Using Technology to Communicate

Using technology is one part of teaching that is strongly enforced, however, not much training has been given to the teachers. In the three years I have been teaching, I have been to two trainings or professional development sessions that have included some form of technology.

In the short time I have been teaching, however, I have always kept a website in which is updated weekly regarding multiple topics where my classroom is concerned. This is a website given to each teacher in the county. It is not something that is mandatory at this point, however, I believe it is only a matter of time before it becomes a piece that is not optional.

Out of forty some teachers, only 11 of us use this tool that is being given to us at no cost and have proven to be an extremely effective tool of communication between myself, my students, and their parents.

The website has information about myself, my educational experience, classroom, phone numbers, email; all necessary contact information for not only the parents but also the students. I have my classes separated into letters such as Core A, B, C, D, E. The parents and/or students can simply click on the page with their corresponding class and find information or updates on assignments, upcoming projects, field trips, supplies that might be needed, as well as recognition of students excelling in sports, academics, or things of that nature.

I think this year I am going to work with students and have them each create a blog. I would like for them to put one entry in each week about something they have learned this week, a question they have, or something relevant to class.

In addition to this I would like to create a discussion board so that students will have the ability to read and comment on their peers opinions and statements. I think that when students get involved in their own learning but also delve into what others are saying and really put in the effort to comment or agree or disagree with their peers it allows them to dig into a subject and view it in a different manner. It's important for students to see things in a multitude of ways.

Technology is something that is changing the way the classroom works and I only hope that perhaps sometime in the near future, school districts realize this and allow the teachers the opportunities to be educated on way to include technology in the classroom instead of just telling us to do it.