Ashley Dalton

http://mrsdaltonskclass.weebly.com
EDU-225
August 2, 2015

Entry 1: Technology to Support Communication

Introduction
Communication is a very important resource for teachers, parents, students, and the
community. If society did not have communication or a communication plan there would be so
much that could be missed. As a teacher a communication plan shows the parents and the
community that they are there to do their job to the best of their ability. A communication plan
can give the teacher a broader insight of the learning techniques of the individual students
because the students and parents would be more involved and be more willing to suggest ideas
and different ways of teaching. A few ways that will make communication easier for the teacher
and parents are a teacher or class website, videos that can be posted on TeacherTube or even on
the class website, and to bring the community or the national aspect into the classroom there is
an app called Edmodo.
Technology to Enhance Communication
Teacher or Class Website: A website would be a great way to keep the parent, teachers, and
students connected. The teacher can easily post updates and receive comments and questions
almost instantly. Within the website, a teacher could put links to other websites that pertain to
the individual subjects and if necessary the students would have the extra practice. Classroom
websites make it possible for teachers to showcase their students work to a wide audience and

involve parents and the community as partners in the learning process (Holcomb, Castek, &
Johnson, 2007). With everyone involved in a safe environment, a classroom website is a great
way to keep everyone connected.

Videos: Technology is great when it comes to the ease of making someones life a little easier.
With the common core standards it is hard for the older generation to help students with
homework in the evening. The ability to post instructional videos is a great way to help the
parents and the communities understand the way that was taught. This will save a lot of
confusion when a student does not understand at home. It is known that the teaching techniques
have changed compared to the way that was taught 10 years ago. The website
www.TeacherTube.com is a great resource. TeacherTube is being acknowledged as a rich web
resource of particular interest to science teachers (Lucking, Wighting, & Christmann, 2009).
However, it is not limited to science. The videos that a teacher posts are viewed by site
administrators to assure the information is legitimate and appropriate for students consumption.

Edmodo: Edmodo is a great safe social network for students, parents, and teachers. Edmodo is
a private social communication platform that allows teachers and students to correspond without
having to worry about e-mail addresses, spammers, intruders, or violating privacy laws (Harper,
2010). This app is helpful in so many ways. For example, if a student is out sick for the day
they can simply go to the social site and download and print the uploaded files from the teacher.
It is really that simple. If a student forgets their work at school the same thing can be done. It is
so convenient and will be used a lot more than one would think. The parents can get online and

see when upcoming tests are and if there really is homework due the next day. The best part
about the social media site is the security. The students have to receive a code to log in under the
specific classrooms. If a teacher does not know about this site, they should really be told.
Communication Internet Security and Safety
Internet security is a very important thing for teachers to stress and teach about. It does
not matter the age of the students, as a teacher, they should reinforce the importance every
chance they get. Many schools have established an acceptable use policy to ensure students
ethical and responsible behaviors on the internet (Chen, 2003). Even if teachers are stressing
the importance, parents should be doing the same thing. Parents are a part of the prevention
equation and they should be encouraged to be involved in understanding risk-preventive
measures (Schuth, 2007). Therefore, internet security is not a single persons job. This job
should be completed by many of the peers of the children. Internet security should be stressed to
a student very often so they understand the importance and dangers than can come from doing
the wrong thing.

Concluding Paragraph (4-6 sentences)

An active communication plan sets a teacher and their students up for success. With a plan
there is no reason for failure because of absenteeism or being forgetful. Teachers and parents
will develop a solid ground and be happier with communication as a major factor in their
relationship. The students will adopt this feeling as well because of the comfort and security
they will endure. The teachers, parents, and the community are very important in a students life
because this is what is around them constantly. With the love and support from all they will be

successful in their education and be prepared to become the future of society.

References:
Chen, S. L. (2003). Safe and Responsible Online Behaviors for Children. Journal Of
Educational
Media & Library Sciences, 40(4), 439-452.
Harper, A. L. (2010). Social Networking with Edmodo: Let Your Digital Footprints Lead the
Way. Kentucky English Bulletin, 59(2), 19-21
Holcomb, L. B., Castek, J. M., & Johnson, P. R. (2007). Unlocking the Potential of K-12
Classroom Websites to Enhance Learning. New England Reading Association
Journal,43(1), 36-43.
Lucking, R. A., Wighting, M. J., & Christmann, E. P. (2009). TeacherTube for science. Science
Scope, 32(8), 62-64.