Context:

This "Newsletter” activity was created for CI 3750, (Integrating Media and Technology into the Elementary Classroom), during the spring of 2007, under the supervision of Mr. Jeff Goodman.

This activity is designed to be given to the students and parents of the class that I will be spending time with during my practicum. This is the time where I will be in the elementary school spending all day learning first hand from the students and teachers about what it will be like to become and elementary educator.

Impact:

The Newsletter I have created will give the students a chance to know who I am. I feel that in any learning environment, it is important for each participant to trust one another. These students already have a good idea of who they are, but as I come into their class, I will be disturbing this balance. Giving them my newsletter will give them a chance to see who I am, and hopefully will allow me to become part of their classroom community. They will read this article and relate it to themselves and other people that they know in their lives. The newsletter will be a vehicle to open communication and break down the initial fear of the unknown in my relationship with these students. In addition to opening communication with the students, I have included a section for the parents, so that they will know why I am there and understand that I am a learner as well. This communication to the parents is equally as important as it is with their children. Parents deserve to know what is going on in the lives of their children. They need to know that I am there to assist the education of their children, as well as to learn from them. When parents accept my presence in the classroom, they will be more likely to open communication with the child about what is going on the classroom, and the child will be able to vocalize their experiences as well. In any classroom it is important to have a cooperation between parents, teachers and students. This newsletter is designed to open and encourage that community.

Alignment:

The Newsletter has helped me reach several goals as a future elementary educator. I have meet NETS-T Standard Five (C and D) and NCDPI Standard Sixteen (indicator three). The following explanations will prove how I have met these standards.

This activity has helped me meet the following NETS-T Standards:

Standard Five: Teachers use Technology to enhance professional practice.

C. Apply technology to increase productivity.

I have met this standard by creating open communication between the students, the parents, and myself through the use of technology. I have given the students in site into who I am and why I am there with them in this Newsletter that I have created electronically. This information breaks down any uncertainty that the students/parents may have had and enables them to be more open with me. When students are comfortable with the situation that they are in, they will be more able to give an honest effort to their work, thus increasing productivity. Without trust in the classroom, there is a fear of being embarrassed. When the students are able to trust their educators they will be more apt to take risks and make mistakes. Making mistakes and being corrected can be one of the best methods of learning.

D. Use technology to communicate and collaborate with peers, parents, and the larger community in order to nurture student learning.

I have reached this goal by using my newsletter as a vehicle to open communication. I have included contact information for parents, in the event that they feel they would like to speak with me. I have formed this newsletter to be interactive, by having the space for the kids to write back to me any questions or concerns that they may have about me.

This activity has helped me meet the following NCDPI Standard for Elementary teachers:

Standard 16: Elementary teachers develop as leaders in their schools and communities by staying informed about educational policy issues and supporting professional development. Elementary teachers participate in co-curricular activities, provide leadership in student and curriculum involvement, and connect these activities to the development of citizenship ideals in their students.

Indicator 3: Teachers communicate with parents, guardians, and caretakers to build partnerships between home and school.

I have reached this goal by providing contact information on the newsletter for the parents to get into touch with me. I have also provided the parent with information about why I am with their students, and ideas about what kind of teacher I plan to be. I have made it clear that I have the same goals for their children that they do, for their child to succeed in school and in turn do well in life.