Talk:Especially for Parents

Wiki - Parents EHKI thoroughly enjoyed reading this article. I think it was well-written and very informative. I think the three questions addressed concerning 1). a parent's concern for children's access to inappropriate material on the  computer, 2). the effective use of computers and other IT and 3). what parents can do at home that will help to ensure children are using IT knowledge that  will assist them in solving various problems and accomplishing different task  are valid questions that parents should ask and be concerned about.

With such a large volume of computer usage and numerous websites that can be accessed, I believe, as the article states,  schools are aware that there is often an attempt by students to gain access to  inappropriate websites. I agree, certain mechanisms need to be developed and put in place to prevent this  type of violation. Rules that have been established must be strictly enforced. The idea of a signed Acceptable Use Policy is good, but just because the child signed the agreement, does that keep him/her from venturing into inappropriate  websites? NO IT DOES NOT!

I agree, communication between parent and child is the key factor in having an understanding of just what is expected when the child  uses the computer. Just as there are established classroom rules that the teacher has communicated to the students in his/her classroom, established home  rules must also be communicated to the child. There are certain boundaries in school and home that should not be crossed.

I think computers are used quite often as a "babysitting tool", as "edutainment". When children are preoccupied with the computers, the children are relatively quiet for the most part. Basically, it's all fun and games. But what are they learning? Are they using the computer effectively? Are they being guided through a learning objective? When software becomes more entertainment and less practice and drill and when the computer does not relate well to the overall curriculum being taught in the classroom, it is not an  effective learning tool. I agree that these warning signs should be immediately addressed.

At home, parents should be involved in their child's computer usage. Notice what your child uses the computer for and the amount of time they send on them. There should be a balance of computer usage between home and school. I agree that regular discussions with your child, along with other parents and teachers may open the door to new ways for children to efficient and effective in their computer usage.

Elaine King -UAB Fall 2008 EDT 630



Comment 4/29/08
Being a first time user, I found that this site to be a very helpful instrument for parents. I have tried many times to locate information on the Web that would allow me to access appropriate sites for the parents of my students. The Parent section of this document gives many ideas of places for adults to visit and access relevant information that will aid them in finding innovative ways to incorporate technology into their homes. Presently, I feel that parents lack hands-on applications for their children to access technology at home. Some feel that PlayStation, Nintendo, and other games represent quality technology for their children. This is not the case in most instances. Students need academically based technology available at home as well as the school environment.

I have a student this year who is terrified of the computer. When I mention the trip to the Computer Lab, she bursts into tears. Our school participated in a program called Kids College that is an academically based sports game. She is so scared that she will cry rather than attempt to play the games. I have had to sit beside her and keep her calm just to get a score to report. This is a very sad situation. I mentioned this situation to her parents at our last conference. They said they did not have a computer in the house. They are planning on purchasing one in the near future, while in the meantime, this student is terrified to enter the room where the computers are housed.

I feel this site will be a perfect place to send the parents to help them find appropriate activities for their children to engage in. I plan on adding this site to the information that is given to my parents at the beginning of the year.

Staci Ragland EDT 630 Parental Involvement in Technology Integration ==

As teachers, we educate students daily in various aspects of life as well as various academic subject matter. As parents, we educate children when they have come home from school and on the weekends. There is without a doubt, a huge advantage for those students who are continuously educated by their parents versus those students whose parents are not involved in their education at all. Parents have a big responsibility to fuel the education process and explore with their students. This concept is one that easily lends itself to the education of technology. Often times the students have access or ownership of the same technology that we are attempting to share at school. If a student has access to a computer or an mp3 player, that interest can probably be fostered at home just as well as or better than at school. In most schools, teachers have far less computers than students which can mean very little hands on computer time. If students have computers at home or access after school in a public library with their parent, that provides an excellent tool for research, practice, exploration, and big-time motivation. There is an abundant supply of educational downloads and resources for students with access to mp3 players as well. Our students are being raised in a time where in order for something to qualify as fun or exciting it has to be fast-paced and entertaining. Teachers cannot always keep up with the entertaining, cutting edge technology. While we may be learning and trying to stay on top of the latest and greatest, our resources don't always match up with our desire to teach a certain topic. Some parents may also find themselves without the resources personally, but they can have access to them through libraries. This is also a great time for parents to show their students that you are never too old to learn. If parents are open to learn, their student will probably be motivated to learn along side them, or better yet, teach them what they know. Students love to teach others. What better quality time could a parent have with their child than to allow them to teach the new skill they have learned? I strongly feel that parents have a responsibility to their student just like their teachers do, to use the resources that they have. Years ago, technology was a new thing. Now it is a matter of surviving in this world. If adults (teachers and parents) want children to be successful, we have an obligation to supply the resources for them to learn in this age of technology.