Session 5 Blog Post

Response Questions: Identify the technology integration best practices you use. How did you learn about this best practice? Describe what it is, how you accomplish it, and how you found it. Why isn't everyone using it?

I would have to say that the technology integration best practice I use is a combination of things. In terms of parent communication I would have to say creating the parent email list (for those who have it..) and using it to communicate with the parents on a regular basis (at least twice a week). I have found it is one of the easiest ways to get in touch with parents who work or keep different hours where they are not easily reached during the day. In addition, it is an easy way to keep the lines of communication open between parents and teachers. (On a side note, there are many websites out there that will translate a body of text into any language..so for my Spanish speaking parents a simple click of the mouse will translate my email to Spanish and I can easily translate their response back - it is VERY helpful! My basic knowledge of Spanish allows me to check to make sure that the translation is correct) An example of my using this practice would be when I email the study skills teachers to let them know the assignments for the day, I add the parents to that email as well so they also know what was done in class. I feel one of the reasons that some teachers are cautious about beginning and maintaining regular communication with parents through email is they are worried parents may send numerous emails on a daily basis and they may feel obligated to respond that same day. Another reason is maybe they just do not want to be burdened with additional emails to open, read, and respond to. With everything (it seems) going to the computer and online, it appears to me that communicating via email is faster and easier than playing phone tag for days on end with some of the hard to reach parents.

Another example of a best practice that I have found and I am not sure if this "counts" but for the few parents I just cannot get ahold of by conventional means (phone calls, home visits..), I have found that texting them actually elicits a response in a timely manner (usually within minutes!). For most of my students, that is how they keep in contact with their parents and I thought if that is how they reach their parents, why shouldn't I try it? It was actually a student who suggested I text his mother to find out when she was able to come in for a meeting (I guess he got tired of me asking him everyday...and sending him home with notes...). Within minutes of my text to her, I got a response and every time I need to speak with her now that is how I reach her. While there are some disadvantages (parents having my cell #) I have found the advantages (getting in touch with parents almost immediately) to be worth it. I realize it is unconventional, however for me (and others at my site) it works and is a great technology tool. I have not had a problem with parents having my cell number at all. All of the parents I have contacted this way are happy that a teacher is concerned enough about their student to give out their home number. It makes it easier when discussing difficult situations with parents if they know you care about the success of their student enough to "deal with them" after school hours. When I talk with other teachers about how they contact parents for meetings, etc they are often frustrated because they cannot reach anyone and when I suggest texting (or even emailing) they are always hesitant. Perhaps they are concerned about their number being "out there" and misused; I suppose it all comes down to what type of relationship has been built with a particular student. Obviously I do not text "all" the parents, but for some it is appropriate and works ( and I am all for doing things that work and make my life easier! ) I understand their concerns completely, but sometimes wonder if they are so upset about not being able to contact a parent, why are they unwilling to try other methods? Just a thought...