Innovative teacher uses Skype and Wikis to involve parents

Matt Montagne Grade 8 classroom teacher at University School of Milwaukee invited me to his virtual classroom to collaborate with Parents at his school. PBS was playing a program Growing up online and he asked his parents to view the program as it was being broadcasted live on TV. Matt organized an online meeting using Skype. Parents watched the telecast in their own homes and while watching the program chatted with Matt and I about their reactions to the program. To make it even more exciting, PBS was not broadcasting in my area so Matt set up his web camera in front of his own TV and broadcast the program via Ustream Kids don’t have a monopoly on online communications.

After you review the program which is now available online, I am sure that you will relate to these issues discussed by the parents.

The Internet cannot be blamed for the dysfunctional relationships between family members. In reference to the suicide death of Ryan Halligan described in the video.
Jacquie:

Bullying is not new. Seems the fact that it is all going on under the radar screen is a real problem.;

and

My son stays in touch with his best friend in Malaysia over the internet. Yet when his friend was in the US over xmas, he wouldn’t pick up a phone and call him. He said it is is difficult to talk on the phone because of awkward pauses, etc. He is more comfortable conducting the relationship on-line.

This program is a must see for all parents no matter the age.
Matt talks about his experience hosting the session.

3 Responses to “Innovative teacher uses Skype and Wikis to involve parents”

1. 50 Awesome Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom | Teaching Degree.org says:

   June 30, 2009 at 8:52 pm

   [...] Innovative teacher uses Skype and Wikis to involve parents. See how this teacher helped share information with parents using Skype and the PBS program, Growing Up Online. [...]
2. 50 Awesome Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom says:

   July 2, 2009 at 2:29 am

   [...] Innovative teacher uses Skype and Wikis to involve parents. See how this teacher helped share information with parents using Skype and the PBS program, Growing Up Online. [...]
3. Technology Blog / 50 Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom says:

   July 17, 2009 at 6:49 am

   [...] Innovative teacher uses Skype and Wikis to involve parents. See how this teacher helped share information with parents using Skype and the PBS program, Growing Up Online. [...]