Tonya Ricks

www.msrickseducationcorner.weebly.com
EDU-225
February 24, 2015

Technology to Support Communication

Technology is being used more and more in classrooms around the world.
Communication technology can enhance communication in the classroom with students, parents,
and the global community. Teachers can use this technology to connect with students, parents,
and the global community in a fast, effective, and efficient method. Below is a description of
how a class website, Skype, and ePals can enhance communication through technology, and the
importance of internet security and safety.
Technology to Enhance Communication
Class Website:
The class website is designed toward student learning, and includes materials such as reference
materials, handouts, resources, and announcements. (Dappolone, 2013). Students are able to
visit the class website from a home computer or handheld device to view the requirements for
assignments. Students also need to learn how to navigate websites to succeed in a digital world.
Teachers who use websites as a way to integrate online learning into class activities are preparing
their students for the way they will learn in the future. (Dunn, 2011). With the advancement of
online classes in colleges, students can practice using websites to become proficient in

technology-based education. Teachers can use a class website to list information that will assist
parents in furthering their childs education, personal contact information, and the requirements
of each student. Communication technology that is easy, efficient, and effective can improve
parent-teacher relationships. (Ziegert & Tan, 2012). Another tool that teachers can use in the
classroom to enhance communication technology is Skype.
Skype:
Skype is a free communication tool used for computer-to-computer audio calls and video calls,
when both parties use web cams, over the internet. (Eaton, 2010). Skype is a great way to
connect students from all over the world together that exposes them to diverse cultures. Teachers
and parents can connect ESL students with native language-speaking students in other countries
through Skype. (Branzburg, 2007). Students who want to learn French can use Skype to connect
to a student in France. Skype can be used to take students on virtual field trips. A teacher in Port
Orange, Florida took her class on a free panoramic virtual tour of the Smithsonian National
Museum of Natural History without leaving the classroom. (Greene, 2015). An alternative
communication tool to Skype is ePals.
ePals:
Tebo (2012) describes ePals as the 21st century version of pen pals. Instead of students writing
letters and waiting days for a reply, now students can connect instantly over the internet.
Students are able to learn about different cultures in a classroom setting by visiting students from
around the world using the internet. epals is a great program that uses collaboration and
communication within the global community to provide culturally-enriching learning
experiences for students. (Electronic Resources for School, 2011). ePals is not just for school,

parents can use ePals to further their childs education. Parents can use ePals at home to access
their childrens favorite stories, poems, games, and other digital media. (Cricket Media, 2015).
Students should always practice Internet security and safety when using digital technology.
Communication Internet Security and Safety
The increased use of the Internet for communication has created the need for an increase
in security and safety for students while online. Teachers can use Internet filtering software to
block student access to inappropriate material online. (Gunter & Gunter, 2015). Young students
do not always know which sites contain inappropriate material so the filtering software can assist
teachers in blocking these sites. The Childrens Internet Protection Act (CIPA) was established
to protect children from inappropriate content while online by using filtering software. (Jaeger &
Zheng, 2009). Students also need to understand the proper behavior to use while online by
applying the rules of Internet etiquette. (Crosby, 2006). I would explain to my class the
important of Internet etiquette and post the rules for proper online behavior on my classroom
wall. The prevalence of Internet use in schools has increased the cases of cyberbullying amongst
students. Schools should establish cyberbullying policies that educate teachers, parents, and
students on what to do when confronted with cyberbullying. (Simmons & Bynum, 2014). In
order to educate my students about cyberbullying, I would have a class discussion that defines
cyberbullying and introduces ways to report cyberbullying. I want my students to feel safe and
comfortable enough to come to me if they or another student is experiencing cyberbullying.

A class website, Skype, and ePals are just a few available communication tools that can be
used in classrooms to communicate with students, parents, and the global community.

Technology has to be integrated into classrooms to prepare students to succeed in a digital world.
Communication internet security and safety should be the teachers number one priority for their
students when using online technology in the classroom. Teachers need to adapt their curriculum
to include technology while also providing a safe online environment for their students.

References:
Branzburg, J. (2007). Talk is Cheap: Skype Can Make VoIP a Very Real Communication Option
for Your School. Technology & Learning, 27(8), 36.
Cricket Media. (2015). Where Learners Connect. Retrieved from http://www.epals,com/#1/main.
Crosby, S. (2006). Netiquette and Teen Safety Online. School Library Monthly, 23(4), 18-22.
Dappolone, M. (2013). Making Best Practices Better. Educational Leadership, 70(6), 69-72.
Dunn, L. S. (2011). Making the Most of Your Class Website. Educational Leadership, 68(5), 6062.
Eaton, S. E. (2010). Using Skype in the Second and Foreign Language Classroom. Online
Submission.
Electronic Resources for Schools. (2011). Internet @ Schools, 18(3), 29-32.
Greene, K. (2015). Virtual Field Trips. Instructor, 124(4), 56-57.
Gunter, G. A., & Gunter, R. E. (2015). Teachers Discovering Computers: Integrating Technology
in a Changing World. (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Jaeger, P. I., & Zheng, Y. (2009). One Law with Two Outcomes: Comparing the Implementation
of CIPA in Public Libraries and Schools. Information Technology & Libraries, 28(!), 614.
Simmons, K. D., & Bynum, Y. P. (2014). Cyberbullying: Six Things Administrators can Do.
Education, 134(4), 452-456.

Tebo, S. (2012). Bridging the World through ePals. International Educator, 26(4), 11.
Zieger, L. B., & Tan, J. (2012). Improving parent involvement in Secondary Schools through
Communication Technology. Journal Of Literacy & Technology, 13(2), 30-54.