#edtechbridge Archive
Building an authentic community of #edtech developers and educators to help create better #edtech. Join our #edtechbridge chat monthly on the 2nd Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. ET!
Wednesday March 9, 2016
Welcome to a special . We're on Twitter while and the Dept of Ed talk f2f at
INTROS! Please introduce yourself, name, role, location, and favorite early learning app
Hey there, Steve! Good to see you all! Abner from Former peep. :)
Campus level support to Ts & Ss for integrating tech to enhance learning targets.
Intro: Katya, NYC, UX Research , and love many early learning apps - first to come to mind is The Foos
Exciting format! This is from in Chicago
Emily, community and content at in NYC. Hi, all!
and I just discovered it from your tweet! Thx!
Q1. What (do you imagine) is the typical development process of EdTech for early learning?
What an honor to be joining from today!
Debby from NY dropping in while waiting for Open House to begin.
A1 EdTech companies need to test their products with children & teachers at all levels at
Q1 has entered the building: Q1. What (do you imagine) is the typical development process of EdTech for early learning?
Hi, I’m Mike, ’s Creative Director in Honolulu. Huge fan of ; can’t stop playing 's pizza game
A1. I imagine a lot of play and exploration among designers, and (hopefully) a lot of interacting with young learners
A1: Developers need to interact with young learners and their educators to build standard based learning opportunities.
Kathy Fritz here in Savannah. h@katyamuses
HI there - Jessica, dir of engagement . Love the open-ended creative apps like those from Toca Boca and Tinybop.
Happy to see these pics! Nice haircut =P
A1: I hope lots off input from learners, educators and parents.
A1: Prototype, playtest, prototype, playtest, prototype, playtest. Repeat.
Excited to be participating in the early learning Ed tech meeting!
I hope so too, but I imagine getting lots of young learner input is hard for many creators logistically
I would assume a combination of ideas/input from all parties who would benefit from the product.
Doing homework and I realized I was 10 minutes late! Anyway., Kevin K here, student leader at
A1: typical developmental process for edtech should involve teachers, parents, and students.
A1: Hopefully meet with parents, students, teachers from the beginning and then invoke upon the dev process as a team :)
YES! https://t.co/72Ee78HdNi
A1: Developers need to interact with young learners and their educators to build standard based learning opportunities.
Give us a minute for Q2 :)
Need more opportunities to do edtech hacks with teachers and admins to build the products and services needed.
Hi everyone - just getting underway with Q1 here in
Wish was here with us but quite grateful that she can feed the questions from home :)
Let me know when you're ready, people
Abby Kennell, Asst. Principal Reagan Elementary, LeanderISD.
A1: Research on the needs of Edtech for early learning. Surveys, trial run on products, etc.
My son and I are also addicted to ’s Cupcake game!
Listen to, learn from, and be inspired by users/potential users at the early stages of product development.
A1 devs identify a need or a goal to be met
A1. Is there something that can support Ts or ps that we can provide?
I'm unsure where the questions are located.
A1: developers need to start w/ a problem users (teachers & students) face by asking ?'s.
Q1 has entered the building: Q1. What (do you imagine) is the typical development process of EdTech for early learning?
Hi! Leanna from KY-I'm at and thought I'd jump in on the conversation! Always great!
Here is Q1 What (do you imagine) is the typical development process of EdTech for early learning?
There are also a lot of great answers in the chat about what we might do even earlier :)
A1: we're exploring the overlap between Ts, parents and both in app procurement. The stakeholders are intertwined!
Q2. How are stakeholders (parents, educators, students) involved in the process of EdTech for early learning?
Q1. It's very important to involve teachers, parents, and kids in the design process for early learning
A2 in our group not many have had opportunity to provide feedback.
We were just promoting the heck out of in our panel on learning from teachers at !
Yay! Can you come tou our meetup at 5?
Q2. How are stakeholders (parents, educators, students) involved in the process of EdTech for early learning?
A1. It could be based on research with edtech companies partnering with universities and lab schools
Becky from Central California, saw friends posting and decided to jump in.
Awesome! I heard there was an shoutout from
From an educational perspective, Ts want tracking pieces for kids.
A2 ps may not know how to provide feedback or feel like it's not heard
Where do you provide feedback? How can a parent share their experience? It's a struggle with early ed tech.
How can parents and teachers give feedback to developers? Not a clear process - could rate in Store, or just not download.
A2 Many models depending on company's interest in involving stakeholders.
are you running that?!? It was on my list, but now I'm def in
A2 All should actively work with children to learn together. Educators need to help parents https://t.co/s4Y6TaY8oH
A2. I'm not sure tbh I involve Ts/Ss in my work in the classroom. How do get Ss involved if they are pre-school?
A2: By making connections, providing 2-way communication, piloting & beta testing, along with asking for feedback/input
A2 can there be a way for Ss to provide feedback
A) lots of EL tech is at home... So parents vote w their dollars.
You want to ask Ss "did you like this app?" and, though they can't verbalize it, you can tell if they liked it.
A2. Devs should've incorporated their feedback from start. Ongoing feedback s/b built into the product. Lean Startup, peeps.
A2: aside from having ONE vote per school in PLC for curriculum choice? Teachers are hardly heard by most places.
A2: stakeholder feedback needs to occur more than once. It needs to be continual.
Ss don't like an app, they won't use it-teachers will revamp for them-but admins revamp for teachers? That'll be the day.
A2. If tech is research-based, should be shared upfront w/both parents and teachers. Devs should set up advisory board.
Q2. Depends- edtech development ideas do start as local problems at a local school. It's how to infer relevance elsewhere.
A2: Communicating S needs is key to develop and enhance Edtech skills, and to prepare Ss to be future ready (Leaders).
A1: Sorry. Still thinking about Q1. What early learning research has the developer made the bedrock of his/her work?
A2: feedback from different types of stakeholders and even differentiate in that. Different types of Ts, admins, Ss, etc
A2: My exp shows limited involvement from stakeholders for development. Not bc unwilling but lack of opp.
A2. Issue is to get everyone involved in process. Early childhood most parents have no idea. But recommend, give 2Ss 4trial.
Q2 At BrainPOP, we go into the classroom for feedback on early stage paper prototypes. Going to Bronx elem. school in the am!
A2: Beta testing with education.
A2. Cont... testing in many settings across demographics (public/private, economics, cultures) is key
I hear there may be some participation from Budapest during E2 Welcome and the
A2 At BrainPOP, we go into the classroom for feedback on early stage paper prototypes. Going to Bronx elem. school in the am!
Seeing Ss interact with the app in person is imp. + how that changes through time.
Hey - it's my new friend :)
I'm aware other companies do this as well.
Let's add more parental controlled timers to apps for 2-6yr old. Except when on airplane.
Me too! participate learning is awesome #
Agree but for early childhood can be limited unless Ss exposed to tech before coming to preK. Input with parents.
Anyone up here at join on this week's chat from happening now
Let's do it! Q3 coming right up...
Trial and error method. It's what works for Ss that is important.
Q3. What features of EdTech for early learning do parents and educators like? Dislike? Why?
Ts want platforms that are enjoyable but also meaningful, not just "fun".
A3 ps don't like in app purchases neither do Ts. Just make me pay up front!
A3: We like the ones that enhance learning targets for students. Dislike the ones that are merely fun.
A3. Giving children the power to create and share their work with parents, friends, teachers, and classmates
Many Ts are still technophobic, and want something easy for them to navigate, also.
A3 Make pricing easier to see. Show me the bundle
A3: The distinct separation of learning goals and “the fun part" makes me sad
Sharing work with parents = super important. I hear that request a lot
A3. Flexible edtech products that teachers could customize based on their stunners' needs
A3: Our table is against annoying noises.
A3: EdTech features should have easy access for parents to support instruction and be informed.
A3 tell me the parent role in the description so I know I can be involved.
Are you guys tweeting by table at ? =)
A3: I like that many apps I use have a free AND paid version. Allows for trials before diving in.
Yes! in person and on twitter.
Q3. What features of EdTech for early learning do parents and educators like? Dislike? Why?
Ts want: the ability to create + share, to update parents, for cross-curricular products.
Could you plz clarify? Do you mean unexpected in-app purchases and bundled prices? Or paywall of features?
here you go! https://t.co/huVkWiAhez
Q3. What features of EdTech for early learning do parents and educators like? Dislike? Why?
A3: Most early learning products are drills and memorization, I want even very young students thinking not regurgitating
A3: Any edtech that gives ongoing real time feedback is always appreciated
A3. Early learning products that include parents as part of their kids' play and learning journey
"Utilize the tech to bring parents in."
A3 like it to be something ss can do age appropriate
Hey Jerry! Thanks for joining us today!
A3: Love early ed tech that consciously involves parents in the experience.
. Difficult for educators to secure permission to use apps that are not free.
A) dislike annoying music and cloying characters... Little kids can handle a little more sophistication
QUESTION 3:
What features of EdTech for early learning do parents and educators like? Dislike? Why?
A3 we like that there are supports within apps to help as be independent.
Me too. And I wish that edtech for older kids did the same . .
How can edtech help to coach Ts in using more in depth platforms?
For Ss, gamification and instant gratification are MUSTS in this world
This is such an eye-opening conversation! Chatting style here at .
A3: Poorly considered visual design can make me delete an app. What kids see can be as important as what they eat
Mike, on A3. how does district separate learning goals and "fun part"? Delete creativity? Plz expand?
A3 Transparency and ongoing two-way communication a topic of interest at our table.
Well stated - I agree. Same goes for adults, right? We are so quick to leave something that's not inviting.
A3) WAY too many great early learning opportunities ONLY available on iPad, not online or accessible to laptop in any way
Ah, I see. So freemium model is necessity to get any teacher usage to start with. Thanks for that!
A3: As a parent, I like edtech that enables my kid to create, make, and problem solve.
Yes! As a parent and teacher! https://t.co/3ytGKoifme
A3: As a parent, I like edtech that enables my kid to create, make, and problem solve.
A3. Apps that work on multiple platforms
Hey Kishari - great to see you - getting to catch up with here at
Hm. Maybe a free pre-trial...there are bad apps out there. Sucks to get stuck w/something just b/c of budget.
Joining in a bit late... but we made it!
Yes! It has to be engaging for Ss.
Apps need to be available on multiple platforms AND browsers.
A3: Learning products pointed at consumer receive little scrutiny and parents need these vetted from educator advisors
Hey - thanks for adjusting to our special time change this week :)
A3: it's important to know the apps are connected to the learning goals.
great having two people from your team here despite the many miles between!
I saw Ana a few weeks ago. Fun to keep us all in the loop!
How's (silly question I'm sure!!!)
Same goes for adults! They'll delete apps, too, if they aren't visually pleasing https://t.co/EOfdWsz7Ji
A3: Poorly considered visual design can make me delete an app. What kids see can be as important as what they eat
A3. Quality over quantity when it comes to early learning edtech.
smart minds think alike. I said the exact same thing!
so nice to see you in person and in the chat!
Instant gratification is important to consider, but Ss also need to learn that they can't always have it... :~)
Sorry, *Distinct* separation. When you fly a spaceship to a math problem, and solve it before you can fly again
whoops! Didn't even see :~) def smart minds!
Agree but do find more for early learning on an iPad than Droid tablets. Need more developers to get on the ball.
A3. Recommend book by : Amplify- digital teaching and learning in the k-6 classroom
I totally agree! Paper and pencil activities are still so important for that very reason
. Licensing can be an issue if apps are shared, so yes. Free is easier.
A3 (sort of a4) offline version or extensions would be great
Ready or not.. Q4 coming up!
Q4. Fill in the blank: As a parent/educator my advice to developers of early learning apps/tech is ____
Coming from a district that won't let us use anything but IE, we are limited as many apps no longer support it
A3: easy integration between tools is so important. Ex: does it work with Google Classroom?
That sounds incredibly frustrating. And important for developers to know
A4: Involve teachers and utilize their expertise in teaching and children.
Nor on my dancing singing neon-colored math game...
Q4 is the $$$$ question! Let's hear it! https://t.co/DF6SGDR4Hm
Q4. Fill in the blank: As a parent/educator my advice to developers of early learning apps/tech is ____
Oh, sorry! Haha, I need to clean my glasses. Derp.
our super, too, since I caught him like one of my posts!
A4: spend the day in the life of a teacher and see their struggles, see what they love about their jobs.
A4. Get in the classroom. Go to teacher planning. Spend a day with teachers to get a sense of their day to day life
Q4. Fill in the blank: As a parent/educator my advice to developers of early learning apps/tech is ____
A4 take the app to Ss to test or try it in real world (no wifi!! No game!!)
A4: continue to get the app in the hands of the consumer through the development process!
almost everything works with Google classroom, the issue is if you're not a GAFE district
A4: As an educator, my advice 2 developers of early learning apps/tech is 2 make sure they can enhance the curriculum
A4: Get into classrooms! Talk to Ts and Ss!
We support pedagogy for learning and fun integrated and feed into each other throughout--not separated. :)
Happy to hear two devs at the same table here say that they get into classrooms EVERY Friday!
A4: it's imp. to understand how little blips are magnified for the little tykes. Ts don't have that time to waste!
A4-collaborate, Listen, be open and not just thinking about the almighty $$ Boy am I late :-)
A4: Have the ethical backbone to demonstrate efficacy and advisory along with your product, show families it works
A4. Minimize and simplify the set up and managing process. Time is very limited in classroom
A4. Connect with your ts and Ss and invest your time to be part of the learning community.
A4 Some themes at our table: Do (and use) research, talk to teachers, talk to students. Open communication and collaboration!
I definitely agree, get in the classrooms -essential
A4) even if it's easy, don't make yet another pick-the-letter, click-the-number lame "learning" app.
That is super impressive! At we strive to be in a (diff) classroom at least once per 2 wk sprint
A4. Don't tell me how you're going to fix my kid, tell me how you're going to help us have new experiences together.
A4) think of early learners as humans... Real people. Not just cartoon consumers. Thinkers, makers, problem-solvers
A4 Another contribution: Accessibility and apps specifically geared towards Pre-K and bilingual leaners.
And many of the extensions and apps won't work unless use Chrome.
A4 Lessons that can be taught (and loaded) quickly for Ts who are strapped for time (which is many).
Full disclosure: I bought all those workbooks for my offspring. Dumb but fun.
A4. Be responsive to teachers feedback
A4. "We have a summer program and your company can give us some hours to work with our kids to see if it works."
A4 Know your market! Work for, with and among them. The triad of parents, teachers AND children. Tech dev starts with people!
Exactly https://t.co/FTe3aqd5XQ
A4) think of early learners as humans... Real people. Not just cartoon consumers. Thinkers, makers, problem-solvers
A4: I firmly believe families would prefer a $5 app they know is proven than a $0 app with ads but no learning
and chrome is "illegal" on student AND teacher issued devices in my district.
, am I allowed to say that that feels really silly? It works the best!
A4: Provide opportunities for conversations. Teachers feel valued when they are asked to share ideas with developers
Had this issue. Had free issue but due to ads had to purchase app for student.
Wow...district restricts which browser you use? What are you required to use?
and people.. time for one more Q or should we start outros?
Research is huge- one of the first questions often asked by admins
Agree! Many tend to treat teachers as if they don't know what they are doing. Inappropriate.
Q5: how can early learning apps be more interactive and promote both learning and creativity?
A5 like "sneaky vegetables" kids may not know they are learning a complex concept they are having fun
don't make me come to Budapest! :)
Good follow-up Q4: is promoting creativity or inhibiting it?
A5 build in places where parents have to interact with kids about the game.
I haven't used Netscape in over a decade
A5: If apps are based on problems, not solutions, the interaction & engagement is embedded already, you don't need the glitz
I think there's a disconnect between the aspirations of edtech companies and how to actually teach
A5: Ability to connect more globally with peers and families.
Some apps promoted creativity and problem solving!
I like that term - I think of it as ‘accidental learning’
Google/chrome is free. My favorite 4 letter word FREE. With budgets being cut who does not like FREE
A5 I say by allowing the enduser to be the developer
A5. the apps can be about the learner making decisions, instead of following a set path
Q5: Challenges can provide a framework for , to help kids master learning goals. Problems to solve!
A5. Exactly. Give students a challenge to engage which is not just on the app but app aided
YAY!!! What a great team. So glad we got to connect at
A5. Going beyond superficial interactive features and instead focus on kids agency in their thinking and learning
ooh - love the tweeting post it pictures - that might be the next big thing :)
. I disagree, if you frame the complex as a challenge and journey kids love that, sneaking can ruin this
That reminds me of the Prensky book, Don't bother me mom, I'm learning
Yes, because is actively encouraging devs for and Chromebooks.
I love it too! reading the postits is more fun than reading tweets
Many edtechs are founded by noneducators who get VC funding which is part if the problem
Tech is only a tool. The content, experience, and context defines its value.
QUESTION 6:
How can we, as a community, work together to support the development of effective/engaging early learning EdTech?
Always loved the "sandbox" mode on games where you get to just do whatever you want!
Thinking more of prek and k https://t.co/1OBH246IMP
. I disagree, if you frame the complex as a challenge and journey kids love that, sneaking can ruin this
Tossed out Q6 for those who can stick around and continue to play from 'home'
I couldn't tell you how much I want to lobby chrome books over what we have.
, hah! I literally just said the same thing (tech is a tool) at my table 😊
A5. Engaging all senses by providing tactile interactions with real objects while playing apps on tablets
Signing out! Was very cool to chat online while the contingent chatted in person. Have a great meetup!
