My toolbox consists of things I would use to create a distance education opportunity for the parents of the kindergarten students of whom I teach. 

Blackboard or TappedIn – I would use one of these programs to conduct online discussions for parents.  For example, one night I might hold a discussion titled:  “Tips for Teaching Your Child the Alphabet”.  I could share ideas with parents that would help their child learn.  At the same time, parents could ask me questions and/or share their ideas for helping their child learn with each other.  (The reason I listed Blackboard is because supposedly Kentucky is planning on purchasing Blackboard for all teachers to use sometime in the near future; it may even become a requirement for teachers to use Blackboard to ehance their class.)

Email – I could send parents a copy of my newsletter through email.  This would keep parents updated on events in my classroom.  I would also use email to keep parents informed of the times and dates for online discussions as well as to communicate with parents about their concerns/questions.

Microsoft PhotoStory – My students will be creating several digital storybooks this year.  Parents rarely get the opportunity to view these because they work during the day.  I would post these digital storybooks on my webpage.

Microsoft PowerPoint – I have created several interactive games using PowerPoint.  I have one that students can play to learn ABC order and I have another that helps students learn rhyming skills.  I plan on creating additional games throughout the year.  I would post these interactive games on my webpage.

Webpage – Through my webpage, parents could access digital storybooks and interactive games. They could also access important forms…….for example, the Home Reading Log, which is a form for parents to record books they read to their child at home.  I would also post links to websites that have educational games and activities for students.  For example:  www.starfall.com has books that aid students in learning to read.

Microsoft Word – I would use this program to create basic documents, such as my class newsletter.  Also, my webpage would be designed in Word.  This program also gives me access to clipart.

STI Home  - Parents can access their child’s grades online using this program.  They simply need a login and password.  I can post grades at home or at school.

Aggregator – My aggregator would keep me updated on educational issues………links to articles that I discovered that could help parents would be sent through email.