I have been successful in finding information and resources
needed in order to complete my GAME plan.
To communicate with different stakeholders, I just need continued access
to online tools. The hunt for resources
pertaining to increased technology is always ongoing. I am still searching for
more activities that will promote student creativity. I have also spoken with my colleagues who
have shared some resources with me.
I do not feel as if I need to make any changes to my action
plan. The action plan I have set has been very realistic. The only thing I need
to consider is that reaching these goals take time and it is ongoing. I can communicate with all of my parents
today but in order to reach my goal, I need to continue communicating. In addition, I can create one engaging
activity that uses technology with my students, but I do not consider that
reaching my goal. I need to continue creating these types of lessons to keep my
students’ creativity going.
I have learned that parents really do appreciate teacher
communication. I have had parents tell
me that they had no idea a situation was happening in school or that their
child did not inform them of an important deadline. I have also learned that creating and finding
engaging activities with technology is not as difficult as I thought. There are so many online resources to help
with this and I have plenty of resources in my school. These activities take some time to prepare
for but my students really enjoy working with technology to further their
knowledge.
I do not have any questions at this time. However, I would
like to ask my colleagues’ opinion on a piece of technology. I have downloaded
the app Cel.ly on my iPhone and can access it online. What are your thoughts on
asking students and parents to subscribe so they can get text reminders to
their cell phones?
Hi Tanya,
ReplyDeleteI looks like Cel.ly is a great way to keep connected with students and teachers. Do you think that this would be in place of Moodle or in addition to? I wish that our school would make the switch to Apple based products but we are firmly rooted in PC's. I see that it can be android based as well, but I do not think that our district would like our students to be texting. They do that enough already. It was just in the past two years that we were allowed to email parents.
Keeping in contact with parents to share the bad and the good is definitely appreciated. I see that side from the teachers perspective and now the parents perspective. When I get positive reports about my son in Pre-K it is a nice feeling. Even though I get more feedback on the negative behaviors. I think that by texting, at least there is a record and it can just be an anecdote.
Good luck!
Melissa A.
Hi Melissa,
DeleteI would add Cel.ly in addition to Moodle. I put a lot of information on Moodle and it covers the entire course. I would send out Cel.ly notifications only for important deadlines.
Tanya
Tanya,
ReplyDeleteYou are correct in which parent contact is an ongoing process. This is can be a tedious process as you know, to get a hold of all students parents. In my class I have set up a website to communicate important date and information to parents and students. If you have a program in which students and parents can be contacted through cell phone, I think this is a great idea. My question to you would be, what would you do with those students/parents who do not have e a cell phone, or texting capabilities? Whatever program, cell phone or web based, getting parents involved will make you program that much stronger.
Tami
Hi Tami,
DeleteJust like with e-mail and websites, not all parents have Internet. If they do not have internet or texting capabilities, then they have to rely on their child relaying the information. Some students have me sign their planner everyday and note any important information. They may also call me with any additional questions.
Tanya
Tanya, once you begun to introduce your students to technology to create engaging activities, it is something they look forward to. Creating and monitoring your GAME plan is an ongoing process that will extend beyond the weeks of this Walden course. I am happy you are making progress communicating with your students’ parents as this is very important for the success of your learners. I think inviting your parents and students to subscribe to cel.ly to facilitate timely text and reminders is a good thing. Unfortunately this app might exclude those whose cell phones do not have the capability for this; however, the use of Moodle will make up for those cases. I know communicating with each parent can be a daunting task, but it is an important one as helps to keep parents up-to-date with what is happening in your classroom. In order for parent to take an active role in their children’s learning, we as educators need to find ways to get parents involved and informed about their children learning. I applaud you on this goal. How often do you communicate with parents?
ReplyDelete~Leonie
Hi Leonie,
DeleteI usually communicate with parents at least once a month. I contact parents of struggling students more. In addition, we send two positive letters home a month as a staff. Students really enjoy getting these in the mail. It is something that typically stops after elementary school but I think it is so important that our students are noticed for good work instead of only bad.
Tanya