Welcome Parents to the Classroom 2 Blog!

Welcome parents to our blog! This has been at great year for our students and we're expecting even greater things for their future!

OUR SCHOOLS FUNDRAISER

The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is hosting the Recycle for Research campaign to raise money for our school's technologies program. Bring in your recyclable bottles, cans, and paper to help our school earn money to purchase new hardware and software for our classrooms. Drop off points are listed on the school website, and 100% of your contributions go directly to supporting our school. Even the smallest donations have a big impact!

Why are we having a fundraiser for computer hardware and programs?

As I'm sure you're aware, school budgets have been severely cut back in the last few years at a time when technological innovations in education have increased. By investing in educational tools and programs for online research and development, we are giving our students the power and tools for advancing their education beyond the textbook. Our students will have access to the same research tools as many University level students have. Our class is hoping that enough funds are raise so that we can purchase:

• A Flip video camera for recording and sharing or recitals
• An HD Projector viewing for online web-casts
  

Safe Online Practices

Having access to the web research tools is only one small part of use of technologies in the classroom. Our teachers, IT department and staff are dedicated to the protection and safety of the students. Our Internet Service Provider (ISP) is continuously updating and installing the latest in protection software and teachers are ensuring the students are cyber smart in their online usage. You to can take part in ensuring your child's safety while online by having a family pledge for web surfing.

Theories in Learning

Do you remember what your third grade classroom teacher was like? Do you remember a project that you had worked on in the class? If you do, you know a learning theory and a teaching practice! Yes, not all students have the same way of doing things and you can say that is true for the teacher too. Lets compare how a child learns. Some theorist believe that the best ways for students to learn are by:

• Direct instruction is where the teacher "transmits" what they have learned to the students and the students gain a better understanding of the world. Simply stated, knowledge is something that can be past on.
• Learning is constructed through experiences. If you try something, you will learn by doing more than been told how to do it.
  

In our class we support both of these learning theories because teaching our children on multiple levels as well as perspectives returns the greater result: greater understanding of the world for our students. Development and obtainment of knowledge and information is far easier today than when we went to school because of a new resource= technology. Our World today is technologically linked that includes the new classroom environments. Take a look at what some other schools are doing in their classrooms with technology. Posted below are some links to what kids are doing with these technologies.

With your support, our classroom can reach our goals in getting those technologies in the classroom. And remember, 100% of contributions to the PTA fundraiser drive go to our school!
Thank you parents, PTA and staff for making Oak Knoll School the best :)
Sincerely,
Mr. Betts


References
Roblyer, M.D. & Doering, A. H. (2010).Integrating Educational Technology Into Teaching, fifth Ed. 2, 34-39,Pearson.
CyberSmart. Common Sense Media Inc. referenced: 8 July, 2010.
Wikipedia references by Wikipedia Foundation Inc. Referenced: 8 July,2010.