#Edchat is a hashtag, a movement—it is a weekly organized Twitter discussion of educators and people interested in education that meet virtually from all over the world. #Edchat serves as a conversation thread on Twitter and is also used for organized weekly discussions.
FREE webinar begins in 30 mins! (7:30 PM Eastern)
"Toward the Fifth Element of Hip Hop: Using Popular Media in the Classroom to Develop Self-Knowledge" led by Dr. Lauren Leigh Kelly.
SIGN UP at https://t.co/ObTaotne7S#edchat#hiphoped#2ndaryELA
When teachers use tech tools to communicate with parents, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of positive contacts teachers have had with parents. It's a great tool for our district! #edchat
Honestly, as a parent, I never get tired of seeing the #SeeSaw notification that my kid has something posted...and he's a 6th grader! That being said, a high school teacher uses it way too much for my 9th grader... #edchat
Hey there Kelsey @msiwanicki so when it comes to contacting and communicating with parents of your students what have you 'figured out' so far? #edchat
Looo...really like this! I wonder if the students see any individual or collective patterns in their parked “failures” and, if so, what those patterns might suggest to them? @BalancEdTech#learning2learn#edchat#cpchat#fail2learn
In reply to
@rlfreedm, @tsocko, @BalancEdTech, @SBISD, @SheldonISD, @ahsd25, @BrianJMull, @MrBlakeslee1, @PCCS_Official, @MilwaukeeJDS, @GarthHolman, @MindWise_CK, @JoyKirr, @ginapsmith, @TheTechRabbi, @BalancEdTech
Does a bear poop in the woods?
This is one of my causes. Today’s tech offers an opportunity like no other in the past to connect with families without them being there in person. #ptchat#EdChat
#edchat We've had parents who struggle with getting to school because of work schedule/language/separation issues be able to see what's going on in a way that wasn't possible before.
TIME< TIME< TIME <<<< educators who are expected to contact and communicate with parents should be given time to do so during their normal workday... rather than have it be done after hours. #edchat#justsaying
They love it! The majority of them had it last year in kindergarten & there's a 5th grade teacher I know who uses it too (there may be more in my school!) It's great for answering easy/fast questions #edchat
I find the us and them perspective occurs even more often when parents had a difficult time in school as well. Reaching out with positives helps break down that barrier. #edchat
Tech can further support familiy contacts, but I think it’s more important to ensure the communication avenue is two way and focused on student achievement and growth. #edchat
IF EDUCATORS ARE EXPECTED TO COMMUNICATE with parents via technology then the technology better be reliable, secure, available, and easy to use... help me here, what else? #edchat
That may be why I've never heard of Seesaw. We don't have teacher blogs. We use a platform specific to our district that doesn't include that feature. #Edchat
Ts need to make sure Ps have access too. You can send a million messages or posts but if the P cannot afford minutes that month, it is all irrelevant #Edchat
This is a great point! Perhaps if you have the initial contact as F2F or phone, parent will assume goodwill when you do communicate through written word. #Edchat
TIME< TIME< TIME <<<< educators who are expected to contact and communicate with parents should be given time to do so during their normal workday... rather than have it be done after hours. #edchat#justsaying
I made an effort to have that happen this year - I had a phone call before the year started, meet & greet, & a phone call in the first two weeks. You're right, it has made a difference as I can now email those guardians I've connected with #edchat
Leadership. Are teachers supported in best communication practices with stakeholders? Does everyone know the overall philosophy and vision of communicating with tech? #EdChat#EdTechChat
IF EDUCATORS ARE EXPECTED TO COMMUNICATE with parents via technology then the technology better be reliable, secure, available, and easy to use... help me here, what else? #edchat
Parents should not be surprised when the report card arrives. Tech provides a means to communicate for parents' collaboration to help their kid. #Edchat
Teachers ought to be encouraged to use whatever tools they have at their disposal to contact and communicate with parents (and students, teachers, and other stakeholders) #edchat@sgthomas1973
Tech can further support familiy contacts, but I think it’s more important to ensure the communication avenue is two way and focused on student achievement and growth. #edchat
I made more of an effort at the beginning of the year. Now I'm communicating with guardians regarding some behaviors. I am trying to hold myself accountable about my students who consistently do a good job #edchat
I had to pick up a prescription tonight and the joylessness of those working behind the counter? Palpable. When you look around, most jobs are. We, teachers, are the lucky ones. #edchat#langchat
I find myself setting that same goal each year and struggling to make it happen! I've contacted many, but not all. I'm not giving up. I'll try a few more tomorrow. #edchat
I agree completely - there are a few guardians I need to reach out to again. With students moving in within the first few weeks, I realized I slacked on connecting with their parents #edchat
When I was younger, the only thing surprising to my mom was “why am I not seeking to find a tutor” or “why are you not seeking extra help”? She knew my grades were my responsibility #Edchat#edu451
We imagined a tech tool that would securely streamline students’ data so a student and the agencies that serve them have access to the same info. Gives students & guardians more agency and transparency into who has what and what its being used for. https://t.co/iaCjq3MpWw#edchat
Halloween comes early to @LASchools. We have a frightfully out-of-touch millionaire supe with a scary plan to downsize our district & starve our schools. Parents & educators are fighting back: We know the money is there to support our students! #UTLAStrong#SchoolBeutner
It is old school, but I would buy post cards for all Ss and make sure a positive one was mailed to each 1 before any negative contact could be made #EdChat
In reply to
@msiwanicki, @Patrice81854835, @sgthomas1973
Parents should not be surprised when the report card arrives. Tech provides a means to communicate for parents' collaboration to help their kid. #Edchat
We have more meetings before, during, and after school this year than ever before (been there 10 years). Clearly, I am not getting very far in my efforts. #Edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @blairteach, @msiwanicki
I agree. We are facing several new, time-consuming initiatives. It's frustrating when you want to take time to connect, but you know you're being held accountable for paperwork. #edchat
In reply to
@sgthomas1973, @ShiftParadigm, @blairteach, @msiwanicki
Ps may be aware of grade through an online grade book, but Ts still need to reach out to communicate why the failing grade and how both parties can further support the student to be successful. #edchat
Technology is an important tool in educator/parent communication due to conflicting schedules/busy parents. Technology increases convenience/ keeps parents involved when it might be difficult, like if they work the night shift or can’t make the drive to school #edchat
I get contacted by guardians pretty frequently. There are some that I try to stay in touch with often (about 2x/3x week). A parent has contacted me about the safety / well-being of their child #edchat
I believe teachers can use tech tools to communicate in an appropriate way with their students, but students need to use it in the same effective way #edchat#edu451
I haven't experimented with all of the features yet but thank you for reminding me about the portfolio. I think it would be meaningful for guardians to see their children's work in almost real-time #edchat
is there a good list out there of good tech communication tools? I'll be honest, I hardly have time to go through all the resources I see. I'd be happy to hear some recommendations. #edchat
However we communicate with Ps, I think it's important we not use students as the device or vehicle to complete the process. They are horrible at relaying what we want the parents to know. #edchat
However, there can be some negatives to technology use. Sometimes using technology for communication may result in a miscommunication between parent and educator, and depending on the situation, may cause tensions #edchat
That’s a great start. Even if some don’t stay in contact, you’ve established a relationship should there be a really important reason to reach out. #EdChat
Low-profile interventions are techniques that proactive teachers use to correct misbehavior without negatively impacting the teacher’s ability to deliver instruction. Learn how & why to use these interventions in your classroom on my blog. #edchathttps://t.co/70LJnc36cD
There is so much tech access to school information that if the parent is uninformed that is on the parent NOT the teacher. I am over the onus of school communication is on the teacher. If that makes me a bad teacher than so be it.
#edchat
For orientation I gave every parent/guardian/kid my personal cell phone number and told them to text me and I would add them to my contacts ... few did. #edchat
The best way to learn about communicating with parents is TO COMMUNICATE WITH PARENTS about how to best communicate with them... they're busy, aren't always available, and so on. save time by sorting things out up front. #edchat@msiwanicki@sgthomas1973
I’d never heard of those three moments before. The second is in reality more often when the parent comes home from work (or the kid comes home from who-knows-what activity), but I like the focus on the beginning and end of the day. #EdChat
One of the reasons we have so many meetings this year is b/c of test scores. Perhaps if we tested less, we would have more time for planning and P communication......ijs... #Edchat
I believe the parents who want to reach out will find a way regardless of the medium. More of a believer in creating relationships that allow communication I suppose. #edchat
That's something good to include on my beginning of the year questionnaire - I asked their preferred method of contact but I should include that question for next year - what time works for you? #edchat
The best way to successfully communicate with parents about their student is TO COMMUNICATE WITH PARENTS about how to best communicate with them... they're busy, aren't always available, and so on. save time by sorting things out up front. #edchat@msiwanicki@DennisDill
Most of the parents I chat with prefer text message ... most ignore Remind (I know I do as a parent) ... they don't need more apps to download ..... we need to stop over complicating everything. #edchat
I think letting parents know you understand all they are juggling also increases communication. They don't worry as much about feeling judged and are more like to respond/reach out to you. #edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @msiwanicki, @DennisDill
From your experience, do you feel some parents are more reluctant to talk on the phone or communicate via technology or have you ever had parents tell you that you may be overstepping? #edchat
Can you earn a fail? And I thought we want kids to fail sometimes? What if it’s an honest hard-working fail, or the kid didn’t get it despite the teaching? I guess the “giving” OR “earning” are both problems I have with grades. But that’s the subject of another chat. #EdChat
Yes! This is a great question to consider. I never know when to call the parents who work 2nd or 3rd shifts. So then I usually default to an email that I may or may not get a reply back. #edchat
In reply to
@msiwanicki, @ShiftParadigm, @sgthomas1973
That is why I like @BloomzApp. T posts 1 place...Ps decide how they want to receive it. So 1 can get txt, 1 @facebook , 1 @Twitter , 1 email etc...but for T 1 place and done #EdChat
In reply to
@DennisDill, @BloomzApp, @facebook, @Twitter
Well, some Ps may be like me--if I don't recognize the number, I'm not answering (too many spam/scam phone calls). I would much prefer a text or email. Some Ts have said Ps tell them they call too much, but I've never been told that. #Edchat
If a failing grade is warranted that is fine, but as a parent I would like an opportunity to help my kid, if possible ,before the grade is solid. #Edchat
All guardians have been really responsive when I've called b/c it's only been positive (so far). I feel like if guardians feel like I'm overstepping they won't answer the phone honestly haha #edchat
Those are the scheduled conferences. We have a lot of parent workshops throughout the year, usually with great turnout. Our PTA is very active! #Edchat
In reply to
@Patrice81854835, @msiwanicki, @DrGodard
Good point. I used to never answer the landline... now I don’t even answer my cell phone if I don’t recognize it. But I always answer when I know it’s the school. #EdChat
In reply to
@sgthomas1973, @Alyssa_Kremer, @msiwanicki
Just like the innovation & design process, school improvement requires ongoing cycles of fail, reflect & improve. We shouldn’t hide this process from students, but instead model the right behaviours & empower them as stakeholders. #FutureSkills#EdChathttps://t.co/0WI1nS1zky
wow ... 1/3 of the adults in your district do not have a phone? Not buying that ... did you get your information from a parent survey or actual data ... people lie on surveys. #edchat
This tweet reads like less-active Ps are content w/average. There are many reasons Ps "appear" to be less active. We can't assume they don't want their S to be successful. #Edchat
In reply to
@Patrice81854835, @DrGodard, @JeremyDBond, @msiwanicki
What I have found is that a parent has a greater respect/connection with me when I give them my real phone number ... i am offering my trust in them and they reciprocate that back. I am not going to hide behind an app. #Edchat
I believe this a great idea as in this day in age many parents are constantly online anyways. Through an easy communication server parents can be updated on their child’s process / needs rather than reading thousands of sheets of paper being brought home #EdChat
Also this can be beneficial because I know when I was younger, I would lose notes/reports my teachers would give me (left it at school, lost in my book bag, fell somewhere along the way home etc) through technology, this will make sure the message is delivered #edchat#edu451
I can’t wait for #ncte18 next month! Looks like some inspiring and cutting-edge sessions are scheduled. Can’t believe I’ll get to present alongside all of these amazing educators! #humbled#favoriteconvention#educhat#edchat#engchat
It's the moment you've all been waiting for! The #NCTE18 program is available now. https://t.co/jluTptz2xc
The app will be available very soon—stay tuned!
As much as I’m into some of this stuff, I agree. If parents have home access to any tech, it’s a cell phone, and if there’s anything every cell phone users use, it’s text messaging. #EdChat
I work at a private school and we are not allowed to use our cell phones to contact families. We have to use the school/class phones. We also have strict social media policies concerning families. #Edchat
In reply to
@JeremyDBond, @sgthomas1973, @Alyssa_Kremer, @msiwanicki
The best way to successfully communicate with parents about their student is TO COMMUNICATE WITH PARENTS about how to best communicate with them... they're busy, aren't always available, and so on. save time by sorting things out up front. #edchat@msiwanicki@DennisDill
Just like the innovation & design process, school improvement requires ongoing cycles of fail, reflect & improve. We shouldn’t hide this process from students, but instead model the right behaviours & empower them as stakeholders. #FutureSkills#EdChathttps://t.co/K2f8xKSMDq
I always bring digital citizenship into conversations like these. Aside from all the other benefits of communication, you’re modeling (teaching) good use of tech. #EdChat
I use an app called Tadpoles to connect with my families each day and everyone is very happy about it. Most have the app on thier phones but you can access from a computer too. I can send photos, notes, lessons and private messages. #Edchat
Monetary success should not be the end-goal of education (why not personal happiness?) #edchat#restorehumanity via The End of the Rainbow by Dr. Susan Engel
Mixed feelings about it. If parents specifically indicated a preferred mode of communication and still don’t know, I can see why that’s frustrating. But often wires just aren’t crossing and I wouldn’t point fingers at either side. #EdChat
My daughters school... where my wife teaches have a parent conference day on MOnday. #edchat It is a private school ..... many private schools in our area have parent conference days.
In reply to
@tpizzie1, @ShiftParadigm, @Matt_Halpern, @msiwanicki, @DrGodard, @JeremyDBond
I’ve even thought creating an @instagram Page for my classroom when I become a teacher, parents can follow the page and see updates about how well their students are doing (student of the week award too?) so students can see the progress of their kids #edchat#edu451
Of course I would need permission of the parents to take their child’s picture, but even as popular as @instagram is, parents constantly hooked to social media... this could be beneficial (as well as liking, commenting, and sharing the post etc) #edchat#edu451
Irony ... when teachers are all about being authentic, but hide behind an app for communication. "I want to have a real relationship, but no you can't have my number because I don't trust you." #EdChat
Two days are still not enough, but it's MUCH better than trying to do them all in one day! For support teachers like me, it's impossible to make it to all of them. I have around 75 students that I see daily. #Edchat
In reply to
@StallerMichelle, @ShiftParadigm, @Matt_Halpern, @msiwanicki, @DrGodard, @JeremyDBond, @DennisDill
I’d love it. I certainly have loved following my kids’ schools’ libraries and art classes on Instagram (or any class or platform for that matter, if more used it). #EdChat
I don't think its about being "authentic". I use an app to communicate about the learning happening in the classroom, but am always available by my school phone number and email as well. I definitely have "real" relationships with my families. #EdChat
As an @MSUCollegeofEd preservice teacher, my class has been talking about #multimodal literacy and creation in the HS classroom. What software do you or your school have access to, in order to allow students to create podcasts, videos, or digital art? #edchat#engchat
Liberal Arts in the Data Age "If we want to prepare students to solve large-scale human problems, we must push them to widen, not narrow, their education and interests." The balance humanities and #STEM in the future of work #edchathttps://t.co/gYR9wHLoo7 via @HarvardBiz
I know. In some cases, certain parents who really value education might not value the same things a school does (grades, college prep, whatever). So they may have a strong relationship with their kid but feel disconnected from the school. #EdChat
In reply to
@Patrice81854835, @sgthomas1973, @DrGodard, @msiwanicki
I work at a private school with small class sizes. I see my parents in carpool at least twice a week. We have several parent volunteers and programs, so I often ask - are you getting the Tadpole updates? - just to make sure. #Edchat
I know there are some apps that can send text notifications if the parents don’t have a smart phone. Through my track team, we use @GroupMe to communicate with all athletes and staff but he doesn’t have a smart phone, he just receives the messages like a regular text #edchat
In reply to
@Patrice81854835, @StallerMichelle, @DennisDill, @GroupMe
Apply for the TELUS World of Science - Edmonton Science Fellowship Award! Apply yourself, or nominate a colleague who has contributed to exceptional #science education. There’s a $5000 cash prize & $3000 for PD. Apply by November 15: https://t.co/XR9tutWVA8#abed#edchat
