PROMISING PRACTICES FOR USING TECHNOLOGY IN PARENT INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOL
Open Access
- Author:
- Karlie, Tracey
- Graduate Program:
- Educational Leadership
- Degree:
- Doctor of Education
- Document Type:
- Dissertation
- Date of Defense:
- February 26, 2009
- Committee Members:
- John Tippeconnic, Dissertation Advisor/Co-Advisor
John W Tippeconnic, Iii, Committee Chair/Co-Chair
Paul Begley, Committee Member
Nona Ann Prestine, Committee Member
Glendon Wilbur Blume, Committee Member - Keywords:
- communication
education
promising practices
innovative strategies
technology
parent involvement
learning at home - Abstract:
- Parent involvement has been cited as a critical element in a child’s education as documented in the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 and a review of the literature. School districts continue to struggle with strategies for promoting parent involvement programming. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of technology in parental involvement programs. Looking at types of parent involvement, communication and learning at home were chosen as areas of specific interest. The study addressed the following research questions: (a) What, if any, technologies are currently being used to promote and improve parent involvement? and (b) How are these technologies used to improve parent involvement? The research methodology used in this study included a preliminary state-wide survey that collected data on technologies being used in parent involvement programming. Additional data was collected through a case study involving two districts’ use of technology in parent involvement. An analysis of in-depth interviews and a review of district websites were the primary methods of investigation. Results indicate a number of available technologies including district websites, e-mail, mobile phones, calling systems, handheld technologies, and video streaming and their uses. Furthermore, an overview of points for consideration is offered to administrators considering the use of technology with communication and learning at home.