (mild/moderate). I love learning! #edtechchat
A1 Certification is an outside source validating your learning, through a test, project, presentations, etc. #edtechchat Someone acknowledging that you know your stuff!
I’m looking to see what are the best practices out there on how to integrate tech in the classroom. Doing a grad project by creating a PLN #futureteacher#edtechchat
A1: Certification is a validation of a level of knowledge and expertise from a reputable organization of an individual. It is an indicator of the dedication of a professional to their craft. #edtechchat
A1 A reference indicating that someone has achieved some specific indicator of achievement. The granting authority will be of wildly differing weight.For example Trump University vs CISCO. :) #EdTechChat
EdTech startups - beware 🦉
@OwlVC, A San Francisco-based education technology investment firm, has just closed $315 million for its third fund. #edtechchathttps://t.co/dSarBkmkay
Those are great things to have, but do you know the material or do you know how to answer the questions for the certification - that is the age old question #edtechchat
Well you have come to the right place. There are a lot of people on this chat, that know their stuff, and more importantly are willing to help! #edtechchat
Aw, shucks. As a tech trainer in a Google/Microsoft hybrid district that also has Apple devices, it becomes kind of necessary to keep updated on a variety of platforms. #edtechchat
A2 For me, it is to dive deeper into an area. The certification is a nice bonus to verify that you learned and receive acknowledgment for your effort. #edtechchat
A2 - An edtech certification demonstrates a mastery of a tool, process, or resource. It shows your stakeholders you know how to properly use the tool/resource the way it was intended. #edtechchat
A2 It depends on the certification. My Tech certs in Novell, Microsoft, etc.... Were earned so that I could show I knew how to run a network. The CETL was to give me some additional credibility with teachers in the classroom. #edtechchat
A2: I look at different certification different ways - for software platforms it is a basic level of competence - for larger things like #CETL#PMP#NBCT is is knowledge and experince with a framework of skills - both are important at different levels #edtechchat
A2b. I have my Google Certified Educator 1 and Google Certified Administrator. I am working towards my CETL and need to finish and get my Certified Educator 2 #edtechchat
A2B I haven't started yet, but this spring I am working with two other teachers in the district to guide a dozen more teachers through the Google Level1 and 2 certifications #edtechchat
Hi! My name is Annie. I’m an elementary school computer teacher and am currently talking courses for my Master’s in Education Technology. My bachelor’s is in Elementary Education. #edtechchat
A3: I want my teachers and integrators to should competency and knowledge with software level certs - I want my higher level tech staff to aspire to the framework level, like #CETl and #ISTE#edtechchat
I've met some people with their doctorate that made me question getting a doctorate. #edtechchat Knowledge can depend on time. A friend has her masters in ed tech, but from the 90s.
In reply to
@ajpodchaski, @kylelaurie, @nathan_stevens
If there is a certification test you can pass...whether it’s Cisco or Google, or the bar exam, you have to have some knowledge in the topic. #edtechchat
I've done MIE, MIEE, Microsoft Surface Master Trainer, MCE, now am studying for the Microsoft Word certification to take during #E2 in April #Road2E2#edtechchat
A3 The honest answer for the teachers in my district is $$$$. They can use the certifications to earn bonuses, and even move up the pay scale. For others it is simply for them to help show their knowledge and experience #edtechchat
I like research, so I would love to do some and have it count for something - I think we need to become much more research based in #edtech - willing to lead the way #edtechchat
In reply to
@Filibuster3, @kylelaurie, @nathan_stevens
Q2: An Ed tech certification or degree is important because it opens up many more doors in the world of education technology. For me, it opens the door to being a technology coordinator at a school district some day. #edtechchat
A3- I always recommend cert for products that someone uses on a resource/product frequently to understand and use it to their full potential. Also helps build confidence and ability to better model for others. #edtechchat
A3 Our tech committee is going to be discussing the idea of getting everyone Google certifued to show the district has an advantage, but there is no real advantage to the teacher beyond the information. A lot who are interested have done it on their own. #edtechchat
Q2b I do not currently hold any certifications, but am working toward my google educator 1 and 2. I also plan to pursue an educational technology specialist certification after graduating with my master’s degree. #edtechchat
A3b. Not sure this is the best as it only teaches you the way tos use the tool that the test shows you. I have many tools I learned more from just messing around than what the instructions showed. #edtechchat
As a tech trainer, part of it IS my job. Credentials were back in my single days. Also helps that I don't have kids, just a husband (CTE teacher) and dogs now to keep me company and motivated. #edtechchat
A3B I don't like that idea. Teach the tool, and show how it can be good for Ss. The certification process seems to intense for my tastes simply to get teachers to use something. #edtechchat
I don’t really spend time explains why people need an edtech certification. I think you need to have an initial interest in the topic. And if you have an interest, you’ll find your way to that certification! #edtechchat
Also, sometimes what you think is a distraction is actually exploration. Well designed instruction encourages the learner to explore, and yes, even to play. #EdTechChat
A3B I'd disagree. When I first passed my Google level 1, a colleague would throw Google calls my way. Just because I passed a test doesn't mean I know it better than someone else. It just means I knew what was on the test. I'm constantly learning from others #edtechchat
A3B - Cert courses are usually well designed which is why they are great to learn a skill/tool with. However, they usually come with a cost as well. I see the benefit of encouraging people to take the course, but taking the exam should be up to person if they desire. #edtechchat
A3b - There is an advantage in that the PD trainings and expectation are consistent across the school - no one can claim they need something different - but it does lend itself to more sit and get than exploration #edtechchat
Q3b: I agree. Districts do use it as a tool to make sure their educators are continuing their education. In my district we move up on the pay scale if we earn more college credits. Sometimes we are paid to get additional training. #edtechchat
So what I am hearing is that there are teachers who don't want to learn a new skill or tool without a monetary incentive - what would happen if their students followed their behavior? #edtechchat#contrarythinking
A4 It got me looking at areas I might not usually use, especially when it came to Google and Microsoft. For @NatGeoEducation, I learned about some amazing resources that are available for educators. #edtechchat
A3B I'd disagree. When I first passed my Google level 1, a colleague would throw Google calls my way. Just because I passed a test doesn't mean I know it better than someone else. It just means I knew what was on the test. I'm constantly learning from others #edtechchat
Q4: I think certifications improve knowledge of a skill because normally to get a certification you have to spend an extended amount of time working on that skill to prove that you understand and have mastered the skill. #edtechchat
A4 I would say through practice. Before you pass any test, you have to use the tool/s you are being tested on. Also when you are studying for the test you will wind up going deeper in certain areas either ones that gave you trouble, or simply that interest you.#edtechchat
A4- I believe a cert helps you master a skill set if it’s designed right. Typically its structured coursework to use (as designed) and model followed by an assessment. #edtechchat
I think teachers should always want to evolve with what’s out there and give the best to their students. If it is for a monetary incentive I feel like it is more of an obligation #edtechchat
I don't think it is that they don't want to learn a new skill or tool, It is that they have learned it so well they can "pass" a test. It is a different level of expertise and mastery. #edtechchat
A4: Certifications that measure experience and expertise improve knowledge of a tool or process. Those that measure knowledge of how to use a tool don't always last the test of time. #edtechchat
#pushingtheenvelope - I again challenge with isn't this the exact behavior teachers rail against when done by our students - we have to figure out how to better learn ourselves to become better teachers #edtechchat
Well part of it I have noticed is if it isn't something they aren't excited about it they won't do it unless their is an other benefit. The reason I hear is they don't have time, because of all the other stuff they have to do (i.e. EE, Lesson Plans, PLCs, etc) #edtechchat
A5 - Getting a cert improves the classroom integration of a tool because you (should) have developed a mastery of its use and hopefully seen examples of effective integration #edtechchat
Getting a certification is great, but I think any kind of learning is great. I’ve learned tons from reading books, twitter chats, school/work PD, research, etc. I just can’t prove to others I’ve learned it...which is what certifications do. #edtechchat
I think it makes it much easier and less scary to implement the tool. For example, I had used @brainpop videos a lot in my instruction, but it wasn’t until I went to #METC that I realized how to use it to it’s fullest. Now I use the tools all the time in my classroom!#edtechchat
Getting a certification is great, but I think any kind of learning is great. I’ve learned tons from reading books, twitter chats, school/work PD, research, etc. I just can’t prove to others I’ve learned it...which is what certifications do. #edtechchat
We used to do a top 10 participants every week - Maybe I can work with our friends @participate to develop some verification of being part of this PLN for some period of time - what do people think? #edtechchat
A6 This wont affect my advancement at all. However, I'm lead IT at the school and this can help me make informed decision affecting everyone. #edtechchat
A6 As someone already mentioned, it is important to foster a culture of continuous improvement. Focusing on certifications can actually discourage other forms of improvement, so they can be good but must be part of an overall approach. #EdTechChat
Q6 For me the Ed Tech certifications help me learn the Education side of the tech stuff. And it helps me to start understand what the Ts do. #edtechchat
Q6: a certification in edtech will open the door for me to become a technology director. It will also let me complete an educational technology specialist certification in the future. I cannot do those things without a master’s in Ed tech! #edtechchat
A6.1 Certfications do nothing for my current job. They hired me, so I am good to go. However, as a Tech Director, I face an uphill battle if I want to change districts, because I am not a licensed administrator. #edtechchat
A6: I got my #CETL to show how my experiences can be applied across the many facets I face as the edtech leader in my school. I encourage those who aspire to the #techdir#CTO#CIO role to do get the cert! #edtechchat
A6 - I think having certs show you are invested in effective use of edtech. Edtech certs may not be job requirements (although some might be) but they show you are interested and can show mastery. #edtechchat
A6.2 Educational Certs like the CETL demonstrate to potential districts that I am not just the geek that keeps things running. I am the geek that cares about our mission to educate students, and I want to use tech to reach that goal. #edtechchat
When I give students white boards & markers, they want to doodle. When I give pencils, they want to throw them at each other. :) Whether we're talking high tech or low tech, behavior management & engaging teaching skills don't change much. #edtechchat
We used to do a top 10 participants every week - Maybe I can work with our friends @participate to develop some verification of being part of this PLN for some period of time - what do people think? #edtechchat
Q6b. I'm at a technical college and unfortunately no it doesn't. There is no requirement or request for me to seek further education on anything. That's not me, I like learning so I had them pay for it. #edtechchat
Q6B - We award PDPs for course completion. We do not have any special way of recognizing staff. I know some districts use badges as a way for everyone to be recognized in the same way. #edtechchat
The place to start is here: https://t.co/MX0m3rv7dz Depending on where you live your state CoSN Chapter, probably has a session starting soon. #edtechchat
