Dear Mr. Dinsmore’s Class Parents and Gaurdians,

We are faced with exciting times in technology and education. Your child has access too much more information and tools than previous generations. Understanding how to utilize the tools in a safe and ethical manner is something we focus on throughout all of our classes. We would like to take the opportunity to further educate your child on some other great resources for students to use for collaboration and improve work efficiency. Google has many of these tools incorporated as free services. Some of these tools include “Documents” (Spreadsheet, slideshow, Forms, word processing doc), Discussion forum (wiki), and Chatting.

Many of these tools are part of what makes up Web 2.0 tools. These tools are part of national technology standards for students. In an effort to teach students proper etiquette and use of these tools, Mr. Dinsmore’s class will be “Going Google”.

Just what does “Going Google” entail?

We (Mr. Timmons, Mr. Dinsmore, and You) will be working as team to help your child learn how to use the powerful resources that are offered to the public in an ethical and efficient manner. This is an account that you and your child are responsible for sharing. You and your child will have full access to the features offered in this account, and we encourage you to frequently monitor the ongoings of this account at anytime.

What resources will we be using?

The production resources that we will be using from Google include:

•Docs – A web-based word processing application similar to Microsoft’s Word.

•Slideshow- A web-based presentation application similar to Microsoft’s PowerPoint.

•Chatting- An instant messaging feature that we will only use within our class Google group account.

•Gmail- The account will have email setup that you will monitor from home and we will monitor from school.

•Group editing- Students and teachers will have the opportunity to work on documents on line to edit and conference about the document that your child produces.

•Other applications may include drawing, survey forms, and spreadsheets.

As a team, we have very clear expectations on the use of these tools. It should be understood that all students will be held accountable to the rules and regulation set forth by Park Campus, CCSD #46, and the Acceptable Use Policy that was in their student handbook. While at home, please monitor all student activities.

Students’ account information will not be shared, and the group they are in is a private group. This means that access to the group is not possible without an invitation from us. However, their accounts are not part of CCSD #46, so you need to be aware that this account does have access to public areas like “youtube” because the account is based on the internet. You will receive the account login name and password for you and your child to share. Please do not share this with other students and parents as this information is only secure if not shared.

We look forward to continuing your child’s education of the different applications that technology affords them. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact either timmons.tim@d46.org, or dinsmore.david@d46.org. Please sign on the line below giving your permission for us to setup an account for you and your child to share for school use.

Thank you,Parent Signature:_____________________________________

Tim TimmonsDavid Dinsmore

Technology Specialist 5th Grade Teacher

Park School CampusPark School Campus