Blog Post 5

I think it’s important for teachers to use technology in the classroom as a tool to communicate with students, parents and peers because of its effectiveness and efficiency. When teachers post class material or other coursework on a blog, webpage, or secure site (Edmodo) it allows their students to access the information at anytime and have a consistent source to “check-in” with. I think this, in and of itself makes students more involved in their learning and more in tune with what is going on in the classroom. Technology enables teachers to be more creative when presenting information to students and can use web applications such as Blogger to post announcements, present agenda’s, and list outside sources that are relevant to the course curriculum. By keeping a professional looking blog throughout a school year, parents can be involved in their child’s learning at home and see work the students have completed. Right now, I believe our education system doesn’t allow for learning to be easily carried over into the student’s homes and technology helps bridge that gap. In addition, successful teachers must feel comfortable using a variety of programs like Word, Excel, and Desktop Publisher to create worksheets, rubrics, etc. Overall, I would argue (and I think many people would agree) that technology is the future of education and must be incorporated into classrooms nation wide. Technology allows instant access to information and multiples ways to collaborate giving a new spin on our education system.

Reflecting on my personal experiences with teachers as well as information learned in this class I think blogs and email are the two best ways to communicate between teachers and students. I found our course blog to be extremely helpful this term and think more teachers should use something similar to help address any questions a student may have. I think in general blogs have more of an ability to improve communication compared to any other tool because it is a way to post students work, share updates, comment on or receive comments on current class work, and can also be used to structure lesson plans around. Current students want to be using technology because it plays such a large role in their life already and for that reason should be used more in day-to-day classroom activities. Another source of communication that can have a significant impact on parent-teacher relationships is the use of newsletters.

Overall, I think these tools greatly improve communication between students and teachers as well as with teachers and parents because of our fast access to Internet. Voicing concerns or asking questions in person has a right place but when using email or blogs responses are faster and feel less formal. I think this creates a more natural relationship and students feel more comfortable in doing so.