Context:

I have created a web site for my classroom including extensive amounts of useful information and avenues for finding out more. This web site includes pertinent information such as homework assignments, class calendar, links for students, links for parents, pictures of myself in the classroom, and information concerning media literacy. This web site provides my students and their families with nearly everything they might need to know about what is going on in my classroom.

Impact:

This is a way for me to stay connected with the students and parents of my classroom. Families can stay up to date on what is happening in my classroom. If a student tells her or his parent/guardian that she or he has no homework, it takes only a moment for a parent/guardian to find the web site and check to make sure. For students with disabilities that have trouble hearing or remembering what assignments need to be done, they have a source for that information available 24 hours a day. Also, because of the links to articles and news sites, I can help keep parents abreast of relevant, current studies concerning their children.

Alignment:

This web site aligns to standard 16 indicator 3 because it illustrates my commitment to building relationships with parents, guardians, and caretakers through constant communication. Parents have an avenue for learning about my classroom and our activities as well as having an avenue for communicating with me for whatever reason and at any time. This artifact also meets NETS-T Standard IIb because before conducting the survey of the students I did some research as to how television affects children. I also discovered several reliable web sites for parents and students. I looked thorough each web site thoroughly to ensure it had proper content before posting it on my class web site. By doing this, I met standard IIc. On the web site I have included a page with the findings of a survey I conducted with my students about their use of television. This part of the web site meets standard IVb. This artifact also meets standard Va because I used the internet and other computer programs to expand what I know about student use of technology. I also learned about using technology to communicate more efficiently with my students. Attached to the web site is the media release form I sent home with each student. After their parents signed and returned the forms I was able to take pictures of them. I was also very careful to take pictures of all students and not just a few. When they view the web site I want all of them to be able to find a photo of themselves so they do not feel left out. This meets standard VIa. The final standard met by this artifact is VIc. When sending the media release forms home, I was sure to send one translated in Spanish home with students whose parents did not speak English.