Technology to Support Communication
I have always thought that good communication is a vital part of succeeding. With all the technology the world has to offer today there are more than enough ways to create exceptional communication between people. In order to understand someone there needs to be good communication. To have a relationship, business or personal, there must be good communication. For someone to put their trust in another person, there should be good communication. Before technology, the only real way to have a conversation with anyone was face-to-face. Now, I’m not saying communicating with someone in person is unnecessary, because it very much is, however, this day and age, we are lucky enough that we don’t have to wait for a convenient time to talk to someone. Let’s face it, as a teacher there is no convenient time. According to Holcomb, Castek, and Johnson, it is important to keep classroom teachings current with the present day (2007). This is where technology and its importance comes into play for teacher and student/parent communication.
Why Teacher/Parent Communication is Important
Teachers don't only work with children, they work with children’s parents as well. Having good communication between both the student and their parents is very important. As previously mentioned, good communication leads to success, which means part of being a good teacher is having good communication. If a teacher is not good with communicating this can lead to students and parents becoming frustrated and upset. Students become confused in the classroom when there is miscommunication and may feel uncomfortable or scared asking for help when the teacher has bad communication between the students. Parents might feel offended or aggravated as well if there is a lack of positive communication in their children’s classroom. On the other hand, parents appreciate teachers who go out of their way to keep parents up-to-date and informed with what is going on in the classroom. Students are also aware of what teachers take the time to communicate with them and which ones do not. The students appreciate teacher communication efforts just as much as parents do. “Students have felt what mattered most was the relationship teachers established with their students…” (Rose, 2000, p. 115). Children know that when teachers have positive communication it means that the teacher cares about them. Plus, when there is good communication between the teacher and students it makes everyone’s job a lot easier.
Tools Used for Effective Communication
Using technology, combined with traditional ways of communicating, can lead to a great connection in and out of the classroom. In my classroom, I will be using at least three different types of technology to assist in better communication with my students and their parents. These three forms of technology would be weekly emails, teacher/classroom website, and text reminders.
The weekly emails will consist of a summary of what will be taught in class for the current week, as well as a list of assignments and homework that will be assigned to the students. This will allow students and parents to have an agenda for the week and know what to expect.
A teacher/classroom website will have the same contents that emails contain only a taking it a step further. By keeping an up-to-date website, students and parents, as well as the global community, can keep track of homework and assignments. Teacher and classroom websites also allow parents and the global community to get a feel of the classroom experience the teacher provides.
Text reminders are a great tool to use for quick and instant announcements. Teenagers love texting, so what better way to communicate with them by speaking their language? With a texting app, such as Remind, teachers can send out announcements and reminders through texting parents and students without swapping phone numbers (Remind101, 2015). Remind texts are only a one way message and cannot be replied to, however, the app also allows two-way conversations (Remind101, 2015).
In addition to technological communication I intend on using traditional communication as well. Phone calls and Face-to-face communication, such as parent/teacher conferences, are essential for optimal communication. Technology is great for instant communication and convenience, but tone of voice and body language are very important with communication as well. Using both techniques provides a great moderation for excellent communication.
Conclusion
Good communication is vital for good connections. Being a teacher is all about the connections being made. In order for students to learn I, as their teacher, have to find that connection between them and the material to help them understand. In order for me to connect them to the material I must first communicate with them to create a good student and teacher relationship. Working with students also means I must communicate with their parents and build a connection with them as well to best help their children. With the help of emails, websites, and handy texting apps, along with traditional forms of communication, it has become easier than ever to achieve communication on a positive level. With the assistance of technology, my communication between my students and their parent’s skyrockets to an optimal level, therefore, it is clear to see why it is vital for good classroom communication.
References
Holcomb, L., Castek, J., & Johnson, P. (2007). Unlocking the potential of k-12 classroom websites to enhance learning. New England Reading Association, 43.1(90), 36-40
Remind101. (2015) Features. Retrieved from https://www.remind.com/features
Rose, M., (2000). The presence of others. In M. Moller. (Ed.), Lives on the boundary (pp. 106-115). Boston: Bedford/ St. Martin's.
I have always thought that good communication is a vital part of succeeding. With all the technology the world has to offer today there are more than enough ways to create exceptional communication between people. In order to understand someone there needs to be good communication. To have a relationship, business or personal, there must be good communication. For someone to put their trust in another person, there should be good communication. Before technology, the only real way to have a conversation with anyone was face-to-face. Now, I’m not saying communicating with someone in person is unnecessary, because it very much is, however, this day and age, we are lucky enough that we don’t have to wait for a convenient time to talk to someone. Let’s face it, as a teacher there is no convenient time. According to Holcomb, Castek, and Johnson, it is important to keep classroom teachings current with the present day (2007). This is where technology and its importance comes into play for teacher and student/parent communication.
Why Teacher/Parent Communication is Important
Teachers don't only work with children, they work with children’s parents as well. Having good communication between both the student and their parents is very important. As previously mentioned, good communication leads to success, which means part of being a good teacher is having good communication. If a teacher is not good with communicating this can lead to students and parents becoming frustrated and upset. Students become confused in the classroom when there is miscommunication and may feel uncomfortable or scared asking for help when the teacher has bad communication between the students. Parents might feel offended or aggravated as well if there is a lack of positive communication in their children’s classroom. On the other hand, parents appreciate teachers who go out of their way to keep parents up-to-date and informed with what is going on in the classroom. Students are also aware of what teachers take the time to communicate with them and which ones do not. The students appreciate teacher communication efforts just as much as parents do. “Students have felt what mattered most was the relationship teachers established with their students…” (Rose, 2000, p. 115). Children know that when teachers have positive communication it means that the teacher cares about them. Plus, when there is good communication between the teacher and students it makes everyone’s job a lot easier.
Tools Used for Effective Communication
Using technology, combined with traditional ways of communicating, can lead to a great connection in and out of the classroom. In my classroom, I will be using at least three different types of technology to assist in better communication with my students and their parents. These three forms of technology would be weekly emails, teacher/classroom website, and text reminders.
The weekly emails will consist of a summary of what will be taught in class for the current week, as well as a list of assignments and homework that will be assigned to the students. This will allow students and parents to have an agenda for the week and know what to expect.
A teacher/classroom website will have the same contents that emails contain only a taking it a step further. By keeping an up-to-date website, students and parents, as well as the global community, can keep track of homework and assignments. Teacher and classroom websites also allow parents and the global community to get a feel of the classroom experience the teacher provides.
Text reminders are a great tool to use for quick and instant announcements. Teenagers love texting, so what better way to communicate with them by speaking their language? With a texting app, such as Remind, teachers can send out announcements and reminders through texting parents and students without swapping phone numbers (Remind101, 2015). Remind texts are only a one way message and cannot be replied to, however, the app also allows two-way conversations (Remind101, 2015).
In addition to technological communication I intend on using traditional communication as well. Phone calls and Face-to-face communication, such as parent/teacher conferences, are essential for optimal communication. Technology is great for instant communication and convenience, but tone of voice and body language are very important with communication as well. Using both techniques provides a great moderation for excellent communication.
Conclusion
Good communication is vital for good connections. Being a teacher is all about the connections being made. In order for students to learn I, as their teacher, have to find that connection between them and the material to help them understand. In order for me to connect them to the material I must first communicate with them to create a good student and teacher relationship. Working with students also means I must communicate with their parents and build a connection with them as well to best help their children. With the help of emails, websites, and handy texting apps, along with traditional forms of communication, it has become easier than ever to achieve communication on a positive level. With the assistance of technology, my communication between my students and their parent’s skyrockets to an optimal level, therefore, it is clear to see why it is vital for good classroom communication.
References
Holcomb, L., Castek, J., & Johnson, P. (2007). Unlocking the potential of k-12 classroom websites to enhance learning. New England Reading Association, 43.1(90), 36-40
Remind101. (2015) Features. Retrieved from https://www.remind.com/features
Rose, M., (2000). The presence of others. In M. Moller. (Ed.), Lives on the boundary (pp. 106-115). Boston: Bedford/ St. Martin's.