Technology Fundraising Blog

Hi parents!

I first want to welcome you to our classroom blog and thank you for visiting. By viewing this post it is my hopes to recruit many of you to join the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). The PTA family will help lead the fight for our children in the century ahead. PTA parents will be helping with fundraisers in efforts for more computers and technology for our classroom. Technology is very important in todays learning process. It is my desire to get as many parents involved to make this dream a reality. With computers and technology in the classroom, your children will be able to reap the benefits of numerous educational programs.

I understand many of you have concerns about technology in the classroom. However, it is well documented that technology itself only provides materials for better educational strategies. These powerful devices are only effective if they are integrated meaningfully by teachers. "Technology is intended to be part of our path to a better life, rather than an obstacle in its way" (Roblyer & Doering 2010, p. XV). Tutorial programs, problem solving games and instructional games all serve an objective in motivating the students minds. The availability of computers and technology in the classroom encourage the students to be productive. Not only will computers help your children with education, but technology will help prepare them for their future in the work force. "Technology such as word processing, spreadsheets, simulations, multimedia, and the Internet have become increasingly essential in many jobs. Students who use these in school have a head start on what to do in the workplace" (Roblyer & Doering 2010, p. 15).

For more information about the benefits of technology in the classroom, please visit the Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology (CARET) website. http://caret.iste.org

With the PTA helping with fundraising we would be able to buy computers and software for the classroom.

Computers: Being able to have 5-10 computers in the classroom would be extremely useful. Your children would be able to work on numerous different subjects, such as english, mathematics, science, reading and history. These computers would help keep the students organized and working in a timely manner.

Software: Certain software would need to be available on the computers. Word document, power point and excel would be beneficial to the students. With word document your children will be able to type assignments and papers on the computer. Word document would allow you child to work on his or her book report or project in the classroom and receive assistance from me if needed. Further, with power point the students will be able to make slide shows for projects and presentations. With excel, the students will be able to make spread sheets which will also help keep them organized and learn how to sort.

reference for word document: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word/
reference for power point: http://learningppt.com/
reference for excel: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/excel/

I understand that not all parents will be onboard with educational technology. However, I invite you to be a part of your child's educational success. I encourage you to ask questions and add comments to help all of us be an integral part of our classroom.

Reference

Roblyer, M.D., & Doering, A.H. (2010). Integrating educational technology into teaching. (5th ed.). Boston: Allen and Bacon/Pearson.


DISCLAIMER: This blog is an assignment for an educational technology course at National University. It is not a real fundraising blog