Live Blog: EdTech Meetup @ The Hatchery

Submitted by Kate Meersschaert on Tue, 07/17/2012 - 7:21pm.
Kate Meersschaert's picture

Janice, Rebecca and I are at a new incubator on 37th & 7th... The Hatchery for the EdTech Meetup, "Driving adoption with teachers from the beginning: EdTech in Schools of Ed."

Today's panelists include speakers from both Columbia's CCNMTL and NYU:

-Adrienne Garber, Columbia University, Center for New Media Teaching and Learning (Adrienne is a past EdLabber!)

-Paul Stengel, Columbia University, Center for New Media Teaching and Learning

-Dr. Catherine Milne, New York University, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education & Human Development

Rebecca waiting for the meetup to start:

Rebecca C. @ The Hatchery

Janice working the room...

Janice @ Hatchery

Me Blogging-away (Thanks Janice!)

Kate @ Hatchery



Rebecca Beck's picture
Rebecca Beck Says:
Wed, 07/18/2012 - 10:03am

Last night was certainly an interesting experience!
There were some excellent points made by the panelists, but there were also some issues as previously mentioned with the space and the sound system. I also think that a recent blog post by David Lee King could be applicable to the panelists and the organizers of the event.


Kate Meersschaert's picture
Kate Meersschaert Says:
Wed, 07/18/2012 - 10:14am

Rebecca, thank you for these take-aways and this great blog resource re: panelist & presenter best-practices! We are definitely growing our presentation knowledge base! Perhaps there is an mSchool course in the works here!?


Rebekah Wallin's picture
Rebekah Wallin Says:
Wed, 07/18/2012 - 9:13am

This is great! Thanks for sharing. I just read through all your comments, and it sounds like there are some really good takeaways to consider from last night's event. Way to represent!


Joann Agnitti's picture
Joann Agnitti Says:
Wed, 07/18/2012 - 9:01am

Well, this is a first. I don't think I've ever seen comments spill onto a second page! Looks like you guys had a lot to say about last night's event ;) I look forward to reading your thoughts below. Thanks for reppin' EdLab!


Janice Joo's picture
Janice Joo Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:36pm

Question asked about importance of collecting backend data:

Paul answered a couple simple kpi's that might be collected. However there was no mention of how that data has been analyzed. 

More helpful response from Cath: she collects data about how students interact with simulation products. Kpi identifies corresponding specific strategies to see what kind of scaffolding might need to be developed for the simulation.


Kate Meersschaert's picture
Kate Meersschaert Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:34pm

Yay! Adrienne is mentioning the EDLAB!!!! So happy! Ok I just tried to stand-up and plug the lab without a microphone... I need to carry my own to these events!


Rebecca Beck's picture
Rebecca Beck Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:33pm

Adrienne Garber gave an EDLAB shout out!!!!


Rebecca Beck's picture
Rebecca Beck Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:35pm

She discussed how EdLab does exactly what the audience member asked about, we look at different edtech tools out there and give honest evaluations of these tools.


Rebecca Beck's picture
Rebecca Beck Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:30pm

Awesome audience member question, how do we pin technologies against each other? How do we assess which tool is better? How does a teacher decide which tool is better? What sets one technology apart from another?


Kate Meersschaert's picture
Kate Meersschaert Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:29pm

Fellow TC doctoral student in the audience: importance of MVRS (Minimal Viable Research Study) in addition to your MVP (Minimal Viable Product)! He is also mentioning how important efficacy-focused research is and asks the group how to find these opportunities. Adrienne is now responding that many TC grad students will work for free in research projects! ResearchBroker!


Rebecca Beck's picture
Rebecca Beck Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:32pm

Wow! It sounds like there is a REAL need for Research Broker out there. Now we just need to share the tool with everyone here. :)


Kate Meersschaert's picture
Kate Meersschaert Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:26pm

Paul is discussing the Millennial Village simulation: http://mvsim.ccnmtl.columbia.edu/accounts/login/?next=/


Kate Meersschaert's picture
Kate Meersschaert Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:23pm

Paul is discussing the myth of the importance of capturing educators themselves on screen and instead, using something cheaper and simpler like screencapture. How do we disseminate this information?


Rebecca Beck's picture
Rebecca Beck Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:23pm

The panelists keep mentioning the significance in telling teachers what tools are out there. Could we look at this as an mschool opportunity?


Kate Meersschaert's picture
Kate Meersschaert Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:23pm

Great idea Rebecca! This also sounds a lot like an audience for BLT or ALT database!


Rebecca Beck's picture
Rebecca Beck Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:20pm

The conversation is addressing that how schools assess students needs to change. Do you think technology can assist in this?


Rebecca Beck's picture
Rebecca Beck Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:18pm

Large scale vs smaller classes. How will technology change the composition of class size? Is this already happening with MOOC's?


Kate Meersschaert's picture
Kate Meersschaert Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:16pm

Audience question: How do we create new learning technologies that scale?


Kate Meersschaert's picture
Kate Meersschaert Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:20pm

Adrienne is describing how there are classes of over 400 students at the higher ed level and that this model of teaching to the masses is having to be applied to the HS level.

Dr. Milne is responding that schooling is still based on a "factory model" and that this is only just starting to change... but that the rise of "big data" & analytics is allowing teachers and learners to address more questions. However, unless we change how students are assessed nothing will change!

I wonder... Could assessment really be the missing piece in the "change" puzzle? Gary?


Rebecca Beck's picture
Rebecca Beck Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:15pm

Paul Stenge also mentions something the EdLab has been discussing, how can mobile use be incorporated into the classroom to engage students?


Janice Joo's picture
Janice Joo Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:15pm

Teachers really need people immersed in tech for multiple purposes to advise on what tools to use and HOW. Teachers already know they need to use tech they just need guidance on how to turn tech into solutions to specific problems.

This could help us pinpoint how we communicate with teachers. in my words: "yes we have tools. But we can match you to the tools that can become your edtech solution"


Kate Meersschaert's picture
Kate Meersschaert Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:14pm

Paul is discussing the pendulum of education swinging between being the "guy on the side" vs the "sage on the stage." He is describing the importance of a best-fit between your particular teaching style and the correspondent technology. For example, if most new tech is focused on flipping the classroom and that is not your teaching style then you are at a loss...


Rebecca Beck's picture
Rebecca Beck Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:13pm

Paul Stenge makes a great point, that technology should be able to be flexible and useful to teachers with different pedagogical styles. One of the amazing aspects of EdLab tools, useful for all different types of teachers!


Janice Joo's picture
Janice Joo Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:19pm

referring to a post I just made... "yes we have tools. But we can match you to the tools that can become your edtech solution". This is an area that EdLab could/should focus on as we go to market. We are not just developers. We provide game changing solutions and we def want to see our products used to see that end.


Kate Meersschaert's picture
Kate Meersschaert Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:09pm

Note re: Event Organization: The audience seems really frustrated with the quality & consistency of microphones for speakers. This seems like an important element to lock-down before presenting an event and as a part of event planning.


Rebecca Beck's picture
Rebecca Beck Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:10pm

Also a lack of chairs, many people are standing!


Janice Joo's picture
Janice Joo Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:07pm

Program: Teaching Residents at TC.
Ed tech training and lesson plan devt for 1 year. They must teach in NYC school for 3 years in return. Popular areas: ESL, assistive technologies all in one class. Simply exposing these teachers to free tools. (note: they specifically said *free* tools!)


Hui Soo Chae's picture
Hui Soo Chae Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:07pm

If the panel is in the front, they seem very far away. Is the EdLab team all the back?


Janice Joo's picture
Janice Joo Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:17pm

Agreed. Everyone is getting the same experience. But not the best experience. The screen is useless. Just twitter name handles displayed.


Kate Meersschaert's picture
Kate Meersschaert Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:12pm

The room is quite narrow and long and the screen is relatively small. As Janice mentioned, the lack of visuals is a good thing as far as seating, but the lack of good sound quality is really affecting overall experience. I really actually wish they had a bigger screen that would allow presenters to use some sort of visual!


Janice Joo's picture
Janice Joo Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:08pm

Yes but there isn't much visual action. So every seat is a good seat. We got lucky.


Kate Meersschaert's picture
Kate Meersschaert Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:06pm

Paul is now talking about the partnerships CCNMTL has with TC... and the importance of developing flexible platforms and models for pre-service teachers to access after graduation.


Hui Soo Chae's picture
Hui Soo Chae Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:05pm

Are there any teachers at the event or on the panel?


Rebecca Beck's picture
Rebecca Beck Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:27pm

Now that we are in the question and answer portion of the talk, it seems there are many students from TC here!


Rebecca Beck's picture
Rebecca Beck Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:08pm

Great Question! i believe Dr. Catherine Mine was an educator. I don't think there are many teachers working in the field here in the audience. It seems the majority of people here are technology creators.


Rebecca Beck's picture
Rebecca Beck Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:04pm

Paul Stengel says that introducing tools to teachers that are free and they can take with them into the classroom is the key to success. I don't disagree. I hope that we can present our EdLab tools to the TC community in a similar way, such as through our librarians and services staff. :)


Janice Joo's picture
Janice Joo Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 7:59pm

"Teachers are the most important part of the equation in developing models of integration", says Catherine Milne.

Do u agree?


Rebecca Beck's picture
Rebecca Beck Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 8:02pm

YES, which was my problem with Torsh!!


Rebecca Beck's picture
Rebecca Beck Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 7:59pm

Catherine Milne says, the greatest issue for technology right now is how to work with teachers to find technology that works for them and for developers? And how can we work with teachers to create technology that's sustainable!!!


Kate Meersschaert's picture
Kate Meersschaert Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 7:58pm

Paul is describing their development cycle:
-Hypothesis
-Test
-Design
-Assess
(Repeat on a semester & yearly cycle...)

This sounds a bit like the lean startup development model!


Rebecca Beck's picture
Rebecca Beck Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 7:56pm

Paul Stengel speaks to evaluating resources. The importance of testing the efficacy of the tools that are built.


Kate Meersschaert's picture
Kate Meersschaert Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 7:54pm

Adrienne is describing Ellen Meier & Howie's programs as well as the top programs at the college, including organizational psychology. These departments have unique technology needs.


Janice Joo's picture
Janice Joo Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 7:53pm

Both Adrienne and Paul talk about the importance of PURPOSEFUL use of Ed tech in the classroom.

How to enter teacher market without much data?
Efficacy = does an intervention work.
First objective is to test this efficacy. Then take intervention and run task in a school. But researchers are in control.
Effectiveness = control to educators to make something happen.
... In my words, efficacy is potential of a product. But effectiveness can be improved by supporting teachers to integrate interventions well. (side note: I keep thinking about STEMedia tonight. STEMedia might serve to improve *effectiveness* of vialogues use. Or... should we expect that every intervention we create be naturally and intuitively adoptable? I tend to disagree that adoption comes naturally.)


Kate Meersschaert's picture
Kate Meersschaert Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 7:51pm

Dr. Milne is describing the difficulty in assessing the efficacy of games for learning... we have discussed this at length at the EdLab. Adrienne is jumping-in with the differences between a white paper and for profit ventures.


Rebecca Beck's picture
Rebecca Beck Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 7:50pm

How do teachers integrate multi media resources into their curriculum?
Dr. Catherine Milne makes a fantastic point that the creation of the resource isn't enough, we need to then support our educators.


Rebecca Beck's picture
Rebecca Beck Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 7:46pm

http://ccnmtl.columbia.edu/digitalbridges/projects/mediathread.html
A tool presented from ccntml, that I will explore in more depth after the event!


Kate Meersschaert's picture
Kate Meersschaert Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 7:46pm

Adrienne is elaborating the stance on IP at CCNMTL and is describing the fact that all work is created by and supported by a non-profit and that is their overall stance. Paul just jumped-in to describe MediaThread.


Rebecca Beck's picture
Rebecca Beck Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 7:43pm

Adrienne Garber states that CCNMTL, out of Columbia University prioritizes keeping tools open source.


Kate Meersschaert's picture
Kate Meersschaert Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 7:43pm

The moderator is now asking if the crowd is startup focused and "developing a lot of IP"... & Dr. Milne is talking about a new grant project they are working-on in which they will co-own the IP. Adrienne just added her thoughts and the emphasis on open-source development at CCNMTL.


Rebecca Beck's picture
Rebecca Beck Says:
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 7:44pm

Haha, you are a master live blogger...I'm one step behind you! I aspire to reach your thoroughness and speed one day!!