#RuralEdChat is a chat that focuses on the needs of the rural educator. This chat has been revised by Tammy Neil (@MathNeil), John Martin (@edventures) and Natalee Stotz (@nataleestotz).
Good Evening, #RuralEdChat I"m Tammy from Suwannee County in Rural North Florida. I teach Computer Science at Suwannee Middle. Super excited for tonight's topic.
I'm Matt, a software developer and volunteer computer science teacher in WA state! I teach an online class every morning to a wonderful class of high schoolers. I'll be the one asking the questions tonight :) #RuralEdChat
I'm Matt, a software developer and volunteer computer science teacher in WA state! I teach an online class every morning to a wonderful class of high schoolers. I'll be the one asking the questions tonight :) #RuralEdChat
Well, let me encourage you to keep this one going. You will find some amazing educators that are always willing to share and support each other. #RuralEdChat
A1: At a high level, computer science/programming. After a couple years of intro and a year of AP, what I want most is a semi-advanced course that gives the students a lot of freedom in what they make, and doesn't have a giant standardized test. #EveryTeachersDream#RuralEdChat
A1: My dream course would be one in which creates a genuine interest in rural education among pre-service teachers or pre-education student in hs.
#RuralEdChat
A1: Product prototyping with @arduino microcontrollers and 3D printed enclosures. Solve problems close to home, test theories and engineer solutions. #ruraledchat
A1: My dream course would be most likely middle level science or possibly math where the students are at the center of their own learning and it is very hands-on and problem-based. #RuralEdChat
This is great. I keep thinking about how to build rural interest and pride into my class, having a full class to engage future rural educators would be absolutely game changing. #RuralEdChat
This is great. I keep thinking about how to build rural interest and pride into my class, having a full class to engage future rural educators would be absolutely game changing. #RuralEdChat
A2: My dream course would not have a set curriculum or even a set group of students. Students would be able to come and go as they finish the projects they've committed to completing. #RuralEdChat
A2: In our area, we'd be the only ones with computer science beyond the intro level. And one of a small number pushing beyond an AP class being the "top level" of class we offer. A great "it's not just about college credit" option and mindset. #RuralEdChat
A2: Most NH towns do not support a STEM specialist at the elem level. Those that do are more computer classes - NOT hands-on engineering based. I do not know of any others in NH, but I suspect there are some. #ruraledchat
A2: This “dream course” would be unique at all several due to the attempt to stem the tide of the brain drain in rural America. Several institutions like @univwestalabama are attempting this.
#RuralEdChat
A2: The closest thing we have in our district is a VEX and Lego Mindstorms competition class. Nothing that you build "from the ground up." #ruraledchat
A2: I want to go further beyond textbooks and typical coursework. I want my students to know how their learning fits into the big picture, or "real world." I want to spend more time teaching to their interests, or current events. #RuralEdChat
It's wonderful when you're asked, "do you have any thoughts on what we could do?", and you can come right back with "do I ever! And details too!" #RuralEdChat
A3: They would want to take my dream course because they would be the ones driving their own learning. I would be there to help them manage their project but they would be the leaders. #RuralEdChat
A3: similar to many of us, I think the project-focused elements, centered around student's choosing what to do based on their interests, is a particular standout element in my school. #RuralEdChat
A3: For those interested in becoming a teacher, especially those from a rural background, it places the focus right where they live - their families - their communities.
#RuralEdChat
Hopefully this dream course would encourage students to learn more in their "academic" classes so they could accomplish their goals with me. #RuralEdChat
A3: Being able to exit the course with a marketable product, exposure to multiple disciplines and exposure to industry best practices, from R&D to marketing. #ruraledchat
Tangentially related, I had an open conversation with a few students last year about what annoys them about school, and what they'd want to change. It look literally seconds from their passion for our school community to come pouring out. #RuralEdChat
A4: Mostly, expertise. The classroom teacher I partner with and help learn CS is still learning, and we're only able to consider it because it's him+me+another volunteer. Small class size also makes it hard to maintain admin buy-in #RuralEdChat
A4: The resistance to change in the field of education - focus on urban issues - rural people/places tend to be overlooked when it comes to the social justice crowd . . .
#RuralEdChat
A4: Testing and trying to standardize education has made it almost impossible for many schools to be able to fund such exploratory education. #RuralEdChat
A5: The years of experience teaching in rural districts, level of rural research, the connections to those from various levels in rural ed - like those here!
#RuralEdChat
A5: I am being prepared to teach to a differentiated curriculum that puts students at the center not testing. I hope I am given the opportunity to by the school/district,/state. #RuralEdChat
A5: I am being prepared to teach to a differentiated curriculum that puts students at the center not testing. I hope I am given the opportunity to by the school/district,/state. #RuralEdChat
Sneaking in Q6 to wrap up the chat tonight: Is there anything you would need to learn or skills you’d need to build to teach your dream course? #RuralEdChat#GrowthMindset
Passion alone is incredible fuel for both yourself and for students. At least, mine have always connected deeper through my outpouring of passion. #RuralEdChat
such important skills that I, as a not professionally trained educator, had to learn as I went. So critical, and so great to be ready with from day 1. #RuralEdChat
Sneaking in Q6 to wrap up the chat tonight: Is there anything you would need to learn or skills you’d need to build to teach your dream course? #RuralEdChat#GrowthMindset
Passion alone is incredible fuel for both yourself and for students. At least, mine have always connected deeper through my outpouring of passion. #RuralEdChat
