Journal 5

Soule, Helen (2008).Transforming School Communities Creating Dialog Using Web 2.0 Tools. Learning and Leading with Technology. [12-15].

In this article, Helen Soule discusses the role of technology in the school setting and its importance to everyone, who is involved in the process of education. The usage of technology that is the most emphasized in the article is that of communication. Soule mentions some components of communication that are becoming more and more important: “advocacy of the vision, networking to build formal and informal support, and collaboration with diverse external and internal constituencies.” Web 2.0 is given as an avenue for addressing these components.
Soule continues by talking about different strategies and modes of execution of efficient, appropriate, and wide-reaching communication. The first strategy talked about is the importance of knowing the tools available for communication, and gives several examples. Second, Soule notes the need to be clear in these communications. Blogs are mentioned as an excellent strategy in that it allows the use of multiple mediums, and reactions to these, instantaneously. Other strategies include: knowing your audience, choosing the best form of communication to fit the situation, choosing multiple forms of communication, etc. Soule finishes with further discussion of the important components of communication, mentioned earlier (advocacy, networking, collaboration).

While the use of new forms of communication are becoming more and more easy to use and efficient, should they totally replace hardcopies of handouts and other more traditional forms of communication?

Not at all, these new forms of communication are excellent and efficient, when utilized correctly, but only serve to compliment traditional forms.

Can a teacher use too many forms of communication when contacting parents or colleagues?

Probably not, I know that for myself I like to have information presented to my in different forms. It could become redundant, but I would think that someone would have to bombarded with a message before it becomes irksome.