For+Parents

====**I hold a Master’s Degree from the University of Akron with certification in teaching middle and high school mathematics, and am nearing completion of a Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology, which deals with new technology and its uses by students and teachers.**====

====**This year, your child will be learning about computer-based topics, such as typing skills and website construction, as well as many computer-based programs, including word processing, presentation, spreadsheet and math software. Many assignments will be project-based. These assignments will be outlined each week on a class wiki page (one for 7th, one for 8th graders, found on a link to the left on each wiki page.) Although your child can use instructions on the class Wiki website to do make-up work at home, I //strongly recommend// //that they// //regularly attend labs//. Students will be expected to keep up with assignments in lab as they are assigned, and use class time wisely.**====

====**Eighth graders will get the opportunity to work with image, sound, and video software, including the creation of a virtual class newspaper, where students get to be reporters, photographers, editors, and submitters of their creative writing, songs, drawings, images, and videos. Seventh graders will be encouraged to submit their original writing, videos, music, and artwork to the newspaper.**====

====**Any extra time remaining after completing daily tech lessons will be spent working on ALEKS math lessons. As a state certified math teacher, I would be very happy to help your child with any questions they might have while working on ALEKS during this study period.**====

====**I encourage and welcome input and comments on your child's progress. If you would like to contact me to discuss your child's performance in class, or any related issues, please feel free to email me at rrenker@akrondigital.k12.oh.us.**====