As educators and technology enthusiasts, we often are confronted with parents and community members who either embrace technology, shy away from it, or despise its existence in schools. We have countless conversations defending the use of technology in the classroom—citing research or providing examples from our own experiences with children. However, many parents and community members still feel that because they were successful without computer technology, their children can be successful without it, too.
After long debate, the Technology Committee of Ronald McNair Elementary School in Germantown, Montgomery County, Maryland, found a strategy to bring parents and community members into the technology fold—"Technology Night." Technology Night would educate the community about the benefits of computer technology in the classroom. It was not intended to raise money for more technology, but simply to inform the community about current technology practices. All we wanted from the community was time, and in return we would provide a view into the technological classroom.
Through the cooperative effort of many staff and community members, the Technology Committee created a thorough program composed of several elements: student involvement, district vision, question and answer opportunities, and business support.
Student Involvement
To entice parents to attend, the Committee asked students to show off their work. Students sat at computer stations in the gymnasium and demonstrated special programs that they used in their classrooms during the year. Some examples were KidPix Slideshow, interactive reading software, the Writing Center, Kid Works 2, as well as computer peripherals such as digital cameras and scanners. The parents learned about other areas in school where technology was used, such as the media center and television studio.
Because they demonstrated their knowledge to the community with little or no help from their teachers, the children themselves provided the bait needed for good attendance. Once the students became directly involved in the evening, we knew that the community, especially parents, would come to see their stars shine.
District Vision
Before the student presentations, a district-level technology instructional specialist gave opening remarks. The specialist described district policy and goals, and how they related to our school and, more important, our students. The specialist was able to answer questions for community members.
The Technology Committee also ensured that people who could articulate the school's technology vision would be available during the program. These experts wandered throughout the presentation areas and answered questions.
Business Support
Early in the planning process, we sent letters to local computer businesses, asking them to donate door prizes and set up vendor stations for the night. Because we included self-addressed, stamped envelopes with the letters, businesses responded quickly.
Through phone calls, e-mails, and letters, the school was able to collect approximately 30 door prizes, from mouse pads to a free one-year Internet access subscription. Not only did the companies donate to the school, but they also had the opportunity to set up displays and provide the community with information.
A Successful Evening
Our strategy worked. Community members came into the school and marveled at the amazing work their children were doing. By the end of the night, everyone was convinced that computer technology does enhance children's classroom education. Technology Night provided many avenues for pulling the parents and community into the school's technology vision.
It is up to us as educators to ensure that not only students but also parents are convinced of the significant uses of technology. Technology Night was an effective strategy to accomplish just that.
