Introduction

Technology is an essential part of a modern day learning environment. Incorporating

technology in a way of bettering communication between teachers, students and parents will
create for a higher success rate for the student. Using technology to communicate on a global
level will increase the learning experiences for the students and allow for students to familiarize
themselves with different classroom styles, along with different cultures. Technology in a
classroom setting serves many purposes, but most importantly allows for easy communication
and a lower margin of miscommunication between the educator and students.
Technology to Enhance Communication
Classroom Website: Having access to a classroom website for both parents and students
can be a large benefit for the overall success of the student. Posting assignments, worksheets,
readings and resources is a convenience for solving misunderstandings, answering questions,
refreshments on material and helpful website. Announcements and parent letters are a few
beneficial things that can be posted to a classroom website. For students who have been absent,
they can easily access the missed assignments and readings. Parents would have an easier
understanding of what curriculum is being taught within the classroom and features such as a
classroom progress time tine can be posted. Having a classroom website can improve the
functionality of the classroom and the understanding of learning objectives. (Shaltry, Henriksen,
Wu, Dickson, 2013).
E-mail: In our technically advanced world, email is one of the most prominent forms of
communication. Having an email designed specifically for classroom purposes will enhance the
vital communication between students, teachers and parents. With the growing technology,
emails are now more instant than before by immediately being delivered to a smart phone. This

is a very easy way for questions to be asked in all three directions. Parents are able to
communicate with the instructor about their childs grades confidentially and visa versa.
Anything in regards to the classroom can easily be discussed; teachers are able to send out a
group email and reach all of their students, along with their parents for updates and important
announcements. Emails have made communication easier and faster and therefore improve the
overall classroom communication (Ishtaiwa, Enas, 2012).
Video Chat: Video chatting is a tool that is becoming more readily used within a
classroom. Teachers and parents are able to have parent, teacher conferences and discuss a
students progress within the classroom. Authors or speakers are able to communicate with the
class virtually rather than physically being there. This saves on time, money and allows for
relatively the same interaction with the students. On a global basis, students are able to video
chat with other schools across the world and experience how their classrooms are run. This is a
tool that allows for so many opportunities on a local and global level and can enhance the
learning environment of the classroom (Langhorst, 2009).
Classroom Calendar: A classroom calendar is a tool that can connect teachers, parents
and students. Teachers are able to post due dates so that there are not any confusions on the time
frame of assignments. Classroom events, school happenings, school sporting events along with
other events can all be included for the convenience of the students and parents. Having time
frames available to both the students and parents will better ensure on the completion of
assignments on time. Incorporating a common calendar for events on a classroom website will
limit the gap of misunderstanding and miscommunications on due dates between students and
teachers. A classroom calendar will also alert parents of important events and allow them to be
more interconnected with their childs schedule (Adams, 2008).

Communication Internet Security and Safety

As the internet is used more and more it is very important that students become aware of
the potential dangers that the internet poses. Educators need to incorporate internet safety into
their curriculum to better ensure the chance of their students protection. Being informed about
online predators, the retrieving of reliable and credible information, the consequences of cyber
bullying, the protection of personal information and other online etiquette are all areas that
should be focused upon. Students should also be aware of online dangers outside of the
classroom. Safety of social media and the danger of using a cell phone while driving should also
be discussed in the curriculum. As an extension of these lessons, a letter in regards to internet
safety should be sent home and posted on a classroom website for parents to be made aware of.
To ensure that parents have further discussed internet safety with their student(s), a signed copy
should be required to be returned to the instructor (DeFranco, 2011).
Concluding Paragraph
Technology is a very useful tool in the classroom and when used for communication, it
serves to be very reliable and convenient. Technology can be introduced in the form of a
classroom website that offers important information to parents and students. Teachers are able to
set up a classroom email for easy communication. Parents can inquire about their childs grade
and students are able to quickly contact their instructor for questions regarding assignments.
Taking advantage of technology for the many purposes that it serves for bettering communication
in the classroom enhances the students learning experiences.

References
Shaltry, C., Henriksen, D., Wu, M., & Dickson, W. (2013). Situated learning with online
portfolios, classroom websites and facebook. Techtrends: Linking Research & Practice to
Improve Learning, 57(3), 20-25.
Ishtaiwa, F., Enas, S., (2012). The impact of asynchronous e-learning tools on interaction and
learning in a blended course. International Journal of Instructional Media 39(2, 141-159.
Langhorst, E. (2009). You are there. School Library Journal, 55(6), 46-48.
Adams, D. C. (2008). Gaga for google in the twenty-first century advanced placement language
classroom. Clearing House, 82(2), 96-100.
DeFranco, J. F. (2011). Teaching internet security, safety in our classrooms. Techniques:
Connecting Education & Careers, 86(5), 52-5