#ukedchat Archive
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Thursday March 10, 2016
A1 Part1 – What “technology” are we talking about? Need to define this before we discuss possibilities.
14 March is , Who in our Collection would yr students pose a question to? What would they ask them?
A1 Part 2 – What is an appropriate amount of time and is time actually the issue?
A1 Part 3 Would/could the technology mimic authenticity of teacher marking or become like many “statement banks” a mere process?
What is the topic and 1st question in tonight?
A1 Part 4 – What does “effective feedback” look like and how long does it take?
A1 Part 6 – It is not a case of “How” but instead should technology be used in marking?
A1 I have tried a range of things and do like marking with track changes
Be careful - A lot to unpick here in what is, on the surface, a reasonable and pertinent question but also in many ways a trap.
Not at all. I do track changes and comments within docs. But the comments are only symbols, and students get a list 1/2
2/2 ...they then have to work out themselves what their feedback is. Symbol marking on screen.
Q1. How can we use technology to help students improve as a result of feedback?
Audioboo can be affective for LA and EAL learner
What makes it a trap, Kevin?
use platforms like onenote or firefly to give verbal feedback that students can listen to again and again.
Absolutely. To be honest you can do that with a pen too, but I do like it on screen... Doesn't look as messy to me.
We also use talking Tins so they can record their sentences and play them again and again
That's interesting to hear, Nicole. Thanks for sharing
A1 Not sure this is to do with technology as such. It's all about the quality of feedback not the medium
Take a pic of work on tablet and use etc to show on then peer assess have this2
Technology can be used to make the feedback more explicit and personalised.
A1: use text to speech software/apps so students can listen back to their written work and self-correct
So what are the main benefits beyond visible tracking?
Not so sure. Pen and paper will do that, too. But I, too, use tech to feed back
Great idea. We use 'talking tins' as well. Does the same job.
also using a to mark onscreen and leave audio feedback on certain sections of work
A1: apps like and are great for giving feedback which students use to make improvements.
To me it is not as messy as scribbling over handwriting and instills habit of editing and revising in students
great tool. We're lucky enough to have a site licence for
I also use socrative for quick questions and quick assessments within lessons - good one because know results straight away
- What about the "marking" aspect ?
use screens to share and AFL students work. Google apps makes this easy as well
OK. On to Q2. What specific examples of technology can you share that have proven to alleviate workload/marking pressures?
I agree to extent. I use tech lots but most could be done on pen and paper, kids seem to prefer tech
- lots of useful, interesting, bright and shiny apps for recording/plying back etc but what about the authenticity?
I agree, both are great AfL tools. I still like too.
A2 track changes, symbol marking in comments. Socrative
well designed MCQ assessment via Google forms
yup. Just not all the time. Gets a bit tedious at times, too
That's a good question, Kevin.
always a important point to consider. https://t.co/rOj1ehtTH8
- lots of useful, interesting, bright and shiny apps for recording/plying back etc but what about the authenticity?
I love audio notes that you can leave against specific elements of a piece of work
Google classroom is fantastic. All online, real time learning dialogues can occur and is so easy for all.
Q2 Edpuzzle is great for flipped learning, you can add questions to an uploaded video
I think uses this type of thing too
What do kids nead to hear and how do they want to hear it?
A1 I think that even acknowlegement on social media is a great way to encourage and give Students feedback
Are these the main tech items you use, Nicole?
A2: giving verbal feedback through voice notes is much faster and for some, more accessible.
- see how seductive "technology" is - we are missing the key aspects of the questions because we want to talk about our toys!
I do use film and photo to show what happens and where we go wrong. But not consistently. depends on groups
Good idea. Like a 'gallery' of work where chn leave posting but electronic. Like
Totally agree with this https://t.co/vQuhGFOJqK
Google classroom is fantastic. All online, real time learning dialogues can occur and is so easy for all.
I use Google classroom to set home work. It has certainly reduced the amount of late/missing homework so less stress
Good point, James. How does this work with your school marking policy?
No, don't agree. For me it is all about useful feedback. It just happens that some gadgets are useful
Do you then get them to write it down? Does that feedback get noted?
Can't wait to run workshop using Xbox contollers tomorrow -
A2 I know that participation in games like Kahoot is an easy way to know if Students comprehend and to what extent.
not really. Frame the reason to use in terms of efficient assessment, reduced workload, supporting great learning at home
Depends on the task. Sometimes it will be edit your essay, others it will be about subject content or behaviour...
Can't wait to run workshop using Xbox contollers tomorrow -
That's a good point, Andy. Thanks for sharing this
Students need to be taught behaviour for learning and learning about learning, so feedback might be that
As long as feedback is for the chn, does it matter on the how? I agree that the 'toys' can help if appropriate.
Ah yes, we use virtual learning environment, too. To set tasks and provide generic info for all to access
Next one. Q3. How do you evidence IT based feedback without the need to print out reams of paper?
...in addition to personalised feedback
A2 Part of student growth is self evaluation. They can do this through online rubrics/google docs, etc.
surely that's a subjective question?
no, it is kept on record on as part of a conversation between T and S.
No. The how doesn't matter. But kids seem to respond well to tech, works for me so I do it. Pen and paper fine
Great qu! Following answers avidly.
A3 Digital Portfolios and Student presentations with postings on social media are great.
it's not more of a 'toy' than a biro would have been post slate and chalk
Subjective indeed. What does it mean to you??
What does 'useful feedback' mean to you, Kevin?
still use exercise books and write CoG comments on extended writing... (1/2)
I find the same although pencil and post it's were just as valid. Variety keeps them interested ☺
no. A lot to ask people who are choosing to implement digital technology for real impact. And they should be able to answer
does it demonstrate what Ss know or need to know and how to drive the next steps of instruction
... Work completed on iPad is submitted through Showbie and feedback is left there. S's add a note in their books
we have six open badges with criteria to work towards and achieve
Are the social media postings shared with a specific audience?
That's an interesting blend of tech and exercise books
Q4. Which barriers need to be overcome to allow technology to be effectively used for marking and feedback?
beautify is in the eye of the beholder, right? If it can be applied + support the recipient to improve then it's useful
A3 Documents with track changes stored in virtual learning environment and socrative reports stored on drive
Never quite got my head around badges. What do you see is the value?
students still need to write in exams, so I think exercise books still have value.
Thank you for sharing your blog link, Lynette
Agree with you there, James
you could have a school hashtag/classroom hashtag or classroom page/instagram check out -16
Q4 'my internet was down so I coudn't do my homework' another excuse? and whole school ict infrastruture
all? Anyone can use a word processor in an exam as part of reasonable adjustments with JCQ.
not necessarily. I think it's more organised; leave feedback where work has been submitted.
Goodgle translate for EAL students who are new to english. At least they can they comment.
modern day society doesn't align terribly well to pen and paper yet we default back to it
The needs of the teachers
All depends on what is being shared as feedback. Ss need to make daily improvements
isn't that life though? Create work that engages! No different to the car breaking down!
Teachers and students need time to get used to and get to grips with technology. We cannot expects all to be integrate first time.
Always believed that feedback should be from pupil to teacher & a conversation about learning.
so important that reflection is included in the learning process.
Very much agree with this. 2 way dialogue https://t.co/yNIMiOwstK
Always believed that feedback should be from pupil to teacher & a conversation about learning.
Would you mind explaining what you mean, Nick?
Agree! We need time to give CPD
no. Hence my point. It's relative at a period in time
maybe, but how many schools have the ICT facilities to do that? 🤔
This is why I love symbol marking, makes quicker to mark, engages deeper thinking
Teachers & students rely on past paper questions for revision, but are they always helpful? https://t.co/S3HAfmg1Lh
Feedback using technology can be easier for the student, If teachers are not confident it can cause unrest
I agree and I can't see that changing any time soon.
Any samples of this? Sounds good.
Agree and we need to respond to how students learn and grow up
I am pro technology but I do worry about the time that pupils (and teachers) spent looking at screens but is this life?
A4: The barriers that involve those demanding to see evidence of ALL feedback which is unnecessary & a pointless task
Agree, but peer assessment can also be online. We have online discussions where peer feedback is given
Have a student with very little English, uses google translate: she produces work equal to her peers 👍
A5: Digital Leaders are invaluable when it comes to training staff when it's tech related!
Great for learning and inclusion initially, but need to learn plagiarism and original work for Uni
A3: Perhaps use google docs so ongoing dialogue between T & S can be recorded and available for anyone to view via a link
Q5 little and often, one step at a time (5 min presentation 10mins chat once a week)
and not be afraid if it doesn't go to plan the 1st time
A5 Teachers leading by example with their classes. Students will talk about it and it will get filtered down
Q5. What is the best way to train staff to use technology that can be effectively used for marking and feedback?
Digital leaders are the driving force in implementing change in schools looking forward to our 2nd annual DLD
Crucial. Can be peer, self or whole class but reflections key
Will this also be the case with Ts that lack confidence in using the tech?
A5 model it in peer observations, demonstrate how simple & efficient it is, how it can save time & doesn't involve carrying books
A5 teachers like easy wins something that will save them time a hands on approach during a breakfast meet little but often
In my experience yes they will ask "how do you do xyz?". That's my experience so far.
Definitely. Many Ts are nervous users who put off when it doesn't work first time
Hence where come into their own.
Couldn't agree more! They can screen cast too & blog for staff to refer to
Depends on school priorities. Giving time to ‘play’ key. Mistakes will happen but safe/secure CPD time crucial.
Key thing is then to be patient and show little things and tricks not everything at once
Agree. We do a 15 minute session at lunch - 5 mins to present, 10 mins for Qs
Practise makes perfect. Many great creation did not come from the first attempts
I think recorded assessment has become too priotised over formative. Formative is more effective so should weigh higher
I think this needs to be started as soon as they use support systems.
Agree. Makes such an impact
when as professionals, we think they are ready?
What exactly is a digital leader?
A5 Time to learn and time to share will provide better engagement in the use of tech by teachers.
definitely! An asset to any school that has them.
Q6. How can staff that are reluctant to use technology be won over so that they see the benefits to their marking and feedback?
Q6 - Show how it can impact on students.
No from the start they need to know that this is on the birderline for plagiarism
You can use this now but....
- A6 Simples EBQ - Easier - Better & Quicker. It is the reason we all choose the things we buy/do.
Q6 - Show how it can impact on workload - more effective use of your time.
Formally acknowlegded and given extra pay?
A5 Teachers also need to be shown what is expected in terms of marking and feedback. Whole school system essential.
do you still record written feedback in books? Not if feedback has been given elsewhere, obviously.
Show staff how it can save time through verbal feedback using
Ss who help shape school vision and strategy for tech. Often help teach adults & peers key skills
Don't know, asking. Extra responsibiltiy to train others? Develop resources?
A6 Ss push this for you when they talk about what they've done in other subjects
I understand now. I thought paying people extra for using technology. Silly me.
start off educating them in tech that is easy to pick up and use without any teacher effort
Agree. get some easy wins https://t.co/XS2I3HgJGM
start off educating them in tech that is easy to pick up and use without any teacher effort
Been looking at iTunes you in more detail too today is the man for this!
A6. support form peers. Ask staff that are confident using tech to demonstrate, mentor , train & show benefits
Mine are making user guides to tech, teaching, running assemblies, exploring new kit and presented
in HE we introduced mandatory online marking against 2 key questions - staff required to do that as minimum -
Yes, colleagues must be encouraged to 'want' to use tech. Otherwise limited time unproductive and tech not used.
Q7. With shrinking sch budgets, which are the most cost effective forms of tech to use, which give meaningful marking & feedback?
A6: by being shown time-saving benefits + improved digital literacy for T & S & progress from quality multimedia feedback
Helps when they have a target/something to aim for.
haha thank you 😀 It's a great tool and it's free, which is always a bonus!
No choice means some people will resist. I think slow change rather than imposing is better.
I have used Turnitin extensively - not sure re organisational costs but flexible and easy to adopt
Easy to use tech like and which require very little set up or IT knowledge
A7 Google classroom is really effective you can create an open feedback loop giving suggestions&comments revision history also
Google Classroom and using 'track changes' features in software. https://t.co/QtZmgihgYy
Next one. Q3. How do you evidence IT based feedback without the need to print out reams of paper?
A7: Can't beat or Apple TV for whole class discussion & peer assessment with analysis on eg. Explain everything
free apps that can be used on multi formats like or
with adult learners simple use of add comment in word is great - can link feedback to specific aspects of text
a6 I often share my ‘magpie’ findings with colleagues. Either email link or print poster and place on board.
Not really useful in schools, I don't think.
Kahoot & Plickers are brilliant
I also use the translate button, take a screen shot and print it to stick into their book.
Q6 making whole staff policies like lesson obs or appraisal online - initial resistance but proven to save time & provide guidance
A7: is a great, easy to use tool; gives every student a voice and it only requires one device!
Yes, I figured that much but is borderline for plagiarism because someone else translates...
See above. for my old school at today for example.
Do many staff engage with your findings?
Just found its awesome and love - both need one device only and paper for students
it's also about using right program to suit different learners, age groups but getting it to them. Ibeacons do this
plagiarism in primary schools?
How does Google classroom compare to Canvas?
Is there a limit on the number of students this can be used with?
Thanks But understand that there needs to be boundaries
through a tailored cpd with small groups where they spend time trialling and making mistakes
Thank you for sharing this, Neil. Will investigate
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international students in 6th form where plagiarism need to be taught in prep for uni
using digital champion staff who will lead on this & show how simple it is through sharing best practice
not that I know of. As long as they have one of the cards, they can participate.
Last one. Q8. How can staff be supported to use technology that provides appropriate marking and feedback for their students?
Totally agree. I was on the receiving end of some international students with my MSc degree
ZipGrade isn't free though :-(
Modelling by staff that know what they are doing
Absolutely, but then learning to be confident in own abilities and not depend on translate
That's useful to hear. Thanks, James
Would like more time to really engage with those on the edge of taking the tech route. Yet, keep on going.
Peer support. Teachers coaching teachers. Like a model
A school blog is the most effective. Students can upload pics, recordings. Receive lots of comments from many people. You do less
Q8 - Teachers just need to feel that they can use the tech and be comfortable with it. Take time to become confident
Q8 - Teachers just need to feel that they can use the tech and be comfortable with it. Take time to become confident
giving them the time and space to work through the possibilities into a coherent system, embedded into SOW
A8: Peer observations, Digital Leaders supporting, team-teaching, practise in staff inset, having support available if needed
ahh, didn't know that. Doesn't mater though, I don't have a class anywhere near that size 😀
Q8 - Get the children teaching the adult - Digital Leaders
apps like and are very effective as well as Google forms
Agree - we do a 15 mins of fame once a week at lunch - 5 mins to speak, 10 mins to ask Qs https://t.co/jvQ3KCBnHD
Peer support. Teachers coaching teachers. Like a model
completely agree I have Yr7 Science Club recording our experiments and writing about them
Can schools really do this?
With tech the children tend to know more than adult. Use their expertise.
I know I would as a children - Teach the teacher!!
What's the staff take up for these weekly sessions?
Agreed. Teacher need to know they are supported. Know where the support is and how to access it. https://t.co/4YuFsv8G2w
Schools should back up investment with CPD that supports competence confidence and learning https://t.co/0hsDIKDBOF
