#sschat is a network of educators, resources, and ideas that started on Twitter, but has expanded to Facebook, an annual NCSS unconference, and more. Join us to chat asynchronously on Twitter or Facebook, or chat with us live on Mondays from 7-8pm EST.
Andrew (8th gr. US History/Govt -- #sschat co-moderator) -- grew up in rural Maine, teaching and living in suburban Massachusetts -- very interested in this topic!
I'm Chris from Bloomington, IN. I teach world history for a private online HS affiliated w/ Indiana Univ. I'm also on the leadership team of #sschat
My Ss are in many locations & areas. Have taught in very rural school (K-12 with 435 Ss) & suburban districts.
If you haven't checked out the first Indigenous Studies Facebook Takeover post, hop over to https://t.co/76om0vXKTW after tonight's #sschat! Enjoy the chat!
A1: I struggle with funding for all the things I want to do. Because I’m at a private school, I don’t qualify for things like Donors Choose. I’ve gotten creative in my approach for new tech materials. For example, using Scholastic bonus points to get Dash robots. #SSChat
I know that department wide we have had a large variation in expectations (for grade and level). Over the past few years (at least in my department) we have been working together in creating similar experiences.
Not the same, but similar. #sschat
A1. We are strapped for tech, so having it available when we need it is a struggle. We're getting better, but I've been inspired by @Catlin_Tucker "Blended Learning in Action" to meet expectations and reality. #sschat
A1- Biggest challenges I have faced in my district is being labeled by the surrounding area as "that" school. I tell people where I work and they always just go "oh"....I fight that by hyping my school up. We do amazing things at my school and I share it out to the world! #sschat
A1) A Challenge I noticed in the very rural district when I taught there was that all the kids knew each other really well which meant they knew how to push each otheres buttons. Of course, they could also be very supportive of each other. #sschat
I feel like it helps if there's some sort of scope and sequence/road map. That way everyone can tackle the same ideas in their own way. It can be hard to get everyone on board though #SSChat
A1: Great Question... main challenge has been trying to create a culture of buy in and acceptance. I have held book discussions, mentor meetings, town hall meetings, the works. #SSChat
A1: Honestly, compared with what most tweeps will be sharing on #sschat today, my district mainly suffers from 1st World Problems [see meme below] and some self-inflicted problems. I'm fortunate in many ways & try not to take that for granted.
A1) Getting my Ss outside of their isolation can be a struggle at times - geographically and socially. We are tech blessed and rely on Google Earth, Skype, and CILC for virtual field trips to places that extend beyond our reach. #sschat
#sschat A1-M biggest challenge is working with other teachers in my department. I very much want to do all the beneficial things I have learned about and see, but my colleagues normally tear me down or ignore my requests for help.
We started last year pushing for common formative assessments, reading scaffolding plans, and vertically aligning our curriculum. It's a journey for sure. #sschat
A1: Jamie, phd candidate @uclagseis & former HS SS teacher @dcpublicschools. Olddddd school #sschat -er & hoping to follow along a bit tonight until pickup kiddo.
Oh! I'll have to check her out. Having things available when you need them/want them can be a huge struggle! I'm glad to hear you're making progress. #SSChat
#sschat A1-Because my department does not work with me, I reached out to different teachers and community members to help with creating a better learning for my Ss :) the librarians. museum staff, and other educators have helped me create great opportunities for my Ss
A1: Jamie, phd candidate @uclagseis & former HS SS teacher @dcpublicschools. Olddddd school #sschat -er & hoping to follow along a bit tonight until pickup kiddo.
A1: ELL challenge: getting teachers to modify their notes, assignments, assessments. Advocating for more training and encouraging other teachers to attend these sessions. #SSChat
A1: Biggest struggle for me was building meaningful curriculum that honored Ss strengths/histories & expanded awareness. A class set of laptops would have been awesome too! #sschat
We’ve been doing it awhile. It’s so rewarding and there are so many rich conversations that occur. Did some of my best thinking when trying to figure out how a student demonstrates deep understanding of text & content #sschat
Small pond here too. Most kids don't know how to make friends or even talk to someone because they have know the ppl in their world since birth - whether family or community. #sschat
It’s so hard!! I had a few really amazing colleagues who made up for it but I know it sucks when folks see your excitement as a challenge to their expertise/power & tear you down #Sschat
A1: funding and limited staff. We are a growing district, but in order to ensure the core classes are taught we have to make sacrifices in other areas...BUT, we just were approved to offer APGOPO next year for our 4th AP Social Studies class! #sschat
#sschat For my folks, it’s distrust of the strategic apex (which is definitely not me) to make strategic decisions that are best for the Ss and Ts. Lack of communication and committmebt to the mission and vision of the school by the same strategic apex of leaders. #SSChat
A2: Using technology in my classroom has helped me build an incredible #PLN. It has also helped me seamlessly differentiate in a way I couldn’t do without resources like @Newsela and @Buncee#SSChat
A2. Access. We have lots of students from impoverished backgrounds and many students that don't have those "outside" experiences. Google Cultural Institute, expeditions, virtual field trips, etc. #sschat
Personally, I sometimes find teaching high school in particular to be isolating. It is helpful to be able to tap into a larger social studies community on #sschat and in other spaces.
A2- @Newsela has been a game changer in my classroom. Just like everyone else, I have such diversity in reading abilities in my class. @Newsela allows me to level the playing field and make content accessible to all my kids! #sschat
A2 In all the same ways (both positive and negative) that technology has opened doors for the rest of society---instant information, more visual media, more social connections. #sschat
#sschat A2: Students have been able to use their one-to-one to do bigger research projects such as National History Day. Its also easier for me to get the community to get involved with these projects since I can easily share material with a wide range of people.
Hi! David, music educator & aspiring admin, from SC. In a new school this year which is urban, but taught in a high poverty school for the past 14 years. In & out tonight; putting kids to bed! #sschat
A2: Technology has opened opportunities for my Ss to see far and distant places and connect with other learners from around the globe. Tech is a game changer.
Warning ⚠️: Tech is important but it’s not a replacement for high functioning teachers #SSChat
#sschat A2-Thinking about the editing my students have access to, student teachers, college undergrads and grads, high school students, and community members will constantly help edit work or give suggestions for improvements. Tech makes it possible.
A2 omg! It has opened a whole new world for my Geography class! I haven’t had the Ss open our terribly boring textbook for a long time! We can experience new places (#VirtualReality) and talk to real people (@SkypeClassroom)! #sschat
A2) In my online courses, I have Ss from rural parts of my state but also students from NYC, Chicago, etc. as well as from midsize areas and other countries. Love that technology helps them learn from each other though it is asynchronous. #sschat
A2: Google translate has been a wonderful addition to our entire corporation. Helps teachers, students, and parents communicate more effectively. Google Expeditions has also been a great addition. This allows our students to experience more than they normally would. #SSChat
Curriculum mapping and design are an ever evolving process! Definitely. It's good though in the sense that we don't get stagnant and the changes are hopefully for the best. Fingers crossed! #SSChat
In reply to
@M_Shomaker, @MrOverstreet101, @42ThinkDeep
A2) Tech has def broadened Ss viewpoint. Ss have been able to connect w museums, politicians, and experts they would have just read about making their experience more meaningful and memorable. #sschat
I taught for 9 yrs in a town of 1400 inhabitants. Ended eventually in CO in a school of 1400! Throughout all the changes, it was professional organizations that saved me. #sschat
Haha similar. I can guide tours through pretty much anywhere in the world. Download Google Expedition on your phone and you can see what all it is even without the viewers. #sschat
I def think there’s a balance to respecting experience & knowing we all become socialized to think we know best when not challenged/exposed to new things regularly #Sschat
In reply to
@helsh10, @MrOverstreet101, @forginghistory
That would make it tougher. Wasn't in that situation but many of the teachers had been teaching there for many years which was great b/c they really knew the community. They had trouble keeping newer folks around for long. #sschat
In reply to
@M_Shomaker, @Jenny_Osowski, @MissKRafferty
Q2 @MissKRafferty using technology in the classroom has allowed us in the past to connect and collaborate with other class' around the world and NOW to start creating more content to share around the world.
#sschat#community#collaboration#design#edtech
Google “The Secret Door” it is linked to Google maps, every time you open it it takes you to a new 360 in the world!! Perfect for bell ringers and sense of place. #sschat
A2 a huge challenge for us is protection of teacher planning time. It seems that every time we have a chance to plan, another request is being asked of us. #sschat
A3: With access to quality technology we are able to differentiate in ways that we couldn't before. Kids can work at their own pace and each one gets a more personalized education. This allows for growth across the board, not just with our middle-of-the-road pack #SSChat
Grab a google cardboard off of Amazon for $6 (you don't need the fancy kit) and download the free app. Your Ss will be immersed in a myriad of experiences! #sschat
In reply to
@42ThinkDeep, @MrOverstreet101, @M_Shomaker
#sschat most of the backlash I get is teachers do not have time to implement the ideas, but they generally agree with me. Most of my colleagues are content with teaching social studies traditionally and not focusing on skills or applicability.
I def think there’s a balance to respecting experience & knowing we all become socialized to think we know best when not challenged/exposed to new things regularly #Sschat
In reply to
@helsh10, @MrOverstreet101, @forginghistory
A3: Technology in the hands of our students is definitely an Equalizer between the haves and the have not’s in the educational sphere. It is important to make sure that all learners know the capability of the technology they have at their disposal. #SSChat
Q2/3: I had to balance using tech to see the world/know current events with making space to study their own community-especially in DC-when social studies was cut from the curriculum in most “failing” schools #sschat
A2: not sure where to begin - tech has offered the opportunities for my Ss to meet other Ss from other states, participate in webinars, and improve academically #SSchat
A3. It can help students who struggle with speaking and writing, gives access to some of the places the "rich" kids get to go virtually, brings them face to face w/historical places and objects. Can allow for differentiation and give them a platform to share. #sschat
Though time-consuming, would it be helpful to create one? That way you'd have it for years to come and whoever comes after you would have somewhere to start #SSChat
It took me to a comic book store. Which is cool. Right now I'm readying Strong Female Protagonist and Paper Girls. I'll check if I'm behind on both. #sschat
A3 - It is much easier to use a multiple intelligence approach to engage students. Plus scaffolds and supports are more available to assist a broader range of students. #sschat
#sschat A3-Students have access to an infinite reservoir of knowledge and schools allow all students to have those opportunities. It can be dangerous though, a sizable percentage of Americans do not have access to internet so tech can also hurt.
#sschat our biggest challenges are the ones related to the struggles our youth face and in aligning goals with our treatment partners (hospitals, jails, residences etc..)
I taught for 9 yrs in a town of 1400 inhabitants. Ended eventually in CO in a school of 1400! Throughout all the changes, it was professional organizations that saved me. #sschat
Yup that was the way I was going to do it...but I got lucky and scored a grant for the big set. It really is amazing to see the kids when they get to see the world through it. #sschat
In reply to
@Jenny_Osowski, @42ThinkDeep, @M_Shomaker
A3) Tech allows you an easier opportunity to reteach concepts. So if you use @screencastify you can easily record basic concepts and allow your students to constantly come back. It also changes assessments. You can more easily give student choice. #sschat
What gets lost when kids mostly work individually though? What about discussions related to collective good & sharing differing experiences with social contexts? #sschat personalized usually means individual & I think loses value of *public* edu for democracy
There are some great templates out there. Lot's of times curriculum maps will be public documents. It may be helpful to begin by Googling your subject area to see examples. #SSChat
A3: For rural music students, tech has allowed them to receive virtual T feedback through assessment video submissions. They don’t have access to private lessons like urban students do. #sschat
Right?! When I adjust reading levels on @Newsela it allows for all my students to have a voice in our conversation. Not just the few who can read at a higher level #SSChat#GameChanger
A3 #sschat a. Youth have access to the best teachers in the world through sites like @skillshare@youtube b. Can adapt for reading and writing needs with @madebygoogle#readandwrite and c. Connect themselves to communities of learners regardless of where they are @McHughEduCentre
In reply to
@MissKRafferty, @skillshare, @YouTube, @madebygoogle, @McHughEduCentre
#sschat Agreed, but individualized education does not need to be 100% of education. In the past, education was all group lecture and students did not get a chance to be individual. We need to find the balance. Students can learn something different and share with each other.
What gets lost when kids mostly work individually though? What about discussions related to collective good & sharing differing experiences with social contexts? #sschat personalized usually means individual & I think loses value of *public* edu for democracy
A2: I love how my technology helps my S’s research real time when we are in class together and go down a rabbit hole and don’t know an answer. I also benefit as a T from the access Remind grants me in regularly involving parents in what we are learning #sschat
One of my favorite things to do is by processing our thinking and process during long research and writing by pausing for a day to do 60-miniute Socratics where we just talk. Students are only allowed the book, a piece of paper, and a pencil.
Not necessarily. You can still allow kids to work together. I've got a few who barely talk at all. You allow them to collaborate on Google Docs and they peer review, edit, give feedback and have convos back and forth. That's not always the case but sometimes. #sschat
In reply to
@Dontworryteach, @classroomtools, @MissKRafferty
I am in a 1:1 iPad school (I am very lucky). By the time I get the juniors there is a number of students with broken devices! It makes things complicated when planning on tech use. #sschat
I hear you. However, my kids don't *mostly* work individually. I give the option during the times of my week when it would truly be beneficial. Kids need to experience collaborative education as much as individualized education. I allow for both. #SSChat
A3 When tech turns into process only and we lose sight of deep questioning and thinking about content, it's not an equalizer. It's poor instruction. #sschat
#sschat A3. Not sure if this is how/where I should respond to this, but here goes... I think that technology can be used to help Ts modify curriculum to meet the needs of their Ss. But also, Ts can crowd source curating modified materials, assessments, tools, etc.
A4: Time is my biggest obstacle. There are so many great products/tools/ideas out there, but it’s hard to find time to vet products, learn them myself, and then introduce them to kids. I’ve learned that with some things it’s best to just jump in and learn as I go! #SSChat
A4: blocked websites, improper rollout (poorly researched,) resources. I would love to do more with VR tours, but cell phones are sometimes an issue and class sets are so expensive. #sschat
Completely agree. Just using tech to use tech definitely can damage learning. Using tech we have to be intentional with it just like everything else in ed. Great point! #sschat
Tech requires lots of maintenance. In addition, it can be limiting in what it allows students to actually do. Also it gets old quickly, and is costly to replace. #sschat
Another benefit that technology can offer is students collaborating, even with students who are absent. No more, "Susie was absent so we couldn't get our project done." :) #sschat
#sschat Agreed, but individualized education does not need to be 100% of education. In the past, education was all group lecture and students did not get a chance to be individual. We need to find the balance. Students can learn something different and share with each other.
What gets lost when kids mostly work individually though? What about discussions related to collective good & sharing differing experiences with social contexts? #sschat personalized usually means individual & I think loses value of *public* edu for democracy
#SSChat A3 It has allowed us the opportunity to find guest speakers that engage our students in learning. They are able to interact and ask questions of these history makers. It has been a great addition to our school (North White-Indiana).
A3: Our technology gives our S’s access to a plethora of sources that they wouldn’t otherwise have. I also enjoy the differentiation within my room...While we aren’t 1:1, we are a BYOD school so you see students using a variety of technologies in any given class period. #sschat
Looooove crowdsourcing ideas for materials & curriculum. Shared resources = more brain time for me to design the learning experience & modify materials to make sure my classes can be critical & culturally sustaining. #sschat
A4. Availability, connectivity (love that spotty wifi), unfamiliarity w/the device (especially Chromebooks, for some reason). Have to figure out a way to push through. Always have a plan b,c,d,e... #sschat
A4) Usually it is the restrictions day to day...blocked websites or you can't do something else on that device. Sure there is some maintenance but not really anymore expensive than anything else. #sschat
A4-Funding and time. Time to teach the kids the program ...but if it is that valuable and will enhance the learning experience then taking the extra time to do it right is worth it! #sschat
We've encountered a lot of issues with teachers using the Checkology virtual classroom with network filters. Most we can resolve {except @ChiPubSchools and a few individual schools). It's a constant struggle #sschat a4
A4: I am going to go out on a limb and not give the “time” answer BC there is never enough time. (1) I would say it is blending solid instruction, technology integration, and differentiation for my learners into one succinct package. (2) effective content specific PD! #sschat
That's what my school does as well. It's been helpful to have access to them both at home and school. We also have dedicated time once a month to work on them. #SSChat
#sschat A4-Parental distrust of technology, lack of internet access, physical disrespect towards tech (so many broken computers), computer addiction, lack of familiarity with computers, students have computer taken away permanently despite all computer based curriculum
A4: Being comfortable in your skin to admit you need help using new technology (even if it's from a student). Teachers can overcome these obstacles by making time (you're never going to find time) to learn & school districts providing quality, well reviewed PD. #SSChat
A2) Tech has def broadened Ss viewpoint. Ss have been able to connect w museums, politicians, and experts they would have just read about making their experience more meaningful and memorable. #sschat
A tech commitment from the District as a whole is critical - especially in rural areas. It can't be a 1x purchase but the infrastructure, pd, and understanding that things break or get old and need to be replaced. #sschat
#sschat-A4 Parent meetings and weekly emails, coach students on where to find after school internet, safety meetings, remove computer privileges and bring in counselor, computer classes and video tutorials, always have printed material ready
Interesting that you identified all men in that list, while most classroom teachers are women. Why might you think their motivational speeches are better teaching than people who actually study the science & art of teaching as their career? #sschat
And the continued knowledge-building for teachers. There's so much that tech can do BUT it requires
⏰ time
⚡️ energy
🤔 thought
💭 practice and reflection
It's so much like any other classroom strategy. #sschat
A4-I was amazed when my friends who are rural teachers discussed the lack of connectivity and options available to them outside metro areas. It made me feel badly for them and very lucky/fortunate for myself. Accessibility must improve. #sschat
A4. YES! Ultimately, all Ss learn differently, and it's important for students to understand how they learn best. I learn best by taking notes and writing my thoughts down over and over and over again. I hate taking notes on devices. #sschat
When that goes into effect, teachers across the country will stop logging in. They will notice. Every teacher I know uses Remind (including this #sschat group!)
A5: As part of our state project my kids used to study and then write a paragraph about the attractions in their state. This year, using Google Tour Builder, they’ll be creating virtual tours of their state and going on the tours built by their classmates. I can’t wait! #SSChat
I have this simulation I run over the Age of Exploration and Discovery...I could use technology to spice it up and make it more like an Oregon Trail simulation #sschat
A5- I use to do reflections on projects only in writing. I now use @Flipgrid sometimes to mix up the reflections. Sometimes it is nice to hear the kids walk through their thought process and self eval. #sschat
A5-75 min Socratics with seniors in discussion over chapters of @sprothero 's book "God Is Not One." Read, annotate, make notes, come ready to talk. We look each other in the eye, ask hard questions, phones are banned unless we agree because we need to google something. #sschat
A5. I use to have students script and storyboard their own historic series/shows on paper. W/Google docs & slides they can collaborate away from the classroom, w/iPads they can record, & w/iMovie they can edit. One of many game changers. #sschat
#sschat A5-Primary source analysis and creative writing. I think students benefit from getting away from computers for 20 to 30 minutes in my class and organize their ideas on paper. They then take these paper notes and organize them online later.
A3 #sschat Just ducking in to say that visiting classrooms via @Skype changed the arc of my career. It has been am awesome experience for me to connect w so many Ss and Ts over the past few years. The offer is always open here: https://t.co/m4vtglqWFx
#sschat A3 Does anyone know of a successful model for crowd sourcing materials can be found? Unfortunately, given my role I can’t create a system for doing this work, but would love to point Ts in the direction of models where it is done well.
A5 One of the most engaging activities I've ever used with students is https://t.co/JcsA3wMV6I Not sure that there is a way to incorporate tech, but if you have suggestions, please tweet them. #sschat
I was going to share something similar! My old pioneer trail simulation got bogged down with calculations on paper. GoogleSheets automated much of that, and prevented cheating too! #sschat
I really enjoyed the Overland Trails database! You can read people's journals as they travel west!
While it makes me feel like I'm snooping, it is pretty cool. #sschathttps://t.co/T5vLypzmbx
It has been, thankfully. We're doing one over the causes of the American Revolution in two weeks. I plan on blogging about it and, of course, sharing out resources. #sschat
Yes! My principal suggested we appoint one official class Googler. When questions come up during the middle of class, that person is tasked with finding the answer #SSChat
Mary-Owen from Nashville - hs US History teacher - joining super late to the #sschat party tonight. I’m new to my district this year, but one challenge is inequitable access to technology at home. Attempt to address through extended library access.
A5: My S’s work on semester-long project about fixing one problem our town is/will be facing. Trying to incorporate @ArcGISOnline into this project process. Let’s get kids using AND making maps. #sschat
Yes!! I also like the idea of delaying gratification of knowledge, and for students to come up with their own possible answers beforehand. Lots of possibility in encouraging Ss to think first. In our low-tech K, "wondering" led to some powerful thoughts. #sschat
A6: With resources like #MysterySkype and #GlobalReadAloud our kids are able to have personal contact with people from all over the world. The possibilities are truly endless! #SSChat
I do something similar with my Gov kids. Last year's group completely changed our school entrance and enhanced security at our school. Was one of the coolest projects I was apart of with kids. All student driven. #sschat
We need to ensure we are helping students use technology productively, and remember that generations use technology in different ways.
(Sometimes I see teachers - myself included - have a hard time processing that.) #sschat
A6: Technology can open doors, break down barriers (real and imaginary), and level the educational playing field between the "haves" and the "have nots." #sschat
Q6: #sschat I often @Skype into overseas schools -either American school abroad or even local schools that have reached out to me. and always think that a virtual “pen pals” program would be great idea- connect with Ts/Ss in other countries on a regular basis. Anybody try it?
I teach younger students and have only a few who truly know how to use Google well. Depending on the question, I usually ask someone in the moment who I'm confident will be able to find the answer. #SSChat
A6. What was it Mark Twain said about travel killing off your prejudices by broadening your worldview (of course put much more Missourian)? Exposure, even briefly, changes you. Connect and, I think more importantly, have students create and share. Get feedback from others #sschat
A6: collaborating globally! I really liked the School Pen Pals booth at NCSS, just wish everything was free for the program (don’t we all though?) #sschat
Yes! Nailed it. We don't use technology the same way our parents use it nor the same way as our students. What matters is that we're using it for a purpose and that we're trying #SSChat
A6. Technology's greatest power is in helping us CONNECT: diversity of opinions, skin color, ethnicity, sexuality, religion, ability. What greater gift to Ss than to help them see, discover, and forge their place in the world? And we as Ts have a front seat to it all. #sschat
Q6: #sschat I often @Skype into overseas schools -either American school abroad or even local schools that have reached out to me. and always think that a virtual “pen pals” program would be great idea- connect with Ts/Ss in other countries on a regular basis. Anybody try it?
As a young girl, I was fascinated by her story. How was it that a young woman and her peers had the courage to resist a venomous hatred among a sea of bystanders? Always be the upstander. #sschat#edchat#neverforget
"Somebody, after all, had to make a start." Sophie Scholl, the anti-Nazi hero, became one of the world's great symbols of courage and conscience in the face of tyranny. Our blog post tells her powerful story. https://t.co/S8dzY2Tqrv
It's almost as good as grabbing a great parking space .... or picking up an excellent pen .... or receiving a free cup of coffee!
For next week's #sschat we're chatting about "Where to Find the Best Nonfiction Content" with guest host @jjanikis
As a young girl, I was fascinated by her story. How was it that a young woman and her peers had the courage to resist a venomous hatred among a sea of bystanders? Always be the upstander. #sschat#edchat#neverforget
"Somebody, after all, had to make a start." Sophie Scholl, the anti-Nazi hero, became one of the world's great symbols of courage and conscience in the face of tyranny. Our blog post tells her powerful story. https://t.co/S8dzY2Tqrv
It's almost as good as grabbing a great parking space .... or picking up an excellent pen .... or receiving a free cup of coffee!
For next week's #sschat we're chatting about "Where to Find the Best Nonfiction Content" with guest host @jjanikis
