Abstract:
Reading Renaissance is the reading motivational program that is an integral part
of the Language Arts program at my middle school. The successful implementation of
this program requires a concerted collaborative effort among the home, the school and
our local community, as represented by the public library. What is the impact of
computer technology on communication among these collaborating groups regarding the
Reading Renaissance program? This study focused on the use of online computer
technology, such as electronic mail [E- mail], the school web page, the media center
computer catalog, and Internet access to online databases. It examined four 7th and 8th
Grade Language Arts classes, and involved classroom teachers, parents and public
librarians from the local branch of our public library. Online surveys, interviews and
reviews of E- mail artifacts combined to demonstrate the value, effectiveness and
accessibility of computer technology as a means of communication between the school,
home and the community.