Michael Matera
6th grade world history teacher
Author of #XPLAP and lover of all kinds of recipes... They all bring such joy to those you share with. #XPLAP
Hey #XPLAP crew! Dave Kolb, 7th Grade Math, Genoa IL. I went horseback riding with @Miss_Harter for the first time when I was in the Dominican Republic.
Happy New Year #xplap! John from Washington DC here. High school instructional coach and eleventh grade English teacher. Tried rocking a delightfully ugly Christmas sweater to work just before the break. Live loud. No regrets!
Jordan Billings 7th grade social studies in Olathe KS. And I have recently tried using videos to introduce class materal and game elements in class #xplap
hi everyone. Jay from NE, MS science teacher. I tried a 10-1-10 activity that I saw someone talk about on twitter, to show how putting in more time makes something better. #xplap
A1: Jimmy, 6th Grade Math Teacher from SD. This year was my first year coaching girls basketball. We finish the season tomorrow and it has been a blast! #XPLAP
Joining a little late tonight #XPLAP crew! Stefanie Crawford, instructional coach from Illinois. I tried a new game recently called Just One and loved it!
Hi crew! Jocelyn, Digital Literacy Consultant from Toronto. Recently tried a few new games (Exploding Kittens, Battle Wizards, Sushi Go Party), but this question actually made me think that I need to try MORE actual new things this year! Here's to new things in 2019! #XPLAP
Yo!? :P What's up, everyone!? It's Gameboydrew from SoCal. Fourth-grade educator. So . . . I recently launched my own YouTube channel. It was completely terrifying; however, it is so much fun! Actually airing my new vlog later tonight. #Subscribe#XPLAPhttps://t.co/I0SROGXRvy
Hello #XPLAP !
Susan Basalik, elementary music teacher from outside of Phila., PA. Tried & finally succeeded at creating a video with an overlay track last night! First time I was ever able to combine a video of me giving an instrument demo with scrolling sheet music.
hoping to introduce "seasons" of some sort into the game this semester, plus a few surprises that I don't want to mention cause some students stalk me on here. #xplap
I will copy @tishrich I played Splendor and Decrypto with my family over the break. We now have 2 new favorites and I know what I will be giving my daughters for their birthdays! #XPLAP
A1 I would like to take more chances. I will sometimes play it safe because I can more easily predict the outcome. Vlogging is also something that I have my eye on, but haven't quite gotten up the nerve to begin. #XPLAP
A1: this year I’m pushing myself to write more and to keep submitting proposals and presenting. I’m being more cognizant of time “wasted” when I could be working in these things and presenting makes me feel connected and helpful to other teachers #XPLAP
A1: I am taking leaps with my students this year. I have started a masive overhall of my classroom all lead by student feedback. Has been interesting so far. #XPLAP
Pushing myself professionally to take the leap in a big way for 2019 by setting audacious goals and telling everyone to help hold me accountable!
Double my Twitter follower count
100 YouTube videos.
100 blog posts
50 podcasts
25 speaking engagements
Game on.
#XPLAP
A1: Zooming way out to learn how to support teachers K-12 this year in new role! Learning new digital tools to integrate them into all classes. Also, starting to daily journal write, read at least 1 book a month, and run daily. #xplap
A1 Not game related but #tlap related. Doing molecular gastronomy for the first time this week for new synthetic materials unit. Maybe @tishrich has done it tho. #xplap
A1: My wife & I are moving to Columbus, OH this summer. Talk about a leap! I haven't interviewed for a teaching job in five years so I'm going to push myself to learn about new trends in education and experiment w/ them in my classroom. Any advice would be appreciated 😀 #XPLAP
A1: I am taking the @NatGeo Certified Educator course this year, and I hope to implement some cool Geo Inquiry + Gamification activities with some classes that I support. I also hope to take some additional qualification courses! #XPLAP
A1: This year I want to learn more about coding. I am thinking of taking the Google Computational Thinking for Educators course. I also REALLY want to gamify PD for atleast the campusus I support. https://t.co/4a7d6XHyLc#XPLAP
A1: I'd like to finish a series of articles I'm working on to foster student emotional support in the classroom. I'm also interested in designing an elective class at our high school on the Harry Potter series. #XPLAP
A1: pushing myself to incorporate more game elements in my class, and to get to know my students better, all 120 of them! Also want to get back into marathon shape and run another one! #XPLAP
A1: I am absolutely going to push myself to present more (and on different subjects). I have sooo many ideas for generating high-quality content. I'd love to share my journey/experience with others. Hopefully, I can inspire them they way so many others have inspired me. #XPLAP
A1- this is so true and I try and tell kids about new journals or article that I read whenever I can. I am hoping to leap into new game items and to improve my battle mechanics and add@new simulations to my class #xplap
A1 Besides continuing gamification—which I have been doing with intentionality.... I am try to push myself to share more of my story and journey through blogging (maybe even vlogging) ....and using more tech. #XPLAP
Josh Stock, 6th grade ELA teacher from Olathe, KS. One thing new I tried recently was having students find GIFs to answer questsions. It was great! #xplap
Just was in Columbus this weekend! Such a beautiful and fun place. Follow relevant hashtags on Twitter to find research and teachers talking about what they are reading and doing. What’s your content area? #xplap
#XPLAP Would love to add gamification to my lessons & rehearsals; need to figure out how to do it. Also would love to share some of the teaching materials that I've created with other teachers, but not sure if others would find them useful.
A2 @Miss_Harter has been instrumental in holding me accountable. I can set goals and she will keep me on track. She will be pushing me just as strong 6 months from now. #XPLAP
A2: Tough Question! Being willing to accept criticism. Also, allowing my wife to help hold me accountable. She's my biggest cheerleader, but sometimes I like to be too independent... #xplap
That's amazing... Just had a discussion with a friend of mine the other day who instructs college courses. Student wanted to do a video instead of paper. She said no. When I asked why, she couldn't give me an answer. We have to play on students' individual passions/gifts #XPLAP
A2: there are so many people in the #XPLAP tribe I could get help from. I jumped in 100% and gamified my class least year and loved it, I just can't wrap my mind around how to gamify PD. I know @MrsCford_tweets has done it. as well as others I could reach out to.
A2- I find our #xplap chats extremely helpful and I think it’s important to have a solid home base before you take big leaps so thank you all for being an amazing support base.
A2 I found my tribe/crew with #tlap#xplap and a host of other @dbc_inc related hashtags—it’s truly be transformative. If the next six months are like the last six months—oh my goodness the possibilities!
Having people in your life that you can be accountable with makes a big difference. SO Grateful for the people in my life that support, challenge, and encourage me in reaching my goals. #xplap
A2. Eagerly looking forward to connecting with fellow educators at @NCEATALK#NCEA19@ASCDconf#Empower19 and @STLinSTL#STLinSTL. Developing rich networks with fellow educators really keeps me inspired, excited, and pushing harder every day. Steel sharpens steel! #XPLAP
Love it @PerkyScience You were the first one to reply to my Youtube Crew question call. I still remember recording my answer to your question. Keep asking, keep growing! #XPLAP
In reply to
@PerkyScience, @MrsCford_tweets, @PerkyScience
A2: I think the best way to get help is finding the people that will inspire me to do better. I am all about expanding my PLN, connecting with new people (on Twitter and IRL), and trying different things.
#XPLAP
A2: Putting my Ss above it all. It's hard as a 1st year. I'm taught to "zombie run" after curriculum and standards. But how much of that do they retain without a focus on wellbeing and engagement. Creating engaging, caring classes takes us to the next level #XPLAP
A2: I listen to a LOT of podcasts to continue to learn and grow. Any suggestions for resources/apps/websites for creating graphics quickly. Right now I'm using canva but it's still time consuming? #xplap
A3: Trying to see things from other people's prospective. My Grad program has helped me take a view from the leadership stand point. Excited to dive more into that this year. #xplap
A3: Looking from Lena’s as an elementary and middle school teacher now as well as multiple content areas. It’s really stretching me and fascinating to be in so many classes. Learning and growing a ton!!! #xplap
A2 Would love to meet more gamification folks IRL to chat for more extended periods of time. These chats are great for getting motivation, inspiration, and help. Only works if we share and ask questions tho. #xplap
A3: Looking from lens as an elementary and middle school teacher now as well as multiple content areas. It’s really stretching me and fascinating to be in so many classes. Learning and growing a ton!!! #xplap
A3: I think the classroom (and the world for that matter) would benefit by looking through the eyes/view of a child/student. They don't see limits like we do. #xplap
A3 Ive always been highly reflective as an overthinker (blessing & a curse)... if you read my blog you’d know my 2018 was as dark as it was light—but having found #tlap#xplap and @dbc_inc EDUverse I now have that crew that positively pushes me & these chats energize me.
A2: Learning from other educators via Twitter chats, podcasts, and published authors. I need to do a better job of diving back into academic research to see what is relevant. Hopefully, my goals won't be as broad and, instead, more narrow. #XPLAP
A3: I read the Book "The Happiness Advantage" in 2018. I want to #sketchnote it in 2019 to keep the principles more in my mind. I love the persepective it teaches. I want mine to mirror it more. #XPLAPhttps://t.co/ytUFs6GuhK
A3 I try and see things through the perspective of my Ss. I'll even sit in their seat to get an idea of what they see (or don't) literally. Ask them questions and get feedback. #xplap
A3: In 2019, I want to focus more on creating engaging curriculum/lessons. I want my students to groan when the bell rings - to see school as a launchpad for life-long learning (big picture focus). Not a box to check for a diploma. #XPLAP
Today it was just a gallery walk with their iPads. Before winter break I had them include one in their Google Slides portfolio. They had to share a GIF of who they are as a reader. It was interesting to see their self reflections. #xplap
#XPLAP A3: For me, this year is about going out & seeing more of the world outside of music education. I'm presenting @ PETE&C next month & really excited about meeting new people & learning new things. Can't wait to see what new ideas I can use with my students.
A3. Blogging and recording podcasts has been a great way to unpack ideas and plans as they’re unfolding. Likewise, student feedback surveys every unit are illuminating. Really helps me take a step back & see what I’m doing right and where I still have lots of work to do. #XPLAP
A3: I think one way I can change my view is by changing my mindset. We talk about reframing failure as iteration. How about reframing success as iteration? There is always room for improvement (i.e., small or big). This is something I've started to really consider. #XPLAP
A3- we started our year with a PD session where our presenter said “if you can get out of it get into it”...I’m hoping to use this to connect with our harder to reach students and change thier viewpoint. For me I have picked a One Word theme of “Growth” to focus my efforts #xplap
A4 Leaps seem to be coming biweekly or more. I'm doing all new units and labs. Making new cards/powers all the time. Just wish there was more time to do more. #xplap
A3: I would like occasionally get out of my classroom and into other teacher's classrooms and other schools so I can literally change my view of what other successful educators are doing. #XPLAP
I sure will! I love getting new ideas. I am thinking about starting a board game club for the "littles" at school (1st & 2nd). There are not many clubs for that age. #xplap
A3: This whole school year is me adjusting my perspective. I came with my middle school lens and have learned so much by listening to, observing, and asking questions of elementary and high school Ts. #xplap
If you haven't read it yet you should try "Make it Stick". I have geeked out a bit last year and this year about all that is coming out about Learning Science. So much of it would so eaily fit into a gamified class. #XPLAPhttps://t.co/v1RDIc3dlx
A3: I'm trying to do more of my assignments with my Ss. It's shocking the assignments that I used to think were amazing, but end up not accomplishing the task I intended when I actually sit down and do them too. #xplap
A4: Need to increase my gamification, currently it’s not everyday but I believe I would have more success if I could play everyday with my students. #xplap
I am making part of the same adjustment. I came in with a middle school view and now I am learning elementary. What a kinder can do with tech is sooo different from a 6th grader. #XPLAP
A4 Tomorrow: Next blog post
Next week? Signed up for @tishrich book study for #MLMagical. Next unit? How can I gamify elements. Next year? I think that leap will be so advanced with all the stuff I am doing it’s hard to tell! #XPLAP
A3 part 2: I also want to focus on those students who "hate" math. Why do they feel that way and how can I change that?!?! #ChallengeAccepted#xplap#iteachmath
JOSH, I love this! I wish more teachers would sit down & do the assignments. I can tell you for sure they would do less redundant worksheets/mindless work. They would also realize it could be a different way! #xplap
A4-Sorry I’m late. (dadlife) My leap this year is coding. Going to be attending/helping a co-worker run an afterschool program for elementary coding and robotics. #XPLAP
A4: Taking a major leap in a few weeks when I present at #FETC. This will be my first year attending . . . and presenting! Excited to introduce the world to #gameboydrew! ; P #XPLAP
A4. Tomorrow: fully gamified independent research papers.
Next week: running the @runDisney Marathon Weekend.
Next unit: Huck Finn meets Twitter. #HuckLearns
Next year: Fully gamified year long approach to faculty PD.
#XPLAP
Well thank you everyone for making 2018 a great year and setting a wonderful course for 2019. I know the #XPLAP community will remain strong and ideas will keep flowing. Have a great rest of your week.
Absolutely agree! But they can also do awesome things! We just worked with a first grade teacher to design an escape room that was part digital (for answering and “unlocking”) and room stations to solve in order to proceed. 5 stations, one hour, all escaped. So fun! #xplap
I use to do them at the end of each unit. I leanred when my kids saw that I changed in response to what they said they gave me even better feedback the next time. #XPLAP
Tomorrow-introduce new gif idea for student simulation from @teachlikeaninja , next week- add archive requirements to my game, Nexy unit-unveil why my evil wizard sent champions into the past. Next Year- develop “knights academy “ idea to improve my game #xplap
YES! And have you noticed how fast they grow in their learning? It just seems to make them want to learn even more. Our world could benefit from that! #xplap
#XPLAP Tomorrow: getting student feedback on performance we gave this evening. Next week: build website to go with 3 presentations that I'm giving this year,Next unit: adding more interactive learning to a dry concept. Next year: would like to be blogging & creating an e-book.
A4: Tomorrow: QR code for the leaderboard, Next Week: new sidequests, Next Unit: Interactive game map, Next Year: Money system for my game, For the rest of my teaching career: Continue reflecting on what I love about my job #xplap
@mrmatera for another awesome #xplap chat. Appreciative of all you do for education with this chat, your YouTube channel, and resources—they have all made an impact on my practice and Ss
@mrmatera for another awesome #xplap chat. Appreciative of all you do for education with this chat, your YouTube channel, and resources—they have all made an impact on my practice and Ss
I thought this would be pretty cool. One of our teachers is already exploring entering her kids in this for the younger competition.
https://t.co/zajSceXuln#xplap
Into week six of #gamification in my full class. 11th year teaching, first time #gamifying - side quests and other choices making learning more awesome! #XPLAP
