Newsletter Rationale:

Context:

This assignment was completed in the spring 2008 semester for CI 3750 Integrating Media and Technology under the guidance of Mr. Jeff Goodman. This assignment was created for my future student teaching. I used Microsoft Word 2007, a digital camera, a scanner and clip art to create this project.

Impact:

This assignment will help to bridge the communication gap between my students, their parents, and me. Because I introduce myself within the context of this newsletter, I expect that the parents and students will find ways to relate to me on a more personal level. I will also be able to learn more about my students through the scavenger hunt included in the newsletter. This assignment also gives my students and their parents my contact information so that throughout the semester they know I am available at any time. I have also included suggestions for my favorite books and web pages that will not only give the students and myself some common ground but will also introduce them to technology. The theme of my newsletter also allows me to set the environment for goals, objectives, and rewards within my classroom.

Alignment:

NC DPI S16, Ind. 3:

I met this standard by creating a newsletter to help to communicate information from the teacher to the students and guardians. It contains information about specific dates, special interests of the teacher, and how the student or parent can contact the teacher. This newsletter will be printed off and handed out to students who will be required to return it with a parent signiture. This newsletter allows the parents and students to understand the teacher on a more personal level thus allowing them the comfortability to communicate easier.

NETS-T V-C:

I met this standard by demonstrating that the technology available in the form of Microsoft Word can make the teachers ability to prepare a newsletter more productive. By using this technology the teacher can spend more time on class instruction and less time away from his/her students.

NETS-T V-D:

I met this standard by using Microsoft Word and other technology to create a newsletter that includes my favorite books and websites that nurture learning. This newsletter also allows me to communicate and collaborate with my peers, parents, and the larger community by presenting myself as a down to earth reachable person who is interested in working with these people to nurture learning in their children who are my students. The links to other websites creates a collaboration between my students, their parents, and me that will allow all of us some common ground to explore and learn new ideas.