1

Leesa Kline
Edu-225
11/30/15
Brian Clark

Technology to Support Communication

Making connections is the key to lifelong learning. When a student makes a connection
academically and relationally within their world, lifelong learning occurs. Educators are now
revealing scientific evidence that making connections is how we learn best (Owens, 2013, p. 1).
In Another C for Learning, Deborah Owens states communication needs to be added to the
already established Framework for 21st Century Learning criteria, including: communication,
collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking (Partnership for 21st Century Skills, 2011).
Students are seeking these connections and asking questions with technology at their fingertips.
As educators, it is our job to engage with students, evaluate which information to use, and how to
critically develop a conclusion. Scripture says, The fear of the Lord is the beginning of
knowledge (Proverbs 1:7, NASB). The teacher must allow all learning to point back to Jesus and
show who He is. When this connection is made a fire is lit and the Holy Spirit then guides into all
truth. Building upon a solid foundation of knowledge, students can enter their Jr. High and High
School years with tools to engage in the community and be equipped to enter the workforce.
Engaging with students in the classroom should a include technology most prevalent in
their world. Understanding this technology is a way of diving into the global community with
them rather than forcing them to conform to our own. This understanding can build respect and
relationship with both students and families, while opening opportunities within the greater
community of stakeholders. As a first year Communication Plan, my classroom will include the

2
use of technology tools for student learning and also for parents to stay informed and educated on
what is happening in their students education.
For student learning, I appreciate blogs and polls. With social media so popular, Facebook
type options are appealing, but also require much time to oversee and ensure safety. Blogging is
said to help students improve their writing skills with the promise of an authentic audience, yet
not as time consuming to moderate as a forum (Beatty, 2007). They are also easy-to-publish and
easy-to-access. Blogs in English classes and integrated with history and Bible courses could
create lively discussion and help make connections with those in other cultures and locations for
educational purposes. Polls and surveys spike interest and offer fun ways to critically evaluate
preconceived ideas against what the results are. They are valuable in any subject. Beattys article
also reveals the internet as this generations defining technology for literacy (Beatty, 2007).
Younger students are excited to work online, which creates motivation and interest. If time
allows, a class forum for prayer requests, updates, and questions is a great way for students to
interact outside of class with one another and the teacher. Reluctant students may find it easier to
speak within this closed online group.
Barriers in the classroom for family involvement include language, lack of education, and
inability to understand the educational process, but sadly, the greatest barrier is time. Parents are
simply too busy with work or family needs (Olmstead, 2013, p.5). The classroom must include
options to connect these families to the education of their children and the teacher. The NACTA
Journal introduced Remind101 as a group texting tool that is one way communication from the
teacher to student or parent. These can be sent with updates or reminders while keeping numbers
confidential (NACTA, 2013). Finally, a classroom website may be used as a location for parents
to pull information as well as share (Olmsetad, 2013, p.3). If oversite time is available, a forum
can be incorporated within to interact at any hour. Some families are contented with email,

3
phone, and school website, but a class website provides yet another way a busy parent or forgetful
student might check in and retrieve information or contact the teacher. Parent Portals are an
option Id explore, but have not utilized to date. In the end, when it comes to family connections,
there is nothing like a personal meeting, a kind note home, or a warm phone call of concern.
Research continues to reveal this as the most well received method of communication (Olmstead,
2013, p.6).
Security and safety measures will include understanding the school network and
parameters along with proper filters for protection. Most importantly, interacting with the
students will include actual interaction within assignments as we discuss and navigate safe internet
and computer use. As the students learn precautions and navigate through assignments, the
teacher physically oversees activity and maintains log in information to monitor where students
have been in the days work.

4
References
Beatty, M, (n.d.).

Integrating Google Blogs into the K-6 Language Arts Classroom to Promote

Interactive Learning Communities. Scholar Space. Retrieved from:

http://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/bitstream/handle/10125/27119/Beatty.pdf
Bobbitt, R., Inman, R., & Bertrand, E. (2013). Using Remind 101 as a Classroom
Communication Tool. NACTA Journal, 57(4), 77-78.
https://lopes-idm-oclc-org.library.gcu.edu:2443/login?
url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&db=ehh&AN=93664297&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Coombs, D., Leite, J., & Grierson, S. (2010). Opening Pandora's Box: Social Networks in the
Classroom of 2010. Kentucky English Bulletin, 59(2), 14-18. Retrieved from:
https://lopes-idm-oclc-org.library.gcu.edu:2443/login?
url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&db=ehh&AN=52571789&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Olmstead, C. (2013). Using Technology to Increase Parent Involvement in Schools. Techtrends:
Linking Research & Practice To Improve Learning, 57(6), 28-37. doi:10.1007/s11528013-0699-0. Retrieved from:
https://lopes-idm-oclc-org.library.gcu.edu:2443/login?
url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&db=ehh&AN=91587612&site=ehost-live&scope=site
OWEN, D. (2013). Another "C" for Learning. Teacher Librarian, 40(5), 38-42. Retrieved from:
2443/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&db=ehh&AN=88257497&site=ehost-live&scope=site