I finally got an e-mail. It wasn't a bad e-mail; it wasn't a good e-mail. It was a concerned e-mail. I haven't received any parental response (good or bad) about student blogging this year. So, I guess some response is better than no response.
The e-mail basically stated that this parent was going to restrict her child from blogging because of security uncertainties and the possibility of cyber bullying. The parent also wanted clarification on the purpose of the student blogs. I tried not to show my frustration, but I'm down on myself because we have been blogging for five months this year with almost no parental interaction.
Here is my response:
Thank you so much for your concerns.
Our student blogs are public and available for anyone in the world to read. We have two buddy classes that we blog and write with- 2nd graders in Alabama, and 5th graders in Pennsylvania.
Absolutely everything on both sides is moderated. No post or comment can be made without approval. This means that that the chances of cyber bullying are essentially zero. Every interaction the students have is monitored. I feel that the security is very good.
I am committed to teaching my students not only about 21st century writing skills, but also about being responsible digital citizens. Cyber bullying is a big deal to me. We talk frequently about how to handle ourselves online. We talk about making responsible choices and treating people the right way. I am constantly reinforcing the fact that "the Internet is forever." We also often talk about what is and is not safe to share online. These are such valuable lessons for 4th graders to learn.
The purpose of our class blog is simply to share. We share our thoughts and our learning. We collaborate and comment. But, most of all, we share the experience together. Almost every curricular goal for writing is practiced in the context of these blogs. Your child is a smart and responsible young person. Please continue talking with your child and keep an open conversation. I feel that student blogging is a safe and worthwhile experience. I am urging you to reconsider your restriction.
Please check out their work at http://kidblog.org/stortz Read a few posts, and ask your child to show you how to comment if you would like to leave your thoughts.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks.
Justin,
ReplyDeleteI can totally understand and relate to your frustration! I think you expressed so eloquently the goals for blogging, while keeping your cool! I often wonder how parents can let their kids watch crazy movies and tv shows with violence, etc. but be afraid to have their kids sharing their writing with a safe audience! Good luck with future parent communications and keep up the great work :-)
I understand your frustration and I believe you did a great job in answering her unasked questions. I love how you encouraged her to keep talking to her child and to trust that you are doing what is best for the child academically and for the future. Do you think there will be anymore communique between you and her and quite possibly between you, her, and admin?
ReplyDeleteJoan,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement! I know that parents are just looking out for their children. I also realize the fear and uncertainty of being online without all the details. I'm hoping that more interaction with the blogs will build that trust. We'll see...
Techyturner,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your kind words. I am definitely hoping for dialogue on this topic. I want this parent to make an informed choice. I don't feel it's right to force her child to blog if it isn't what she wants. I doubt I'll need to have any admin involved.
I'm really hoping she comes around.
I like your answer. It's thoughtful and respectful of where the parent is at (despite your own inherent frustration). This type of conversation is what pulls people out of ignorance.
ReplyDeleteYour letter is thoughtfully written and I think it will achieve its purpose, that is, persuading the reluctant parent.
ReplyDeleteI wonder though...Did you inform parents about blogging prior to actually doing it? I sent them a letter explaining them the advantages, the moderation part,how it works, why we should be blogging etc. and parents had no complaints whatsoever. On the contrary, were thrilled to see their kids work, interactions and overall learning.
@surreallyno
John,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. It's been helpful getting other teachers' thoughts. I definitely feel this was just a case of ignorance.
@surreallyno,
ReplyDeletePlease promise to never stop commenting on my posts. You always challenge me to think deeper.
I definitely need to shoulder some of the blame. I sent home a permission form in November. But, it was simple and basic. I wanted the students to be excited and fill in the gaps with a conversation. Since then, I've e-mailed, posted on the class blog, had kid -led demonstrations at Open House, & encouraged the students to talk it up. There's still almost no response.
I want my parents to be "thrilled to see their kids work, interactions, and overall learning.?" Any tips?
I think you did your best - e-mails, demonstrations, blog posts.
ReplyDeletePerhaps involve the parents directly? Set a day of the week (weekend, preferably) as Parent Blogging Day (or Family - as it could be a grandma, a grandpa,or aunt that would blog). Or make a Mystery Guest Day...so kids would guess whose parent that might be.
@surreallyno
Justin, your response to this parent is perfect. It makes a lot of sense to have blogging be a part of the classroom environment because like you mention the teacher can help the students about being responsible and respectful to others on the internet. Maybe that should be a part of all computer class in schools. Anyway, I also wanted to share a website I came across, http://onlineceucredit.com/edu/social-work-ceus-ib, because it fit with the topic of cyberbullying.
ReplyDelete