Welcome Parents!
I would like to inform all of you about an exciting opportunity to have a great influence in your child’s education. Currently, the Faculty Technology Committee is engaged in a fundraising effort to fund technology in our classrooms and we are asking the PTA for support. Current technology can serve many benefits for all students. Though technology does not teach students, it is a tool that, when utilized properly, enhances students learning experiences.
The issue
1.As a parent and teacher, I am concerned about the educational benefit children gain when using computers. Although it may appear that technology may only provide recreation, many educational activities and games are available that motivate students to participate and gain new or enhanced skills. Students may engage more willingly when they think they are playing games.
2.Another concern is safety of all children when using the Internet. May I ensure all of you that all schools utilize firewalls and filtering software, thus; preventing students from viewing inappropriate material (Roblyer & Doering, 2010, p.20). In addition, to maintain privacy and safety of your children, our classroom staff closely monitors all students.
3. Lastly, classrooms particularly like ours are often denied reasonable devises based on funding. "Parents clamor for technology resources guaranteed their children by federal laws, but schools often claim insufficient funding to address these special needs" (p. 20). Our students will benefit from technology and no one can deny what we provide for ourselves.
Our classroom wish list
1. Smart board- This devise will allow our students to participate via a large touch screen in daily activities, from the daily calendar to games. Because a pen is not required, students may use their hands or other manipulatives. Technology can compensate for some students vision and manual dexterity difficulties (p.15). Having a board like this would encourage interaction and participation in our classroom.
For more information, please visit
Smart Boards
You Tube
Free Games
2. Imagine Learning- This is an interactive computer program that focuses on language arts skills and speech. The program can be individualized for each student’s needs and goals. Students would use this during language art rotations. The program also provides reports of progress students are gaining.
For more information, please visit
Imagine Learning
What is next? This an exciting opportunity for all of us that will have a lasting effect on the lives of your children. Please contact and encourage your PTA to support the efforts for technology in our school. Get involved if you can. Feel free to post comments or questions/concerns you may have, and I will personally do my best to answer.
Thank you for all your support!!!
References
Roblyer, M.D., & Doering, A.H. (2010). Integrating educational technology into
teaching. (5thed.). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon/Pearson.
DISCLAIMER: This blog is an assignment for an educational technology course at National University. It is not a real fundraising blog.
