Using Technology to Promote Parent Involvement ‘Agent of Change’ Current Issues in Education Gannon Cohort Kerry Bresslin

National Standards Outcomes #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 21 st 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 websiteGifted/Enrichment website Cell Phones 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 Change Where I was? Struggling to motivate parents to be involved Finding the time for parents How can I change? –TECHNOLOGY!

Agent of Change Where 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 Change Where I am going? Continue with Skype and Googledocs Keep building up my classroom webpage Continue learning new 21 st 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 Hiatt-Michael, D. (2001) Preparing Teachers to Work with Parents. ERIC Digests. Survey. (2002) Parents Believe Technology Can Enhance Family Quality Time. Retrieved from Skype. (2011) 50 Awesome Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom. Retrieved from Google. (2011) Googledocs. Retrieved from