Telecommunications technology in education is a double-edged sword. Increasingly over the past decade, educators have had to work with tighter budgets, more limited teaching materials, larger classes. With the advent of the Internet into education, instructors have gained an incredible teaching aid and, hand-in-hand, the requirement to gain a complex set of skills to master and manage that aid. Educational technology is changing so rapidly that a considerable time investment is needed to keep abreast of the wave.
How does an educator find the time and extra arms to integrate the virtual world into the classroom?
Technology and the Volunteer Resource.
One important resource is volunteers: parents; grandparents; seniors; business people; students. Volunteers with an interest in and
a commitment to education become partners in the
educational process. Where they are welcome, volunteers aid
teachers in classroom activities, assist with projects, lead small group activities.
Parents are often the front line volunteers, having the most direct interest in a students' learning experience. However, concerned volunteers will step forward from many quarters when presented with a satisfying project, including: seniors with talents, time, and a wealth of experience to contribute; business people interested in fostering savvy future employees; community service organizations seeking meaningful contribution; students with time and talents in technology.
Volunteers and the Internet
Assisting with Internet projects is valuable activity for volunteers with interest and skills in telecommunications technology. Individual projects are generally focused on specific skills, input and outcome. Clearly defined tasks are easier to delegate to a volunteer. Volunteerss with knowledge of the Internet and basic surfing skills can help manage project tasks or entire projects for teachers. Some elements, such as sending, receiving, compiling data, can even be done from home.
The Benefits
Teachers can collaborate with community resources who never had the time before. Community understanding of the demands upon educators is enhanced by actual participation in the classroom process.More parents can become directly involved in the educational process--becoming advocates and partners in learning. Just one day per month in the classroom can heighten appreciation of the rigors of teaching today. Understanding of the students's experience also adds a dimension to family relationships. And, the importance of education is doubly reinforced to the child by the parent's involvement.
The Tasks
Depending upon school policies, instructor
needs, and parent interest and capabilities, parents can:
Volunteer interest and comfort level, as well as staff comfort level can best determine the level of involvement and responsibilities. Because of availability of Internet access, much management work can be done from home. Actual student involvement might only be one hour weekly, with the remainder of the project activity being done at the volunteer's convenience. And often, classroom schedules can accommodate volunteer availability. This type of flexible scheduling allows for participation by skilled volunteers with limited availability during the school day.
Examples of volunteer-lead project can be seen on the WWW at NickNacks: Learning Together Around the World. The site was developed by a parent volunteer who telecollaborated with instructors around the globe to develop and manage global classroom projects.
Training
Parent training requires two components: classroom policies, skills and procedures, and telecommunications technology. Where students are contacted, precaution is required.
Time
If the program is to increase learning opportunities, it must also save staff time. Training must be cost-effective and efficient. Volunteers must be able to operate independently. Need for extensive teacher supervision will reduce the effectiveness and benefits of the program.
Recruitment
Volunteers who want to be involved are a highly visible, easy to access resource. This firrst group is often parents, who come to school, call, write notes, volunteer for other activities. By starting a technology aide group with these parents, a demonstration project can be organized and used later to recruit more volunteers.
Face-to-face invitations are most effective, including:
Share your Success
Let us know about your successful volunteer technology program or ideas from other types of volunteer projects. NickNacks will post instructive reports on the WWW to help others mobilize their technology volunteers.
National Effort
The Tech Corps is a non-profit organization attempting to promote and harness technology volunteer efforts across the country by chartering chapters in every state to coordinate state-wide efforts. The oganization can connect you with other interested parties, as well as providing resource information.
A Call to Action
Our schools, our students, our future stand on the brink of a new age--at the edge of the information superhighway. This valuable resource awaits development--and the children, our future, deserve our best effort! Volunteers are needed to step forward today, and schools need to embrace their efforts. Partnership enters a new stage. Responsibility for educating the children now belongs to the entire global community.