More and more people are staying connected and communicating with one another through the use of technology. The internet has opened a whole new world of communication through the use of e-mail, Skype, video conferencing or just the good old fashion cell phone. Social networking sites like Facebook, Plurk or Twitter allow people to give and receive updates regarding their lives instantaneously.

Over the past year, I have learned about a number of websites that have been created to help ease communication regarding loved ones who are ill or in need of care. This whole notion of communicating via the web really struck home with me when I learned of my cousin's wife and her diagnosis with cancer last year. She wanted to share with family and friends her personal journey about her battle with cancer without having to repeat the story and deal with the emotional roller coaster that comes with communicating face to face or over the phone. Caring Bridge, a site where family and friends can access up to date information about a loved one who is ill, allows you to share photos, thoughts on life, and general information and updates about the patient's status. Although our families live across country from one another, we were able to get updates about how she was reacting to treatment and her day-to-day thoughts and feelings on life. Unfortunately, she lost her battle with cancer this past January but her Caring Bridge site allowed her to stay connected with others while focusing on family memories. Her site is a tribute to the wonderful woman, friend, wife, mother and sister she was.

Last winter my sister-in-law was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. When she called to tell my husband and I what was going on she was already exhausted from having to share her story and her plan for treatment multiple times that day. I shared with her information about the Caring Bridge site where she could set up her own space allowing people to access information about her status. She promptly created her own space and was immediately relieved knowing that she could tell her story virtually without having to repeat it with all of her friends and family. Caring Bridge made it easier for her to communicate with those who cared and since we could sign up for e-mail updates, it was easy to monitor and see how her treatment was progressing.

When people are ill they need help preparing meals, driving to doctor's appointments, daytime visits or even overnight care. Lotsa Helping Hands  is a site that allows a person to build their own community and calendar, identifying important dates and activities they may need assistance with over the course of a week, month or maybe even a year. When someone wants to know how can they help someone in need all that is necessary is sharing your e-mail address at the site where indicated. When there is a need for assistance, an e-mail is generated to those who have signed up on the list to help. The best part about this feature is that its user friendly, convenient and it takes the burden off the person who is in need of care.

Another great use of technology and a great example of how technology can make a positive difference in someone's life is an online grocery service. From the comforts of their home a person could place their order with the store via the online service, schedule a delivery time and their order will be delivered at their home. This allows a homebound individual some independence. Twenty years ago you needed to make a list and then send someone to the store for you. It is amazing where technology has taken us.

All the examples I've shared above are real-life situations and how technology positively changed our world of communication. So as we think about all the different ways we communicate with technology are we fostering those uses in the classroom?  Are we making real-life connections and uses of technology so that students realize the potential of the tool or is technology being taught in isolation and without meaning? Are we allowing students to e-mail? What about IM during a science class?  Is communication and how we teach it in the classroom going to change? Or are we just going to foster using technology to communicate in student's private lives?

We have the power to make a positive change in how we educate our children. Now is the time to begin making those connections in the classroom setting. Don't wait until a life crisis happens forcing them to find alternative ways to communicate. Take action now and foster productive communication with technology.