Technology in school

Dear parents,

As you know, the PTA is working hard to raise money in an effort to increase technology in our classrooms. I am inviting you to be part of this great cause.

You may think that technology in the classroom is a waste of time, or may give your child access to inappropriate information. You should know that technology today has many safeguards to protect your child. Here are some reasons why this is such an important fundraiser:

• We will be able to use the internet to review learned material. At www.tutorial.historyalive.com, students will be able to review material in a fun and interactive way to prepare them for tests. When I have used this resource, test scores have gone up dramatically.
• Students will be able to increase their reading comprehension and fluency, and will be motivated to read. With a program we will be using called Accelerated Reader (AR), students will be notified of the level they are currently reading at, will be given suggested books to read that will interest them, and then will give them comprehension tests after the students finish reading. This helps students to continually progress their reading level throughout the year.
• Students in the classroom who are English Language Learners are able to get support through technology. We will use programs that translate material for the students, gives them visual representations, and allows them to read at their current level.

This information is supported by two theories. One of those theories is the constructivist learning theory, which states that students learners are able to take in information much better when they are actively participating in activities. (http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/constructivism.htm) If we allow our students to use technology on their own to construct meaning, we are giving them more access to be successful.

Another theory is the self-directed learning theory. This theory states that as people mature, they want to obtain information on their own and in essence teach themselves. (http://www.fsu.edu/~elps/ae/download/ade5385/Merriam.pdf) If we allow children to go online and play educational games and do research, we are allowing them to self direct their learning and we are therefore encouraging this pattern.

With these things in mind, I hope you will support our efforts to raise money for more technology in our classrooms. We appreciate anything you are able to assist with. Please post any comments or questions on this blog, as I would love to open up dialogue about your thoughts, advice, concerns, and ideas.

Thank you very much,
Ms. Crowell