Convergence


 * Convergence**

//** The abundance of resources and relationships made easily accessible via the Internet is increasingly challenging us to revisit our roles as educators **//**...** --[|2010-Horizon-Report.pdf], p. 5

(source: "Working Together..." by lumaxart on Flickr)

//**Convergence in this sense is the linking of all Team related information and communication onto one central location for parent and student access.**//

//**Convergence is necessary**// due to the increase of educational online tools and websites that teachers are now using. Without proper planning the number of resources we ask our students and parents to access can become daunting. Providing one central location for parents to access all team related information for their child makes their life easier and supports a positive teacher / parent relationship.

//**Convergence is free**// and easy due to the number of freely available online tools. Some of the free tools we use to organize information and communicate with parents include:
 * **wikis** -the platform that organizes the information
 * **Google Forms** -creates embeddable forms to gather information
 * **Google Calendar** -keeps parents and students updated with important team and school events
 * **Twitter** -class Twitter updates provide regular tweets updating class or team information

//**"One Stop Shopping" for parents:**//
 * teacher contact information
 * student assignments for all core classes
 * links to individual Moodle classes or wiki
 * team calendar for important school or team related events
 * regular team updates that provide ongoing communication that can supplement (or replace) team newsletters
 * information about team and school protocols and expectations
 * forms for chaperone sign-up, parent contact information, miscellaneous surveys, etc...
 * links to District website and other resources

//**Student involvement is important.**// Get students as involved as possible in updating and managing various aspects of the site. We have students update assignments and manage the online notes for certain classes. The more students are involved increases the opportunities for developing authentic 21st century learning skills.