University of Wisconsin - Stout

Feature:
Effective Parent Communication Via Email and the Web

January 17, 2006
School of Education
Editor: Karen Franker

Tech Tips
    ~ Restore Missing Icons From Windows XP Desktop
    ~ Ejecting a Stuck Disk in Slot-Loading iBooks
Feature: Effective Parent Communication Via Email and the Web
Hot News about e-Learning
Final Call for Online Classes Beginning January 30
What Our Students Are Saying...
For More Information

Thanks for sharing the URL for this newsletter with your colleagues. Our newsletter keeps you up to date with helpful technology hints, teaching strategies, and sites of the week.

TECH TIPS

TIP #1 Restore Missing Icons From Windows XP Desktop

If the icons have disappeared from your Windows XP desktop, and your computer is otherwise working well, here is how to get them back:

  1. Right-click anywhere on the desktop area.
  2. In the pop-up menu which appears, select “Arrange Icons By…” then highlight “Show Desktop Icons” so that there is a checkmark by it.

TIP #2 Ejecting a Stuck Disk in Slot-Loading iBooks

If a slot-loading drive does not eject a disk:
Press the F12 (Media Eject) key, or restart your Mac and press/hold the trackpad button during startup.

FEATURE: Effective Parent Communication Via Email and the Web

Many Ways to Reach Parents
Linda Shalaway provides concise descriptions of the best methods of parent communication. Her class newsletter content suggestions are applicable for both written and electronic formats.

Parents and Teachers Working Together
Linda Starr shares strategies for using technology to increase parent involvement; including Web sites, email, and voice mail.

Parents Expect E-Mail Accessibility
Nora Carr takes the parent perspective in advocating for the necessity of regular email communication between teachers and parents, and also provides recommendations on effective school email policies.

Email Guidelines for Parent and Teacher Communication (PDF requires requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader )
The Pearland (TX) Independent School District provides an excellent model of email communication guidelines for district staff and parents.

Examples of Classroom Websites for Parent Communication

Class Homepage Builder: Tips For Your Homepage
Scholastic provides video clips of two teachers who have used the free Homepage Builder to create successful class Web sites for improved school-home communication.

NEWS:
E-Learning

The New Www: Whatever, Whenever and Wherever
In an age of instant media gratification, learning must be real, rich and relevant. The new www -- offering us whatever we want, whenever and wherever we want it -- may seem like just an extension of our already technology-enhanced life. The December 2005 Educational Leadership examines how the stream of media gratification is creating great challenges for our children.

Final Call Online Courses Beginning January 30

Registration closes January 25 for the following classes to provide time for assigning user name, password, university email address, and online orientation. Sign up today!

Additional courses begin in February and March. Reserve your spot soon!
List of spring online classes

REGISTER ONLINE OR BY FAX (PDF FORM)
Payment plan option available. Tuition is the same fee for in-state and out-of-state participants. You may participate from your home or school computer.

Call University of Wisconsin-Stout Online Professional Development (715-642-0209) if you have questions.

WHAT OUR STUDENTS ARE SAYING...

About the Inclusion-Strategies for Special Needs/ESL Learners online course:

"It is convenient to take an online course and be able to participate fully from my computer - it is exciting getting to know people from all over the world and hear of their varied experiences - it is engaging to learn and try new things. There are many classes that you can't apply to your field, but this is not one of them. You learn so much and can apply it all."
~ High School Math Teacher
Davenport, Iowa

"Very practical and immediately useful information. It made a difference to my classroom right away. As a new teacher I came into the classroom so eager to teach, but I was not prepared for a newly diagnosed autistic child or a new ESL student. This class gave me so many new avenues to try with these students... I truly believe my special needs students (and their parents) have benefited greatly from my participation in this course."
~ First Grade Teacher
Manning, Iowa

"If you have ever worried about having a special needs student in your classroom, then this is the course for you! This course is exactly like what a college campus course would be like, but the best part is that you can do it in your pjs and at any time!"
~ Second Grade Teacher
Taejon, South Korea

Online Reading Certification Courses

Gain your certification in teaching reading through a sequence of six courses completed in five semesters. Apply soon.

Master of Science in Education - Online Program

University of Wisconsin-Stout's two-year, 30-credit MS Ed degree program is offered online, and no travel to campus is required. For additional information, email Amy Gullixson at gullixsona@uwstout.edu or call Amy at 715-232-5167.

Financial Aid is available for degree-seeking students.  You can apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov , or to speak with a financial aid advisor, call UW-Stout's Financial Aid Office at 715-232-1363 or email finaid@uwstout.edu .

FOR MORE INFORMATION...

Request for Information Form
Email: Joan Vandervelde
Online Professional Development Program Coordinator
University of Wisconsin - Stout
Online Courses and Dates
Archive of Past Newsletters
Call University of Wisconsin-Stout Online Professional Development (715) 642-0209 if you have questions.

The next issue of Infobytes newsletter will feature: Dealing with Difficult Parents

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