NO HOMEWORK YET
 

 

 

 

 


Dear Parents,

 

          Have you heard of Digital Divide? An online encyclopedia dedicated to computer technology, webopedia.com, defines digital divide as a term used to describe the discrepancy between people who have access to and the resources to use new information and communication tools, such as the Internet, and people who do not have the resources and access to the technology. The term also describes the discrepancy between those who have the skills, knowledge and abilities to use the technologies and those who do not.

          School systems around the nation are doing as much as they can to make sure that the issue of Digital Divide lessens the gap. We at Amberly elementary are doing all we can to allow students to feel like they have as much access a computer then any other school. Regardless of race, financial problems, or the neighborhood a student grew up in; all students at our school will be having equal access to technology resources. And we are working as hard as possible to make sure that a child at our school has just as many opportunities as a child at any other school.

 

If you would like more detailed information about our efforts with Digital Divide. You can visit the district website at www.portageps.org/technology or call the media specialist at the district at 269-347-2121.

 

~Mr. Nathan Ekola

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


   HANDHELD COMPUTERS

       GOOD OR BAD?

                 

Handheld Computers also known as Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) are becoming increasing common in our school. There are many benefits for having PDA’s in the classroom for both students and teachers to use as educational tools. While some think it’s a good thing to have in the classroom, others don’t look at it so positively.

 

               A research brief done by The Principal’s Partnership does a great job of explaining some of the benefits of having PDA’s in the classroom for both teachers and students. Studies have provided evidence showing that students who use PDA’s may take a greater responsibility for their homework by checking their calendar for assignment due dates and then prioritize their work and study schedules more effectively. Also, students tend to prefer using the PDA to traditional notebooks for recording assignments and can also use the portable computer to check spelling and math (Bauer and Ulrich, 2002; McFadden, 2001). Teachers can benefit by using PDA’s because it allows them quick access to student attendance, grades, and performance assessment charts. Teachers who use handhelds may also experience greater professional development by having more time for meeting the needs of the students, reinforcing concepts taught in class, and refining preexisting knowledge of the students (Caughlin and Vincent, 2003; Roblyer and Edwards, 2000).  http://www.principalspartnership.com/handheldcomputers.pdf

 

            Some who protest the idea of having handheld computers in the classrooms, claim many different ideas that in there point of view will corrupt students minds further. Many of these people are strong believers of an “old-fashion” way of life. They do not like change. I personally feel this way. Integrating more technology into the classroom will only leave more school and students behind that can’t afford that kind of technology. I say, lets just stick to good old textbooks and advancing our writing skills. If student continue to work with computing they will eventually be dependant on typing and will not do as well with there writing skills. Unfortunately, the decision of having handheld computers is not up to me as a teacher. So chances are you will see more of these in our classrooms.

 

                                   

 

 

 

Communication Tip for Kids and Parents

  • Teach children to listen... gently touch a child before you talk... say their name.
  • Speak in a quiet voice... whisper sometimes so children have to listen... they like this.
  • Look a child in the eyes so you can tell when they understand... bend or sit down... become the child's size.
  • Practice listening and talking: talk with your family about what you see on TV, hear on the radio or see at the park or store. (Talk with your children about school and their friends.)
  • Respect children and use a courteous tone of voice. If we talk to our children as we would our friends, our youngsters may be more likely to seek us out as confidants.
  • Catch children and teens being good. Praise them for cooperating with you or their siblings, or for doing those little things that are so easy to take for granted.
  • Use door openers that invite children to say more about an incident or their feelings. "I see," "Oh," "tell me more," "No kidding," "Really," "Mmmmhmmmmm," "Say that again, I want to be sure I understand you."
  • Praise builds a child's confidence and reinforces communication. Unkind words tear children down and teach them that they just aren't good enough.
  • Children are never too old to be told they are loved. Saying "I love you" is important. Writing it in a note provides the child with a reminder that he can hold on to.
  • Give your undivided attention when your children want to talk to you. Don't read, watch TV, fall asleep or make yourself busy with other tasks.