Mar

Backchannel Gone Right

Filed Under (Uncategorized) by Beth Still on 08-03-2010

Let me set the stage…..
I was driving to work this morning and I got a message from Jason Schrage telling me that I need to check out the video that he just tweeted about. It was a Ted Talk on saving the oceans which fit in perfectly with my Global Studies class. I knew Jason was home with a sick child today so I suggested that he should moderate the backchannel that I always run during videos. I was pretty sure he would agree since it was the perfect opportunity for him to get to interact with students about a topic that is important to him.

Just before my second class started my principal came in and said he was going to do my yearly observation. I knew it was coming, but I had no warning. YIKES! I briefly explained what we were doing and I got him logged into the chat. For the next 90 minutes we discussed the history of Ted Talks, the implications of destroying the oceans, and how students can use social media tools to make their voices heard.

It wasn’t until later in the day when I reviewed the chat that I realized that something significant had happened. While I was circulating around the class throwing out ideas there for my students to think about, Jason was steering the chat. We had a Skype video chat open so he could view the video along with us and so he could hear the conversation. Basically, we were co-teaching my class. The level of interaction between him and my students was impressive. They were willing to ask him questions and include him in the discussion. It was an amazing thing to watch. I think my principal was impressed as well.

7 Responses to “Backchannel Gone Right”

Mary Says:
March 8th, 2010 at 5:31 p
What a lovely story of co-operation, collaboration and online teaching

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Kelly Says:
March 8th, 2010 at 10:16 p
Incredible Beth. A great story about how technology can enhance learning, instead of getting only one master teacher, your students benefited from two today. Lucky them!

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kristascott Says:
March 9th, 2010 at 8:26 p
What a powerful learning experience for the kids! I wish I could have seen the collaboration! I know that it was a lesson they will not soon forget:)

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LaRon Carter Says:
March 9th, 2010 at 11:21 p
Insane collaboration and learning, Beth Still.

@teachnetireland posted notes from a meeting with Karen Cator, the Director of the Department of Education Office for Educational Technolog, where she outlined the five priorities in the plan and how “Learning” is the focus not technology.

Be sure to let your principal know that according to OET you all hit all five priorty areas: Learning, Assessment, Teaching, Infrastructure and Productivity http://ow.ly/1g99f.

Two thumbs up! Stay focused. Stay confident and keep learning. Carter | @K12Live

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- Beth Still Says:
  March 9th, 2010 at 1:57 p
  Thanks for the two thumbs up LaRon. It was absolutely amazing to be able to have another teacher involved in the lesson. I cannot even imagine how powerful it would be to have a sister class somewhere else to collaborate with on a regular basis. Just need to figure out a place to help teachers connect classrooms.
  
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Nancy Pratt Says:
April 7th, 2010 at 8:50 p
Dear Beth,

Wow! You have come a long way from that first time last year, remember? When you invited us to join your chatzy chat as your students were sharing their multi-media presentations. I could not see the presentations, but I could participate in the chat and ask probing questions, etc. That experience for me was profound, to be in Arizona and “real time” participate with your class in Nebraska. I have shared this experience with many educators.

As you continue to push forward, I am so pleased and proud of you. Being squarely footed in the 21st Century is giving your students opportunities and experiences that will support their growth and skills as they move beyond high school. What a gift.

Thanks, Beth. Just wonderful!
Nancy

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Jessica Pierce Says:
April 12th, 2010 at 6:57 p
Fantastic story about how technology can truly help learning.

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