Worksheets

=media type="custom" key="6323531"= = = =I Don't Do Paper and My Son Doesn't Like Worksheets=

Introduction
As one year ends and another one begins, I want you to think about your students and your parents and if you are getting information to them in the way that they prefer to receive it. Do you make items electronic for instant access to parents? Can parents find things about schedules, activities, and calendars? How do you reach the parent that needs things in an electronic format.

Description of Parents (me)

 * I have had a family computer in my home for almost 25 years.
 * I created my first PowerPoint in 1994 (16 years)
 * I have had internet access in my home for almost 15 years.
 * I (not on a family plan) purchased my first cell phone in 1996
 * You can not find a phone book in my house
 * When I think about things, I am at a computer not at home.
 * When I want to find information I use my email, phone, or internet.


 * ==How do parents use your district website?==
 * Is your district website designed for people that already know? If so why would the come. But what about the people that are looking for information. Have you thought about the purpose of your district website, is it to keep people informed or is it just a place.
 * []
 * What about people looking for a school district?
 * ===How easy is it to find information?===
 * The other day I had to visit a few schools pages to find contact information. Finding staff and administration information can be very hard on many pages. You might be able find some information, but I should be able to find an email right away.
 * ===How many licks (clicks) does it take to find the information?===
 * Rember the Tootsie Roll commmercial when the boy asks Mr. Owl how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop. Well the same thing goes for your website. How many clicks does it take? If it takes me more thant 3 clicks I have already lost interest and looking somewhere else.

The Impact of a Teachers Website

 * What information should be on the first page of teachers website?
 * Your Name
 * Contact Information
 * School and School District (Link these to their sites)
 * Grade and Content Area
 * Link to Parent Portal
 * Schedule
 * Information about class (syllabus/rules/etc)
 * Links to text books, sites, etc.
 * Calendar of Events
 * Links to projects
 * What about when you compare to other teachers in your area?
 * Fifth Grade Teachers
 * Madison - [], [], [], []
 * Howard - []
 * Chester - [] and []
 * Rutland - http://rut5th.wikispaces.com/ but wait []
 * Ramona - []
 * Is your site Updated and what does that say about it?
 * [|http://ks047.k12.sd.us]
 * [|http://cb066.k12.sd.us]
 * [|http://cg050.k12.sd.us]
 * What else should go on my page?
 * Anything that comes home should also be put on your page.
 * What other tools could I use
 * Distribution Lists - If you use them put them in the BCC so everyone doesn't see everyone else's address
 * Shutterly - Great way to share pictures and information

Description of My Son

 * Does Not have Cable TV
 * Does not have video games
 * Spends little time on the computer
 * Loves to Read

But teachers don't use technology

 * Glogster - []
 * End of the year portfolio
 * Classroom Yearbooks
 * Research Paper
 * Glogster
 * TimeToast
 * Ownership

Assignments need to be....

 * interactive
 * able to be showcased
 * exciting
 * long lasting
 * creative
 * collaborative
 * recreateable