Follow-Up Workshop for Families
During the follow-up workshop, families are invited to bring their children so that parents have an opportunity to see them using the software. Watching children will help families further understand the technology for the child.
Arrange the computer stations similar to the first workshop:
- Work Station 1: Commercial Software Applications with Switch Input
- Work Station 2: Commercial Software Applications with Mouse Input
- Work Station 3: Tool and Graphic Software Applications
- Work Station 4: HyperStudio Applications
- Work Station 5: Computer Management Applications
Encourage the children to share their computer expertise with their families showing how to operate their favorite programs.
Model open-ended questions, such as:
- What would happen if...
- How did you make that happen...
- What would you do instead of this...
- Tell me about the problem...
Keep in mind: Families who are comfortable with the computer might consider becoming “techie” volunteers for your classroom.
Assistance Level
Families can assist with the technology literacy activites in different ways.
- Family volunteers are always welcome in the classroom. A family member does not need a lot of experience with computers to facilitate the technology activities in the classroom. The volunteers will become more familiar with the computer, software programs, activities in the classroom, and the education of their own children as they observe the children using the computer.
- Teachers can ask for computer assistance through invitations sent home. Also a reminder note in the newsletter may be helpful.
- If families come into the classroom to pick up their children, a sign up form posted inside the door can also be used to schedule volunteers.
- Besides the computer activities, family members may be willing to come in for special activities or a field trip. They can assist with taking still shots with the camera or taking video that could later be incorporated into a KidPix slide show or HyperStudio stack.
- Family members are also good resources to serve on a parent board. The parent board can be an invaluable asset when considering new software to purchase.
Since families have different schedules and responsibilities and may not be able to volunteer within the classroom settings, they should be encouraged to assist in other ways. Some parents may be willing to help put together the classroom newletter on their home computer or they may contribute materials from home for a certain thematic unit.
Many of the software programs used in the classroom relate to different themes or popular authors. Through the awareness materials that are sent home and children's discussion with family members, families may want to buy related books, audio tapes and videotapes. Encourage families to lend them to the classroom for a short time. Children are always proud to bring something from home to share with others. Not only are families coordinating materials at home with what is going on in school, but they may be changing purchasing habits from buying popular movie books to purchasing better quality children's literature.
Adult Productivity Level
Family members who become productive at using technology for themselves, may also want to learn more about technology activities for their child. They may feel confident in planning and conducting activities with their child.
- Schedule family days or evenings for workshops. Make sure that activities are scheduled both with children and without children.
- Allow family members to learn and participate in activities with their children and offer opportunities for families to learn more about technology.
- Offer hands-on workshops covering an array of topics, including software exploration (both child and adult applications), learning about computers, and adult applications.
- Provide opportunities for families to participate in HyperStudio activities in the classroom as family members learn more about the computer.
Adult Productivity Workshop
A third workshop can be offered to families to give them an opportunity to learn how to use the computer as a tool for themselves. Two to three computers with printers should be set up in a room. Participants can work individually or in groups to design signs, cards, calendars, and graphics which they can print and take home.
Work Station 1: Making Signs/Cards
- Color Printer
- Card stock paper
- Software which provides an opportunity to create and print something for family members' own use:
- Print Shop Deluxe
- BannerMania
- Printmaster Gold
- American Greetings
- CardShop Plus/StickerShop Plus
- Hallmark Card Studio
Work Station 2: Making Calendars
- Color Printer
- Software that provides an opportunity to create and print calendars for family members' own use:
- KidDesk
- Print Shop Deluxe
- AppleWorks
Work Station 3: Using Heat Transfers
-
Color Printer
-
Heat transfer paper
-
Iron Material (t-shirt, pillow case, sheet)
-
Software to allow families to create their own graphics:
- Print Shop Deluxe
- AppleWorks
- Kid Pix
