Part 2 of a three-part blog series discussing technology’s role in schools, specifically the impact on parents.
Starting at 3-4 years old, kids are little tech geniuses – they learn to use new devices much quicker than their parents. So how can schools utilize IT to get parents to actively participate in their kids’ education? With professionally Managed IT, your district’s networks, desktops, and servers can enhance communication. It also provides resources that help parents educate themselves about their child’s learning patterns and speed.
“On average, teacher-family communication increased the odds that students completed their homework by 40%, decreased instances in which teachers had to redirect students’ attention to the task at hand by 25%, and increased class participation rates by 15%.” (Harvard study, 2012)
As this study shows, engaged parents are more likely to see positive effects on their kid’s classwork, behavior, and work ethic. Job schedules might make it difficult to communicate, but technology has evolved to overcome the conflicts. What used to be handwritten notes and face-to-face meetings can now be achieved with email, text, and video apps.
These technologies complement in-school activities by making parents aware of upcoming assignments using an online grade book and calendar. Parents can access progress reports, video summaries, and due dates from the Cloud and use these constructively at home.
What happens if the parent “isn’t good at IT”? As a school, you can reduce some intimidation concerning what their kids can do. Familiarity with the devices/media used in classrooms opens the door for honest conversations about strengths and struggles. Even IT-hesitant parents can impart wisdom about appropriate use like privacy and safety online. Guiding kids to use programs safely for school will also translate into positive personal practices. What’s more, it will lead to responsible IT habits as adults in future careers.
As parents learn more about educational tech, they’ll be able to ask more meaningful questions such as:
How does the school prevent students from encountering inappropriate content online?
What is the policy on cyberbullying? Are parents informed and involved?
How does the school evaluate the quality of their digital resources?
A school district that offers consistent, personalized communication transforms parents into student advocates. Managed IT serves as the backbone of your ed-tech tools, allowing you to build bridges for families who feel disconnected. In turn, parents will appreciate and support teachers who keep them involved.
Setting up IT for your school is easier than you think. Click here – https://www.iservworks.com/contact – to start a conversation with one of our experts.