Parents Have Digital Access to Teachers

[williamjackson]

Parents Have Digital Access to Teachers

The first 9 weeks report cards have been distributed. Parents need to know
where to go for information to help their child or children if they are not
meeting with academic success. Technology is available now to connect
parents with educators so they are informed on how to address learning
or behavioral challenges. Social media is providing access to educators
that was at one time not available, but parents are accountable in using
their access to social media to help their children not just for social contacts
but in more productive avenues.

The Internet and social media has made a genuine presence for gaining
information that is current and flexible in its content (information).
The 2011/2012 school year started with online tools that parents can use
to connect with teachers. Access through technology has enabled parents
and guardians to digitally reach out and communicate with teachers.
Parents will have questions throughout the school year relevant to the
progress and success of their children in the DCPS school system. 
One of the best ways to gain information is through the Internet using a
multiplicity (geek term) of multitasking (another geek term) digital resources.

These resources include;
Facebook , Twitter, LinkedIn, Youtube, Flickr, dcpsTV, Parent Portal,
dcpsNews, Parent Link, Duvalschools.org.

These are distinctive and effective forms of communication for parents
and the community in this digital age of social media.
The ability of parents to contact teachers and gain school related information
is aided by technologies that teachers have access to in their schools and classrooms.
No longer are teachers inaccessible during the school day, technology allows
parents and teachers to keep open the lines of communication that were
once limited to notes home in bookbags and phone calls which at times delayed
replies. Teachers need to understand that school email accounts are of public access
and their content (emails) are stored on a server. That information never goes
away and can be used later. The opportunity to communicate had a very narrow
window at best with traditional paper/pencil/pen notes.

Parents are encouraged to use digital devices; computers, smart phone, Pads,
etc to obtain information on related school issues. Facebook pages, and Youtube
videos can disseminate important information and archive (save) information
for future use. There is now access that you (the parent) can connect, download,
interact, listen, view, search and integrate with your dailey routine as a responsible
and accountable parent.

Dates, times, locations and directions for meetings, school activities and events can
easily be accessed by logging in or accessing online content.
Duval County Public School learning started the FIRST DAY of school and so was
the accessibility of information to start the learning process.
Report cards are an indicator if your child(ren) need tutoring services, extra help, makeup
work or if there are learning challenges. DCPS has incorporated various technologies
that provide current news and information throughout the district to help students
accomplish success.

Questions can be answered by visiting duvalschools.org and clicking on Student and
Parent information links to learn more. There are multiple ways to exchange information
besides Duvalschools.org web site, there is also access through Facebook, Twitter,
LinkedIn, Duval County Public Schools Television ( dcpsTV), dcpsNews, dcps
Parent Portal, ParentLink, Youtube, Flickr.

Parents are learning the importance of accessing information about their child in
school through Virtual Information Environments (VIE).
Social media has proven its value in sharing information on multiple platforms
that are SoLoMo or Social Local Mobile capabilities. The growing trend is to use
smart phones and interactive pads with WiFi to gain information that is graphical
and interactive. Increased numbers of parents and children access information
from their cell phones. These numbers are shown by service providers such as
TMobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, Sprint, and Verizon.

Understanding the social media concept of SOLOMO (Social access through
social media, Local access to information, Mobile access with mobile technology
(SOLOMO). Parents quickly apply their mobile skills when accessing digital
content from online sites. The concept of SOLOMO allows parents to use the
available technology to 1. So â€" socially connect with family and friends,
2. Lo â€" locally stay connected to the social environment and local information,
3. Mo â€" mobile access with technology that allows for continued and importantly
uninterrupted service.

A breakdown of services to access DCPS for parents:
Facebook  - Like (facebook.com/pages/Duval-County-Public-Schools/)
Twitter - follow (twitter.com/DuvalSchools) 
LinkedIn â€" (linkedin.com/company/duval-county-public-schools)
Duval County Public Schools Television (dcpsTV)
(www.duvalschools.org/static/contact/communications/VOW/Home.html)
dcpsNews (www.duvalschools.org/static/contact/communications/)
Flickr â€" (www.flickr.com/people/duvalcountypublicschools/)
dcps Parent Portal â€" (https://dcps.mygradeportal.com/)
ParentLink â€" (http://www.parentlink.net/)
Youtube â€" search for Duval County Public Schools
These resources can be found directly on www.duvalschools.org/

Technology is a powerful tool and used on multiple platforms; parents, guardians,
grandparents, and family members no longer have to be disconnected, confused,
lost or feel neglected. Virtual Information Environments (VIE) are available as
listed above. Social media is proving its value in sharing information on platforms
that are diverse and mobile.  It just takes using your favorite form of technology
to get connected, stay connected and communicate with your child’s teacher(s).
The diversity of Jacksonville’s growing community is addressed, on the DCPS
web site, the capability to Translate information in multiple languages.

Using GOOGLE Translate, speakers of other languages can gain information
to serve their diverse language needs. Parents have additional resources to have an
increased influence on their child’s education and have greater awareness for themselves.

To see a Youtube video on this information click the link below.
Youtube video on Digital Access to DCPS for Parents
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV8coOsSPPM&feature=player_detailpage

William Jackson, M.Ed.
Educator with Duval County Schools and Edward Waters College