Tools and Apps for the Connected Educator – Tech Talk Tuesday in Review

October 22, 2015

As this is Connected Educator Month, the topic of conversation amongst participants at the recent online Tech Talk Tuesdays webinar was “Tools and Apps for the Connected Educator”. As bandwith, access to technology, confidence with technology etc differs across the world and with people we connect to, it is essential that we have a broad toolbox at our disposal and a willingness to try many options. Those people who are highly connected and techno savvy may have to go back in time to the simple basic tools where other cultures are comfortable. Link to the recording

The following questions were discussed and the responses from all those who attended is featured below.

Who do educators connect with?

people they work with
teachers, classes and students elsewhere and across the world
celebrities, authors
experts in topics they want to learn about
parents, students, community members
people who share information and encouragement

Some different ways of connecting?

webinars, virtual conferences (K12 Online and Library 2.0 conferences are on now.), skype, google hangouts, blab
google docs and apps
backchannel tools eg todaysmeet, backchannel chat, titanpad
twitter
mystery skype sessions
padlet, voicethread, apps on phones eg wechat, whatsapp, viber, remind

Which tools or ways are all cultures and languages comfortable with using?

paper and pen
drawing
email
possibly talking if there is a common language.

If connecting with persons from other cultures/languages, the lowest common denominator should always be used until all parties are confident with each other and then explore other digital tools for connecting. (my personal opinion and experience)

What should we consider with email?

cannot see the other person’s face, body language, emotions
sometimes it is hard to explain things in writing
be very aware of the language used, that meaning is clear
everyone should have an email account and sharing text is usually low risk and less confrontational to build confidence with each other

Tools and hardware for videoconferencing (preferably look for the free tools, those that are accessible in connecting schools and countries etc)

Basic hardware – computer/laptop/mobile device; webcamera; microphone – inbuilt or external, a connected teacher
access to internet and free online tools eg skype, google hangouts, zoom, viber, wechat, whatsapp, fuze etc Ones that enable recording may be preferable but check student permisions
mobile devices, phones for sharing text, photos and audio, video
access to any Education Department licensed tools eg MS Lync, Polycom equipment in Victoria, Australia

Backchannels (online chat tools are usually non-threatening and give everyone a voice) Some suggested tools are:-

todaysmeet, backchannelchat
padlet
skype chat, google hangout chat
mobile apps (some of which now have desktop apps) eg viber, wechat. whatsapp, remind
twitter messaging or live feed

Interactive and collaborative media