#TeacherEdChat Archive
We invite all educators to contribute to the conversation of preparing preservice teachers as well as practicing teachers for the realities of the 21st-century classroom. This includes principals, in-service teachers, university supervisors of student teachers, education professors, higher education administration, instructional technology specialists, and so on. Anyone with a vested interest in supporting our teachers in preparation for teaching the diverse K-12 student population is invited to participate.
Monday March 21, 2016
Welcome to the ! Please introduce yourself, your position, & where you're from
Please join us for the chat now at
Katherine Goyette, Curriculum Support Provider from California's Central Valley (Sanger Unified School District)
Thanks for stopping in at tonight to discuss role of Twitter in education.
Welcome to let's celebrate Twitter tonight
Go ahead and introduce yourself
Can't join 2nite. UCONN women's bball marching toward championship 11 on ESPN2 9pm. Go Huskies!
Joining from Connecticut where I teach grad ed courses
Good evening ! Dane from NJ. Preservice/Substitute teacher!
Am here in CT myself and alum of UConn
Hi there from SC, author and consultant, happy to be here
Shana from Georgia MS Tech Coordinator. Popping in for a few.
Hi Shana. Great to see you again in
Remember to use the hashtag
Joining from Michigan where I teach K-4 technology
Glad you're joining us on
great topic! i expect to learn a lot!
For tonight's convo, we will use a Q1, Q2...format for questions. Please use A1, A2...format for answers
Agree, discussing role of Twitter in Education is critical
Please make sure to tag to all tweets tonight for this chat. Let your voice be heard!
Shawn from Portland, Oregon, but tonight on the East Coast!
Jerrid - Dept chair of teaching & learning & science teacher prep
Checking in from Bethesda, MD
Great to see represented on tonight
Q1 why should educators use Twitter?
Hi Shannon, and looking forward to your contributions on tonight
A1 networking networking networking, it's also fantastic self paced of
A1: It can really help Ts expand their circle. Makes it easier to collaborate w/Ts near &far. Chats like this help w/learning
A1, grow PLN, find resources, and stay current just a few reasons to use Twitter as teach
A1: Grow your PLN, get new ideas, talk to other educators, expand your world--I ❤️ Twitter!!
https://t.co/K4dTXu92HB
Q1 why should educators use Twitter?
A1: Learn from other people who are doing things better than you. Connect and collaborate with other educators worldwide
A1 I find that Twitter connects me to other great minds while giving me a steady stream of news snips
Thank you...loving getting to chat w/ other educators & pick up some new ideas.
Q1. I'm not sure they should.
Tonya from Indiana 2nd grade teacher
A1: I'm new to Twitter and am amazed at the connections I've made + the resources I've found
A1: inspiration, expanding knowledge, validating, share ideas, convo w/like minded colleagues - so many reasons!
Twitter can be great resource, but also too often narrows solutions to technological fixes.
Checking in from OK. Teacher of 7th and 8th grade social studies in Vienna Va (FCPS)
Yes, the connections and resources available to educators via Twitter are phenomenal
I'm not sure all Ts should employ Twitter in instruction, but for prof learning, it's great
I like Twitter so much that I led a chat for our Mon. PD...hated it at 1st but slowly became a huge fan.
How did your audience respond to Twitter
Colleagues told me a year or more ago to get on. Now I'm a believer!
A1 information and innovation are everywhere on here. Chats are were I have found the most value.
The solutions offered vary with the question
A1 For small schools w/small PD budgets, twitter broadens Ts horizons, enlarges support circles, etc.
A1: Twitter is a great way to teach digital citizenship & how to curate worthwhile information
maybe. There is a clear tech as solution bias here though.
yes, for schools of any size, educators can expand their knowledge base through Twitter
Q1 illustrates the tech bias.
how do you define "digital citizenship" where you are?
/2 receptive; 1/2 determined not to participate...a shame because it's great.
A1) connect with teachers and let Ss preview new material and reflect on what they have accomplished
What kinds of assistance do you generally get via Twitter
A1: Twitter can expand a teacher's personal learning network & enhance expertise as they follow educational leaders.
mine is simple "sharing worthwhile information without being a troll." Officially, no clue.
Q2 How do you use Twitter?
A2: I use twitter to participate in chats like this. As a preservice teacher it has really expanded my horizon
google scholar is much greater resource.
you do an excellent job sir
I leave each chat having learned something
It is wonderful to hear how Twitter is helping preservice teachers: gives you a perspective
A2: j/k - I like to engage with peers across the country (and Canada! ) who are fascinating.
That doesn't surprise me. Many people understand what tech is but only as a substitution and not as a complement
In what ways do you use Google Scholar?
Twitter can be a great resource, but to not question its problems is dangerous
A2 I use twitter as PD resource and a way to connect w other educators--in & outside my district https://t.co/9iUrgCDNZg
Q2 How do you use Twitter?
A2: Personally, Twitter chats professionally, all Ss have an account for hashtag exit tickets, plan on expanding next year.
Interesting to know your students check your Twitter feed
Never would have thought to make an "education" twitter account if I had not heard present at an event
My office mainly; being an Admin is alot harder than I thought
A2: I use Twitter to establish connections w classrooms and learners bear & far, learn from other Ts, and find resources.
A2 I use it to expand my PLN; stay updated on new ideas, and gather new ideas
What grades do you teach?
I teach 10th grade AP World History at a Title 1 school.
So you have your students tweeting for school
A2: I use twitter to keep current on educational trends, expand my personal learning network, & make connections.
A2: I use Twitter to learn abut new tech, get inspired by other tech integration peeps, validate what I do - self accountab.
we use Twitter for online discussions. It's a good way to build Ss online persona through modelling Practice
Google scholar gives research-based resources rather than popular ones
can you elaborate of the Twitter exit pass with # I am intrigued
ive heard different sides2 this.some say 2block Ss if they follow u. others say dont... thoughts?
How do the students respond to use of Twitter for that purpose?
A2: Twitter chats have allowed me to make connections for my students, prompting an engaging mystery skype session!
Absolutely. I'm going to try to expand past exit tickets next year. It's experimental this year.
A2: twitter is my professional therapy & challenge for growth & connected learning
A2: We use classroom accounts to communicate events, learning activities, and HW daily in our classrooms, removes walls.
Well, I know a few million, but I'm always curious to hear more.
Definitely see your point
I give them 4 formats and encourage them to choose 3. It's been positive so far with
I use a # like . They respond to a question that I have associated w #. Helps me CFU.
Fantastic to hear this; how do students & parents react?
Q3 coming up in one minute
👍🏻 I go in with the mentality of "I have 5 mins to learn something new or connect with someone" what will it be?
Students ❤️ knowing their videos/messages are being shared. Parents love the communication & feel part of room.
I don't block students because I use Twitter as a professional forum. I want my Ss to see me model best practice
A2: I also use my classroom account to communicate any announcements to Ss and build relationships (read that as memes)
A1: Twitter is a great tool for helping one to become a 'connected' educator...great virtual collaborative learning!
Wow, and hope you can get other teachers to do the same
Love the term "professional therapy". I totally get it. My PLN feeds my soul
I like this thought as well!
So their recent change of streams was even more troubling to you, then.
Every day new educators in our district jump on! It helps that our admin modes and endorses it.
Q3 how do we convince others that Twitter is awesome?
A2: I use Twitter to develop a global ...so much expertise and experience to tap and engage with.
Yes admin support will bring other teachers on board w/ using Twitter
and those global virtual connections deepen our learning and widen our perspectives
A3 force them to be on it, like I do in my EdTech class every fall
rejuvenates me! chats addictive,love them bc I learn diff perspectives&my PLN intro's new concepts/thoughts
I also feel like students do better when things are for a real world audience. Twitter offers immediate real world
oh ya. Chats are horrible. I get the appeal & am glad I came across tonight, but these are real conversations.
Agree, the global aspect of Twitter is what is fascinating & all at our fingertips
A3: Honestly, not sure yet. I'm giving a school-based PD soon on how to use it for teachers, professionally & personally.
SHOW THEM! I show all pre-service Ts and share with my school Ts. Once they understand - they love. https://t.co/4M4sbEbyaE
Q3 how do we convince others that Twitter is awesome?
Nathan, Shawn and I did this collaboratively twice in the last 2 years.. Quite an experience
A3 by using it in our everyday conversations. Guess what I found on Twitter last night?
A3: Maybe by explaining all the connections you can make? But have 2 understand some Ts will be scared b/c of lack of privacy
We do the best we can w/in the environment: it is how we use the tech that matters
A3: buy in...be enthusiastic as you share what you learn & intro a new tweep to a chat that would benefit them professionally
A3: Spread the word by sharing the impact on your professional growth and your excitement about learning virtually!
A3 Share with them the best practices and resources that we have learned through Twitter to help them see its value
how did it go with class? We could triangulate in the fall?
A3: Convince others twitter is awesome by demonstrating it in action!
allows me to stay focused. If it's a chat, then I'm there for hours 😁
Sit them down, pull up a chat and walk them through it. It's eye openning when Ts see all they can learn. Addiction ensues!
A3) new convert to Twitter and I saw it modeled and loved it. Use it, show it, teach it.
my class is not really on social media since we are so into our projects
tech uses us as much as we use it. Must recognize this to make better decisions.
Especially when chats or conference presenters tweet links to resources
that was my suggestion Shawn :) Nathan and I didn't do that yet. 3 classes sounds great!
omg we're tweetsisters!! me too! chats on calendar&feel like I'm missing out on a opportunity when I miss them
A3-Model, include in communications, next goal is to start a school PD chat
True, tech companies collect data, but just the same Twitter allows for educators to collaborate
. sometimes we have to say "no, this is not worth doing the best we can in" -better environments exist
Many schools & districts have a hashtag for their own chats or sharing info/resources
so does a telephone , or a walk down the hall.
have you tried it has all tweetchats in one place
Another reason why needs to be part of our curriculum
A4: Learn to 'lurk' and follow some conversations/chat...check out the caliber and see if it might meet some of your needs.
what classes do you teach Nathan? Mine were not either until I asked them to join
How are you using your phone, e.g., for collaboration, global connections, Twitter
I made an acct but my go to has been tweetdeck, sounds like i need to dabble more!!!! thx!
yes. Clearly I value Twitter, but our rhetoric can get a bit hyperbolic sometimes.
Yes! Can't wait to get that rolling - so much great PD at our fingertips 😊
That all depends on who is sending the tweet, but the same is true for any media
A5: Learning to use Voxer...more than 'posts', it's about conversations that can be recorded and addressed as time allows.
the class is like a large Edcamp
ooooohh....I love Voxer...
We use Twitter to introduce social media opportunities to teachers learning to integrate technologies in their classrooms.
A6: Hootsuite is another great tool!
so they create videos? Would love to watch what they do
joined a voxer group w/ & it was great but I couldnt keep up w/ the mass convo
A4-start small, follow your interests
of course true of any media. Yet, too few ask critical questions of this medium because it's trendy
A3 Give them Twitter feed in graphic novel format.
I agree. People need to be aware of what they put out there.
https://t.co/Vxjp0T26BL
Twitter can be a great resource, but to not question its problems is dangerous
Sorry to drop in and then leave early, but this really is a great group and a wonderful chat! Thank you!
Yes, find Voxer groups that get large can be difficult for keeping up
love the idea of a school wide PD chat thanks! Now I just need more Ts on twitter
they tend to be ideal with 5-6 people max. Do you find that?
A4: It's okay to take it slow. First step is to make one. Then observe if you aren't comfortable actually tweeting right away
I was looking for tonight!
Q4 what do you say to an educator that is resistant to using twitter?
Other social media are equally trendy or more so: SM reflects society
A4: Join in on just one or two twitter chats & you will be convinced of its value to enhance collaboration/learning.
A4: dont nix it until u try it at 3x's, then give tips&explain it's okay lurk until your comfortable& join them in a chat
I use Voxer with my grad classes, and it is very helpful
what is a good newbie voxer group? I'm interested in trying it out.
A4: join, watch and find what works for you. I observed for a long time before actually deciding to tweet
A4) baby steps can lead to big break throughs
A4: You find out why. Then you talk them through concerns. was right when he said we have to face the problems
Try one with some cohorts/colleagues first and then find one in your interest area
A3: Brute force--just kidding.😛. I just get so excited talking @ it & led a chat at our Monday PD.
https://t.co/O9tLwm6r5R
it was great but I was behind 50 VM by the time I got off work
A4: Try it, I'll help you. If u don't find value u don't have to use. Nthing vntured/ nthing gained https://t.co/ATXlW8XQZA
Hearing other viewpoints is beneficial
A2 I use Twitter for ideas. Twitter chats make me think about others views and therefore grow as person and educator.
I would have been able to stay on top of the convo w/ a small grp
yes! Why can't we have a chat devoted to the use of whiteboards? SM is not the only valuable
fair enough - there is value to asking the opposing viewpoints
I concur (and by the way, chalkboards are much better than whiteboards)
Why whiteboards: they're already being phased out
Exactly! It's never too late to start. 👍
I loved it! But didnt' have the time to dedicate to a large group
A4: It's okay to lurk. Twitter isn't one size fits all. You decide how little/how much you post, engage in, & connect.
If you mean whiteboards for checking and marking up, all you need are walls paneled with them
A4 The best advice for a reluctant educator is to "lurk" in a chat and see what's going on
neat! I joined in 2011 but was dormant until March of 2015 :-)
but there are.. rn is talking about teaching through graphic novels I believe
A4: I try & share what I'm doing...you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink.
https://t.co/0cvKUNYnCZ
Do you mean a Voxer or Twitter chat?
A4: Using Twitter at conferences or to share conference resources can help reluctant people see value of Twitter
@ voxer, no prob w/ lg twitter grp bc chats are real time
What do you mean by hire boards?
Absolutely! Widen your scope even if you agree to disagree! Close minded helps no one. https://t.co/0PjRTKFsTY
fair enough - there is value to asking the opposing viewpoints
A4) also as we all know learning isn't one size fits all: Twitter isn't for everyone don't force it
what made you decide to tweet?
it seems that going to conferences is one of the better ways to get People on Twitter
Agree, Twitter chats w/ large groups easier because of the real time response
Also, for those not attending a conference f2f, Twitter can be an excellent way to follow along
A4: I share ideas & resources from my PLN connections. When Ts ask me how I stay conmected and keep learning, u know what
Do you want to guest moderate a chat on whiteboards?
So cool! We might be doing a school wide chat soon, too.
https://t.co/i0W3B2GjE7
love the idea of a school wide PD chat thanks! Now I just need more Ts on twitter
agree safety in numbers so conferences are a great Twitter beginning
teaching by modelling. There's a lot of value of sharing our own experiences with Ss
Yes, I find often I'm telling others I got a teaching idea from Twitter where I often archive resources as well
no, I don't believe chats are good tool. I do talk about whiteboard use in methods classes.
heard at conference,had a need for info & hopped on, soon became addicted & hated that I held out for so long
that's a reasonable idea. I am not interested in moderating, but would find it fascinating!
A5: Instagram intrigues me. I would say that'd be more of a classroom persona though.
Have found others reporting attending a conference where Twitter was used helped them to see its value
A5: Educators should understand what is out there, even if not using, if for anything but to teach responsible use.
Try it you will like it! Lurking, I lurk on chats that interest me but I may not really have anything to contribute.
I do see the value of learning a different perspective from you through this chat..
Some teachers use Instagram to post assignments, school news, and other info
Can I add when u r lone Tech person, nice to chat with kindered spirits. https://t.co/D58DCcO7vA
heard at conference,had a need for info & hopped on, soon became addicted & hated that I held out for so long
sweet -- we could keep group small. I'd love the back & forth. . I'm a better speaker anyway...
A5: Ts need to explore and find the Adam that works for them. There are so many great options.
was intrigued by a topic and decided to jump in. My first tweet was "might as well tweet"
conf was eye opening,didn't see it when I made my acct in 2011 but by 2015 I was in a diff prof place
A4:I would do a 1-on-1 with my account for them to see.Then,set them up and let them know there's other ppl out here like you
Please join us and add your voice to the conversation about professional learning standards! https://t.co/6IcdWhj7T0
So who uses blogging regularly as a social media platform?
yes, you find your own circle and PLN
AGREED!!!!! It keeps us from feeling like an island of 1
I just started using Instagram to post pictures of what kids are doing in class ...
A5: Ts need to explore and find the SM that works for them. There are so many great options.
A5: Ts need to explore and find the SM that works for them. There are so many great options.
Chiming in late, but I had I on my calendar for tonight!
Is your Instagram audience mostly parents or the students?
A4: I could see Vine or Periscope being useful but I personally don't like the lack of censor (could be wrong).
sadly I haven't gotten to, but I need one for my new job. Time to learn Wordpress...
we can't help kids if we are not aware of what they are doing or what could happen there. Can't turn a blind eye
A5: Pinterest could be useful for project collaboration
I see value in your arguments & think it really goes back to individual preferences. 1/2
Q5: Lve Edmodo - Ts use with Ss + have awesome communities for Ts PLNs. Twitter for discussion.
I use both regularly, esp , but primarily to connect w/ people in all walks of life & to see the world
students past and present ... many parents aren't there nor are they on Twitter, find most on FB
Tech is toolbox and we often pick tools depending on purpose and preference
A5: periscope & meerkat for live feed, vine for 30 second rec, GHO & skype for real time collab...depends on user
So do you use FB pages to communicate w/ parents/community?
Ha, ha. Never thought of Pinterest as SM but if you are selective you can get some great ideas.
https://t.co/VeWH1sgvAN
A5: Pinterest could be useful for project collaboration
Big on using GHangouts for collaboration across classroom walls & connecting w/ experts
I could see using it next year as another way to connect with world we are learning about
it's been a goal of mine but still yet to do it..how about we challenge each other?
A3: The proof is in the pudding.I can just share the many opportunities and collaborations I've had just from 140 characters
The app will go through updates by then & you could use settings to keep the exchange more private
blocked in district but I love the potential for collab & connected learning
love the stance & insightful discussion.It doesn't have to be an echo chamber all the time
No FB, Google Classroom great way to communicate. Drank the Googleaide and never looked bk. https://t.co/x59ZFLe34t
So do you use FB pages to communicate w/ parents/community?
Strange that GHangout is blocked. What about Skype?
who blocks GHO? That's madness. itanymore
A2: I use it for work purposes & prefer it over Facebook any day. Immediate response & feedback & it's consistent learning
