In times of uncertainty, we need hope, an optimistic attitude, and positive thinking – so let’s talk about motivation, inspiration, and optimism today in our last #nt2t chat before the summer break, called the introduction of the Twitter chat.
#Nt2t is a Twitter chat. Considering that all countries have to deal with uncertainty in online learning during Covid19, such a global discussion is very interesting. The main discussion was between this following countries:
What is a Twitter chat?
Twitter chats are an easy way to engage with your peers and target audience by asking targeted questions or providing answers to the community. A Twitter chat is a scheduled, organized topical conversation on Twitter centralized around a specific hashtag.
You can compare it with a Meet-Up or a panel discussion around a specific topic. Mostly, there are some invited speakers participated in a panel discussion. An audience listens to speakers. In a Twitter chat, you are at the same time invited speaker and the audience.
What are the requirements for a Twitter chat?
- A specific hashtag designed for the chat
- A specific time. Twitter chats usually scheduled for an hour
- A topic for each chat
- A moderator posting questions, using the format Q1, Q2, Q3, etc. Twitter chats usually have 6-12 questions.
- Participants answering the questions, using the format A1, A2, A3, etc.
What are the benefits of a Twitter chat?
Twitter chats give the ability to learn from your peers. If you are looking to connect with more people with your interests, joining a Twitter chat or start ones by yourself.
What was the procedere if the Twitter chat #Nt2t?
It is a good idea to consider a phase of entering for the participants, and moving into the Twitter chat topic and to provide time for closing the Twitter chat. In the following figure, I have tried to show the process for #Nt2t graphically. Between „Entering“ and „Closing“ are different kinds of phases: the first block of questions, based on experiences, followed by the block of interactions, and the second block of questions based on advice.
Summary of the questions:
Q1: Despite the crisis situation, what was a positive experience that continues to motivate you? (based on 26 responses)
referred to students:
- students are demanding online education
- students are increasing their skills extremely in a short time
- some students like learning in online environments more as in the presence
- parents and teachers increasing their engagement together
referred to work attitude of the teachers:
- connecting with minded people, they help each other
- sharing exchanges with the peer-group
- many offers for collaborating
- become aware of equal responsibilities with the working partner
- sharing resources
referred to technical issues:
- using free platform services (free for teachers)
referring to self-efficacy
- challenging with the extreme conditions
- feeling empathy and solidarity
- experiencing with new connections to stay in touch with families and students
- Re-evaluation of one’s role, skills, and actions
- to have more quality time with the family
Q2: To counter uncertainties it is good analyze errors. What didn’t go so well in the last weeks and what was the reason? (based on 18 responses)
referring to the struggle in teaching situations:
- challenging with assignments by students, they copied from each other
- Transferring presence into online teaching, first following the same pattern, then thinking in new patterns
- do not reach all students because of technical issues
- communication does not work every time and resulted in stress situations
- handling the technique during an online presentation
- changing constantly the curriculum and trying out what is working and was not
referring to the struggle in working situations:
- discussion making with others during online connections was more difficult as in the presence
- Workload underestimated for students and themselves
- constant availability instead of taking time for thinking processes
referring to the whole situation:
- trying out new things needs kore time
- maintaining a balance with work and home life
Q3: Insecure times need a lot of strength. How do you use the school break to recharge your batteries? (based on 17 responses)
referring to nature and going outside:
- walk/jogging
- gardening
referring to improving skills:
- reading
- cooking
- baking
- painting
- golfing
- writing
- working on home projects
- doing stuff, they didn’t have time before
- reorganizing things
- learning
- planning the next school year
- Accepting imperfection
referring to improving quality time:
- spend time with pets and family
- revitalize relationships
- building new connections
Q4+Q5:
Q4: If you could wish 3 things for the next school year, what would they be and why? (based on 18 responses)
Q5: What 3 tips would you give to a teacher who starts teaching the next school year? (based on 13 responses)
Most teachers would like more presence time with colleagues and students. This is defined by most teachers as quality time in which to build and strengthen a relationship with them.
Furthermore, open and appreciative cooperation with colleagues is desired, in which experiences, material, etc. can be exchanged.
Only a few teachers wish for the time before Corona. Most of the teachers see the current situation as an opportunity to improve teaching and adapt it to the needs of the students.
Q4: If you could wish 3 things for the next school year, what would they be and why? (based on 18 responses)
- less curriculum
- more skills
- more community-building of all stakeholders
- back in the building with colleagues (regularly)
- collaborating with coworkers on how to try new things
- continue open and honest communication with families and
- focus on social and emotional well being of students and teachers
- To be surrounded by colleagues ready to problem-solve
- That we all have more appreciation for each other
- redesign school
- access to internet and devices for those who do not have i
- Meet my new students before trying to teach them remotely.
- I wish my current students good luck in person as they enter high school.
- Take some time to learn what works best for remote teaching
- better work-life balance
- consider quality times with family
- able to be safe for everyone
Q5: What 3 tips would you give to a teacher who starts teaching the next school year? (based on 13 responses)
- connecting, sharing and participating
- collaborating
- Establish relationships early
- Try something new, fail, and start again. Stay curious. Stay relaxed
- Don’t hold yourself to the standard of experienced teachers; learn from them while focusing on your growth
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