Problem
How to best communicate when there is a problem during testing.
Solution
Using Hangouts, a teacher can instantly message a coach, guidance counselor, or admin to come assist with a problem that is occurring. Even when email is reliably working (which we know was an issue this year), it is (a) not a fast and (b) does not necessarily send an alert to the helper's phone while they are running around the building. Using Hangouts, I was able to efficiently assist teachers at EJHS during PARCC testing this year.
Problem
Is this a problem that everyone is having, or is it just me?
Solution
Outside of being able to contact a helper quickly, you can also set up a group message with your team or department who is testing at the same time as yourself. If you come across a question that seems strange ("is this supposed to show a graph?") or a device issue ("scrolling doesn't work for everyone...why can't they select from the drop down menu?") you can send a message to your colleagues to see if they are experiencing the same issue. If so, they may know a solution that they can quickly share with the rest of the group! This increases efficiency and decreases the need for helpers to address a similar issue multiple times in different rooms.Hangouts can be used in so many ways to make our teaching lives more efficient. If you have a system that helps you, let us know in the comments below!
Sean Mullins | Secondary Instructional Technology Coach
