Using Technology to Promote Parent

Involvement

‘Agent of Change’

Current Issues in EducationGannon CohortKerry Bresslin

National StandardsOutcomes

• #4– The practicing teacher develops

leadership skills as facilitators and collaborators, effectively communicates with peers, parents and superiors to bring changes of identified weakness in the classroom and district.

Mission Statement

It is my mission to teach all corners of the classroom. I will continue to

create a 21st century classroom to help promote more parent

involvement and give my students all the tools to become more responsible

adults.

Benefits of Parent Involvement

• Grades• Standardized Test Scores• Behavior• Social Skills• Adaptation to school• College Enrollment

Why are so many parents NOT involved in their

child’s education?

• Want to, but don’t know how• Unfamiliar with the system• Overwhelmed• No Trust

How do we get more parent’s involved in their

child’s education?

• Empowering parents– Give them the tools

Technology Tools

• Class website– Gifted/Enrichment website

• Cell Phones• Email• Social Networking Sites• Web Cameras• Skype• Googledocs

What is Skype?

• Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice calls over the Internet.– Has a number of features!– IT’S FREE!

How can it be used in the classroom?

• “See me, hear me.”– Chat with an author

• Videoconferencing• Virtual fieldtrips• After school help

– Students and parents• Inclusion

– Students and parents

How can parents benefit?

• Share students’ work• Conference with parents

– Bring “busy” parents into the classroom• This is what I would like to do-”Where I am going?”

• There are many resources to help parents learn about Skype.

Googledocs

• Google Docs is free, Web-based word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, form, and data storage service offered by Google.

– Allows users to create and edit documents online while collaborating in real-time with other users

Agent of ChangeWhere I was?

• Struggling to motivate parents to be involved

• Finding the time for parents

• How can I change?– TECHNOLOGY!

Agent of ChangeWhere I am?

• Skype– Student who could not make it to a

practice for Mock Trial

• Googledocs– GIEP’s

• Parent• Teacher

– Surveys• Technology Survey

Agent of ChangeWhere I am going?

• Continue with Skype and Googledocs• Keep building up my classroom webpage• Continue learning new 21st century tools to

bring into my classroom• Keep trying to reach parents through

technology

Self-Assessment

• Work with colleagues/fellow classmates

• Many issues/topics discussed– Technology stood out

• Parent involvement

• Examined my current position

References• Lindeen, C. (2003). Parent Involvement Through Technology.

Retrieved from https://www.msu.edu/user/lindeenc/ead860.htm

• Hiatt-Michael, D. (2001) Preparing Teachers to Work with Parents.  ERIC Digests.

• Survey. (2002) Parents Believe Technology Can Enhance Family Quality Time. Retrieved from  http://news.sel.sony.com/pressrelease/2959

• Skype. (2011) 50 Awesome Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom. Retrieved from http://www.teachingdegree.org

• Google. (2011) Googledocs. Retrieved from http://www.google.com/educators/p_docs.html