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Entry 1: Technology to Support Communication

Introduction
It is a teachers responsibility to support his or her students in every way possible. One of
the best ways to support the students is to make sure there is communication with the parents.
Sometimes aspects of communication that make a difference are not even considered at first
glance. For example, the cleanliness and atmosphere of the classroom can impact a parents
comfort with the teacher (Graham-Clay, n.d.). By having an inviting and welcoming
atmosphere, teachers can send a message to the parents that communication is welcomed and
encouraged to support the student they share.
Technology to Enhance Communication
Remind Classroom App: This app is a classroom communication app that allows the teacher to
safely send out reminders, assignments, and texts to the class as a whole or on an individual basis
(iTunes.com, n.d.). This app is a great way to have up to the minute communication without
having to share personal phone numbers with parents and students. Parents of today genuinely
desire regular communication with teachers and tend to become impatient when having to wait
for a response (Graham-Clay, n.d.). Having instant access to text and notifications allows the
teacher to send out reminders immediately rather than risk forgetting in the time it takes to get to
a computer to email, or the next day when he or she is with the students again.
Email: While email may not be instantaneous, it can be quite effective when attempting to
communicate. Emails can be answered during prep period, before or after school, and usually
receive a response quicker than hand written communication or mail. Teachers can utilize email
to communicate with parents, administration, as well as share ideas and techniques in students
that they have in common. For example, a special education or resource teacher may use email to
collaborate with the students mainstream teacher in aspects of the students academic and

behavioral goals. Teachers and administration often use email to communicate about school
events, student situations, and meetings. Often times, email is the preferred method of
communication between education professionals since it is fast, and messages can be sent
instantly rather than searching the person out to have a conversation during a busy day.
Classroom Website: With a classroom website, students, parents, and even administration has a
way to check up on what is happening in the classroom. Websites can contain information on
assignments, grades, announcements, and schedules of upcoming events. It can also be used as a
way to get feedback from the parents and students. With a comments section, parents and
students can give feedback on activities or assignments. Additionally, having a classroom
website greatly assists in meeting the needs of special needs students with an IEP or 504 Plan
(Maccallum, 2010). With updated information, students with special needs, and their caretakers,
are able to adequately prepare for deadline, review material at a less stressful time, and focus on
what is ahead.
Skype: With video chat programs like Skype, teachers can make connections with students at
different schools, in different states, or even different countries. Having the ability to buddy up
with a class from a different area will enhance the awareness of the students in the ways of life of
other people. Not all communities are the same; what better way to show that than to befriend a
class within a different community. In addition to using video chat, classes can revert back to the
good ol days when people actually wrote letters by hand and become pen pals. These types of
lessons will establish an appreciation for the technology that students are lucky to have today and
give them a sample of how it was 5, 10, or even 15 years ago.
Communication Internet Security and Safety
One of the largest concerns with student internet access and communication is student
safety (Gunter/Gunter, 2014). Depending on the age of the student, this concern can have drastic
differences in severity. The best way to start with protecting the students is to have the

conversation. Talking to the students about what is expected and what is prohibited will set the
stage for the rules for computer use. Setting clear and concise rules will assist in reinforcing
consequences should the student choose not to follow the rules. By setting rules, there is no grey
area of what is acceptable. Particularly, regulating and monitoring the type of websites the
students are allowed to visit as well as what to do if they accidentally stumble upon inappropriate
material. As reported in Teachers Discovering Computers, many websites will utilize harmless
site names and key words to draw in attention just to inundate the user with obscene and
offensive material such as pornographic or racist images and readings. With younger students,
parental controls, limited access and cautious monitoring should drastically reduce the possibility
for inappropriate web use. However, older students are often left to research and complete
assignments on their own, often at home where school site blockers may not be in place. Relaxed
control and supervision, along with teenage curiosity, may lead students to make questionable
choices with internet access. Additionally, older students have potential for cyberbullying and
cyber stalking with the rampant social media usage plaguing todays culture. Talking to students
about bullying (both in person and online) will hopefully help. Letting the students know that it
is not tolerated and encouraging them to report it will put teachers well on their way to a safe and
productive classroom environment.
Concluding Paragraph
When it comes to communication, technology has definitely helped it over the past years.
In order to benefit our students it is necessary to ensure ample opportunities to communicate
with the students, parents, and other faculty. Maintaining safe, secure, and clear etiquette will
provide a channel of communication benefiting all parties. Classroom websites, teacher apps,
and email will all facilitate many platforms on which to support the students and help them

blossom into thriving adults.

References:
Graham-Clay, Susan (n.d). Communicating with Parents: Strategies for Teachers. The school
Community Journal. Retrieved from http://www.adi.org/journal/ss05/Graham-Clay.pdf
Gunter, Glenda A./ Gunter, Randolph E. (2014). Teachers Discovering Computers. Integrating
Technology in a Changing World. Eight Edition. Cengage Learning.
Maccallum, Ryan (2010). Ten Reasons Every Teacher Should Want a Web Site. Cleanapple.com
Retrieved from http://www.cleanapple.com/?p=165
McCrea, Bridget (2013). 7 Free Apps for Keeping Parents and Teachers Connected. THE
Journal. Retrieved from http://thejournal.com/articles/2013/06/11/7-free-apps-forkeeping-parents-and-teachers-connected.aspx

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