EDFON 420 integrates teaching skills, philosophy, history of education reform and theories about ongoing social conditions into a rich experiential learning environment for pre-service teachers at Ball State University. Producing the parent podcasts is an immersive approach to the course that confronts students with the plethora of factors that affect family members’ involvement in their child’s education. More importantly the podcast production exposes pre-service teachers to the family’s point view with the goal of influencing the student’s future practice.
Second Life
The virtual world of Second Life offers a platform for an unusual convening space. There in the Power Up! Center, parents can “meet” each other and service providers in avatar form.
Second Life holds many possibilities for empowering family members, including
• Allowing for confidential intervention services
• Supporting virtual meetings of parents
• Providing a meeting space for community building of like-minded families.
Create your Second Life Avatar | Join Power Up! | Go to the Second Life Power Up! Center