Parents Involvement in Education Can Encourage Technology in Classrooms

by Paul Blundin
Topics:
Parents and Schools, School Policy and Education Issues, Study Skills and Academics

In June 2008, the Harvard Education Letter published an article that reviewed the impact of one-to-one laptop programs in America's schools. According to the article, more than 25 percent of the 2,500 largest U.S. school districts have at least one grade of students using their own laptops - a figure that is expected to double by 2011. While researchers are still debating major educationissues related to the value of laptops in schools, educators in K-12 grades who work in laptop environments know that laptops, when used well, allow students to learn, explore, discover and create in new and exciting ways. In the article, Jackie Pearce, Principal at the Robert C. Fisler School in Fullerton, Calilfornia says that laptops promote "self-directed, project-based and collaborative learning." This is exactly the kind of learning that resonates best with students.


Education and Issues: How is Your School Using Computers?

Even if your school doesn't have a laptop program for your child, smart schools use technology to go beyond the traditional classroom paradigm. The Internet is revolutionizing the way we communicate, socicalize, research, play, shop and learn. It allows students to think in new ways about themselves and their place in the world and increasingly, it's up to schools to help students become wise and innovative computer users.


Parent Involvement in Education Inspires Innovative Uses of Technology

Try these tips:

* Attend Back to School Night (or other public functions) and ask to see the computer lab(s) or the computers in the classroom. Ask about the use of the machines and what plans the teachers have in store for them. Educate yourself about what the school expects from the children and the staff.
* Ask to see the school's Technology Plan in writing. Most schools today are required to develop such plans by their respective state governments.
* Ask if the teachers could plan a time to show how the computers are used in the classroom.
* Ask if the teacher is knowledgeable about computers and current ideas for their use. Maybe your school needs a specialist.
* If possible, provide a relatively new computer capable of an Internet connection for your child to use at home. If you can't, make regular visits to the local library. Many libraries are equipped with computers that are connected to the Internet and have installed programs your child could begin using.
* Become computer literate yourself. Local schools often sponsor low-cost evening courses on many subjects, including computers. (You won't look foolish in a class of beginners.)
* Offer to be of help in the classroom if you have the skills and the time. You would be surprised at how many teachers would love to have someone supervise dedicated time on the computers they have in the room.
* Be prepared to read, sign and enforce an acceptable-use computer policy sent home from school. These impress upon the children many ethical considerations before they are allowed to use the machines at school. They include policies prohibiting intellectual plagiarism, copyright violation, and proper use of Internet time for educational uses.
* Overall, your role could be to gently confirm that the computers are being or could be used for projects that bring out the best in the learner. If you find the use of computers at your local school uninspired, try to understand the teacher's predicament. He or she may simply need a more inspired vision.





Source:

Gillard, C. (2008) "Equity, Access and Opportunity." Harvard Education Letter 24:3. Harvard Graduate School of Education. p.1.