Technology to Support Communication

In todays classroom it is almost as important to have a technology tools plan as it is to

have a lesson plan. When we communicate effectively with our students and their parents all
those involved can achieve the success and results desired. In addition, with the growing use of
computers, internet safety should be a priority at school and at home. Included within are some
of the currently available tools for teachers to communicate with students, parents, and coworkers in the school system. By using the technological tools now available communication
between students, and parents, with teachers is easier and more options are available than were in
years past; and when done using safe, secure measures, not only can we communicate with one
another, but we can do so privately, as well as personally, to ensure the success of our children.

Technology to Enhance Communication

(E-mail):
The use of a tool such as e-mail can be a private way for teachers to send a message to
parents and be certain that they receive it. In past years teachers would send a hand written or
typed letter home to a parent, and in some, if not many, cases they would not be received. By
using private messages in the form of an E-mail, teachers can be certain that they were delivered
regardless of the information it contains for the parents about their child or about what is simply
going on during the school week. In addition according to Olmstead (2013), the use of parent
portals can allow parents to directly communicate with teachers via email. In turn the teacher
can directly respond the same.
(Cell Phones):
With the current rise of cell phone use, parents and teachers can be more easily reached
when a question arrives, and in cases of emergency or need. This tool can be great if those
involved are comfortable with giving this information out. I myself work with a student who has
behavioral issues and when an episode of severe behavior arises, contacting their parent can be
difficult as they work. The ability to contact them via cell phone, and leaving a voice or a text
message, can often reach them easier than a direct call into their place of work. According to
Olmstead (2013), to address the problem of working parents having difficulty with being
involved with their childs academics, then the use of electronic tools for communicating must
start being utilized. In addition common sense would say that if we want to be certain that the
parent receives a message, and vice versa, then the halting of sending a written message and
replacing it with a text or voice message would be logical. Now as I said, some people are not
comfortable with giving out contact information to a lot of people and an alternate approach can

be used to assist with this. According to Bobbit, Inman, & Bertrand (Remind 101, 2013), A safe
way for teachers to text message students and stay in touch with parents is via the use of a
service like a group texting tool. Also according to Bobbit, Inman, & Bertrand (2013), this
would prevent any privacy issues that could arise from teachers having the private cell phone
number of each student, yet the student could access the message via group text.

(Websites):
By definition a global community is basically "the people or nations of the world, considered
as being closely connected by modern telecommunications and as being economically, socially,
and politically interdependent", according to the Dictionary.com website (2012). As such,
communication and the access to information via websites can be as beneficial as
communicating directly, not to mention that with the use of video chats it can be literally done. I
would use a few different websites for my students and parents to contact me, gain information
about upcoming events in the class, get homework assignments, as well as to contact other
educators, my schools principal, and schoolboard as needed. At my website
(http://micahrepasseducator.weebly.com), students and parents can access these items as well as
send me direct messages. This can not only assist with answering any questions that parents and
students might have, but it can also be a tool for students who are absent to get homework
assignments and not fall behind due to an absence. In addition, according to Olmstead (2013),
school websites can provide timely feedback for parents and can support communication
between parents and schools/teachers. In addition to my personal and school websites I would

also use a program called Classroom Dojo where parents can log in via the parent portal at the
schools website and check on their childs progress and behavior. This program my daughters
school uses and I as a parent love being able to check up on her without having to call or set up
an appointment to see her teacher in person.

Communication Internet Security and Safety

Of course by using the internet to send messages to communicate and the fact that
students today are more and more computer literate; safety is an issue that should and
must be communicated with our students. With the rise of social media, the global
community continues to grow, and as such children can find both positive and negative
information online. The time they spend online is time which should be closely
monitored so as to ensure that they are not viewing inappropriate materials, fall victim to
any harmful computer viruses, or in worst case become a target of a predator. Our
students safety is something I have always felt is the first thing that we as teachers and
parents are responsible for, and if we teach proper internet and computer etiquette as well
as monitor the students activities online it can be a safe and beneficial tool for them. In
fact according to Vitalaki, Tsouvelas, & Tsouvelas (2012), Protecting children from
harmful Internet content has been a growing concern for the past few years for parents,
educators and scientists. One way that teachers can protect students is to first set ground
rules for sites that can be viewed, such as educational sites. In addition, according to

Vitalaki, Tsouvelas, & Tsouvelas (2012), schools could play a significant role in
encouraging parent-teachers collaborations by inviting parents to parenting talks that
incorporate elements of Internet use and safety.
As for what I would teach, I would begin with providing a list of what is and is
not acceptable for viewing or accessing by students, I would monitor their internet usage,
especially in pre-teens and teenagers, and I would also list some of the dangers that can
be present while online, such as predators of children and computer viruses that could
cause identity theft or software damage. In addition I would also ensure that protective
software is current and up to date as a precautionary method to ensure everyone in the
class a safe and secure experience online.

In conclusion, if we use the technological tools available with safety in mind; then
these tools can benefit all who take part in our students education. Not only can they
make for easier communication between parents and teachers, but also they can provide
resources that would assist students in being successful with their work. In addition, as
our global community grows, we must always keep safety first and ensuring a safe
environment for our children to learn in is as important as the daily lessons we teach, and
the growing use of electrical devices in and out of school, though beneficial, must be as
guarded as the students themselves. Whether it is through the use of cell phones,
websites, or emails we must ensure these tools are as secure and safe, as they are a
benefit to all involved.

References:
Olmstead, C. (2013). Using Technology to Increase Parent Involvement in Schools.
Techtrends: Linking Research & Practice To Improve Learning, 57(6), 28-37.
doi:10.1007/s11528-013-0699-0

Bobbitt, R., Inman, R., & Bertrand, E. (2013). Using Remind 101 as a Classroom :
Communication Tool. NACTA Journal, 57(4), 77-78.

Vitalaki, E., Tsouvelas, P. G., & Tsouvelas, G. (2012). FACTORS INFLUENCING

PARENTAL CONTROL FOR THE SAFE AND PEDAGOGICAL INTERNET USE
AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS. Problems Of Education In The 21St
Century, 42125-135.

Dictionary.com, Global Community, 2012, retrieved from

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/global+community