Parents as partners

http://www.edtechtalk.com/node/4909 

The presentation I did attend on ed tech talk was “Parents as partners”. The presenter was Cale Birk, the principal at South Kamloops Secondary School in Kamloops, British Columbia. Mr. Birk discussed the importance of not only having school staff and parents interact with each other, but also the students. I believe a student’s opinion should also be considered, since they are the one that the education pertains to. Birk also mentions how he has witness the decrease of parent’s involvement as the students move up in school. With this in mind, Birk included additional features on the school website to enhance interaction among staff, students and parents.

During the presentation, Birk talks about the importance of educators using technology to teach both students and parents. He mentions how students do know how to use technology; however they need to be educated on how to use technology when learning new material. I agree with this statement. There are numerous websites that could help students with learning different subjects. In addition to, with the technology we have today, students can explore different cultures and exotic locations without leaving the classroom. On the school website, there are tutorial on how to use free tools that are useful for both students and parents. Birk gives examples of, blogger, wordle and google docs in his presentation.  

The school website also has chat rooms that could help parents have conferences among school administrators and other parents. This is something I believe is beneficial. Both parents and educators are busy, and may have conflicting schedules during the day hours. It may be easier for both to set up a time during the evening that works for them to discuss the child’s behaviors or academics without having to leave home. This school site also allows parents access to their child’s grades and assignments.

I believe in order for success, communication is essential. Keeping all parties in constant communication (parents, teacher, and students) would not only improve the education of the child, but improve both the school and the community as a whole. Birk shared additional ways to include parents in school events, news and surveys. The school also submits information by twitter, text messaging and direct e mail if granted permission from the individual. Everyone has a preferable way of communicating. I believe by having these options accessible, it may increase engagement among the educator, the parents and students.