Dear Parents,
As our children grow, they are growing in an ever changing world, bursting at the seams with possibilities. Many of these possibilities are a direct result of the evolving technological landscape that defines our current world. When faced with new technology, our children jump at the opportunity to experience and conquer gadgets that once upon a time seemed only as plausible as the reality depicted by The Jetsons. From cell phones, iPods, and computers to game consoles, digital readers, and net-books, the educational applications of these new world devices are limitless. Throw in the wonderful world of web 2.0 technology and there seems to be no world, virtual or otherwise, that can't be conquered.
It is common for many parents and students to think that most of the technologies I listed hold merely entertainment value. Most people have only interacted with this technology for the purpose of entertainment or social networking. It is my goal as your child's teacher to utilize these devices to engage each student, broaden their horizons, and stoke the fire of curiosity so it will burn beyond their years in school. Here are just a few examples of how I plan to use technology in the classroom to accomplish these goals:
- Class Website
The Internet is a wonderful resource when used responsibly. It not only affords students the opportunity to explore otherwise unavailable resources, but it also allows me to extend the classroom environment beyond the walls of the school. Through the use of a class website, students will be able to access interactive PowerPoint presentations, podcasts of readings and lectures, a moderated discussion board, preapproved course related internet links, a class calendar, and even course relevant games. This site also offers a means of contacting me, which is available to both students and parents.
In addition to extending the classroom environment for the students, the class website also extends the classroom out to you, the parents. All of the features that are available to the students are also available to the you, giving you the opportunity to be as involved in your child's education as you would like. You can see what piece of literature we are reading in class, observe the online discussions inspired by this reading, and even keep an eye on important due dates and class events.
- Podcasts and Interactive PowerPoint Presentations
Each student is unique and as such, each student has a unique way of looking at the world and learning. Rather than ignoring this fact and following past traditions of assigning reading and lecturing at the front of the class, I will use technology to address each student's learning style. Some students are auditory learners while others are visual learners. With the utilization of Podcasts and Interactive PowerPoint presentations, it is my goal to engage each of these types of learners.
As a Literature teacher, I would like to believe that all students share my love for reading, but that just isn't the case. For some students, reading can be a taxing endeavor. As a result, a high regard for the written word is something they do not hold. However, by giving these students podcasts (an audio broadcast) that assists them in their reading, as their teacher I can begin to open up their eyes to an entirely new world of the written word. We will meet on common ground.
Some students, although very capable readers, need additional resources to help reinforce the themes, concepts, and vocabulary we will encounter in various assigned readings. To aid in this reinforcement and to help improve reading cognition, there will be PowerPoint presentations that address the various aspects of the work ranging from themes and character development to the personal history of the author. Each PowerPoint will have pages that link to preapproved outside resources to encourage additional research. Through the use of pictures, videos, narrations, and additional websites students will be able to discover that there is more to a story than the words on the page.
- Online Discussion Boards and Peer to Peer Collaboration
In class discussions play an important part in learning. Not only do they help to foster a sense of community by establishing a dialogue, but they also encourage students to think outside of the box. Through discussions, students develop critical thinking skills they will use for the rest of their lives. I encourage all of my students to speak up and let their voices be heard. However, I also understand not every student is comfortable with participating in an open, in class, discussion. To help alleviate some of the stress associated with speaking up in class and to ensure the ideas of all students are heard, I ask that in addition to participating in classroom discussions, students converse on appropriately themed topics on an online discussion board.
This discussion board ensures all students are engaging in thoughtful conversations about our readings and other related topics. The sense of community that is developed through these discussions opens the door for peer to peer collaboration that otherwise might have been awkward. Students who may have been struggling with an assignment can work with one another to find a solution. This means of collaboration reinforces the concepts and improves the confidence of the students.
Technology is a tool of engagement. With the aid of this tool, it is my hope that the skills your child learns in my class go beyond that of a traditional classroom setting. It is my aim for each student to learn an appreciation for the written word, but more importantly, learn an appreciation for their own intelligence and abilities. By meeting on the common ground of this technological turf students will be afforded the opportunity to see new perspectives; perspectives that will help to shape the people they will become. I am looking forward to embarking on this journey both with your child and you.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Hight
Excellent work Jessica!
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