Communicating The Value of Collaborize Classroom to Parents

[Date]

Dear Parents,

This year we are using Collaborize Classroom – a structured online discussion platform— to engage in conversations related to our class. This online work is replacing some of the pen and paper homework I have assigned in the past.

Online discussions make it possible to engage every student in the class in meaningful conversations about a variety of topics. Our work online will:

•  Give every student an equal voice. •  Help build a strong class community. •  Provide a space to practice respectful, supportive and substantive online

communication and collaboration. •  Encourage critical thinking about academic topics. •  Develop reading and writing skills. •  Expose students to a variety of media online so they can learn at their own pace. •  Create more time to engage in group work and projects. •  Teach students how to leverage technology to express their ideas and problem

solve with their peers.

Traditionally when students complete homework, they do not benefit from the work completed by their peers. When we work online they are able to read what their peers have written and learn from each other’s responses. This exposes them to a variety of perspectives and challenges them to think more deeply about the topics discussed. To contribute to a discussion in a meaningful way, students need to ask questions, build on ideas shared, and make connections— all of which improve their understanding of the topics discussed.

Online discussions are not about “getting the right answer,” so students are encouraged to share a variety of perspectives and think outside of the box. This will also help to prepare them for the type of digital communication and technology literacy needed for success in a rapidly changing job market and in college, where an increasing number of students are electing to take classes online to supplement their traditional classes. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions and/or concerns.

Sincerely,

[Teacher’s Name]

Go to www.CollaborizeClassroom.com for more information