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Indiana Center for Family, School & Community Partnerships PARTNERS IN LEARNING Vol. 2:1 ~ Fall 1998   How can technology be used to increase and support family involvement? It's a logical and timely question to explore, especially given the rapidly growing use of the Internet as a major thoroughfare, not only for information but also for communication. Over 580 Indiana schools now have a web site up and running. Countless other schools have sites in process or are beginning to talk about the possibilities. Using the information super highway to connect families and schools is an even more recent development. The potential is enormous and early results are encouraging. Living up to this potential, however, not only means that districts, schools and classrooms need to develop their web sites and e-mail capabilities with parents in mind. It also requires close attention to the issue of equity, so that all families can reap the benefits of technology. CONTENTS: Technology Links Families, Schools & Communities The time is right for schools, families and communities to connect--and many have already begun. Family Access Must be a Priority A number of studies reveal a growing information gap. Buddy Connects! Information on an innovative educational program that provides elementary students and their families with computers to link up to their schools. A Local Web Site Can Open Doors to All Types of Involvement Looks at developing school web sites from a family involvement perspective in the areas of parenting, communicating, volunteering, learning at home, decision-making, and community collaborating. Tips for Building a Classroom or School Web Site Provides some basic guidance for getting started on a web site. Parents and the Internet: FAQ* Presents some basics for parents: what's in it for them, what if they don't have a computer at home, where they can find out more information, how they can help their child's school, and beginning sites to check out. (This was included as an insert in the hard copy of newsletter) Involving Families through the Web Provides a family involvement checklist for classroom, school and district web sites. (This was included as an insert in the hard copy of newsletter) Good Resources A growing collection of helpful books and other publications, online resources and other learning opportunities that offer information about family involvement in their children's education. Please feel free to copy and share this newsletter with parents, teachers and others in your community. Partners in Learning is written and produced 3/year by The Family Connection of St. Joseph County, Inc. for the Indiana Center for Family, School & Community Partnerships. The newsletter was developed under a grant from the Department of Education to the Indiana Parent Information Network, Inc. However, newsletter contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Goverment. For more information, contact: FSC Partnerships, 4755 Kingsway Drive, Suite 105, Indianapolis IN 46205 ~ phone: 317-205-2595 ~ fax: 317-251-7488 ~ email: fscp@indy.net Return to top | NEXT: Technology Links Families, Schools & Communities

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