I have been using technology since about the second grade. At my elementary and middle school, there was a required computer class for the students. It taught me how to type faster with fewer errors and how to use Powerpoint, Publisher, and Word. In the eighth grade, I had an end of the year historical Powerpoint presentation in which I had to create a whole slideshow by myself that included a video. In high school, I was on the yearbook staff as an editor for a year. This opportunity taught me basic InDesign and Paint skills. I have made numerous InDesign layouts and editing pictures. Also, my dad's work requires advanced computer skills. He taught me many shortcuts such as CTRL+C, CTRL+V, CTRL+A to copy and paste items. 
If I were to begin teaching tomorrow, I would most likely incorporate Powerpoint slideshow presentations and blogs. I would use Powerpoint to show the students the agendas for each day. Slideshows are simple visuals with pictures and enough details for the students to understand. Slideshows are also good ways to remind the students of important information to tell their parents such as upcoming dates. For the parents, I would create a class blog to explain my class intentions and list the assignments. Blogs are a good way to include many different topics and links to important notes. I would hold a tutorial at the beginning of the school year for parents who have never used blogs and do not know how to navigate on them. Since most parents have an email account that they check on a regular, if not daily, basis, I would also use a standard emailing system to mass email the parents any important announcements.
1. Why should teachers use technology to communicate with students, parents, and peers?
2. Which technology tools have the greatest potential to improve communication between teachers and others?
3. How do these tools improve communication?
