They also acknowledged that the presence of the digital divide, which is the idea that there is a gap between people with access to digital technology and those without. Though now the term has shifted to the participation gap, in which it’s more about whether or not you’re pursuing the technology, this research project banked on the fact that “schools and communities that are committed to using technology for family engagement are working to address accessibility and training issues” (Logged In). (Photo on right from: http://jott.com/jotters/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/text-message.jpg)
The first component of this project was about how technology can enhance parenting interventions. A randomized clinical trial was performed to test the effect of cell phone technology and communication on parenting, preventing abuse and neglect, and improving child behavior. They did this by sending text messages to parents of 3-5 year old children twice a day plus at least one phone conversation per day. The texts “contained prompts to help parents manage children’s behavior” (Logged In). The trial showed that the parents receiving the text messages showed bigger improvements in parenting skills (on most observed parenting behaviors) than those without this technological service.
Another part of the project looked at how “technology is being used in innovative ways to boost communication and learning.” A common innovation across many communities is text messaging and online data systems to “enhance direct, home-school communication with busy parents” (Logged In). Before I continued reading the study, I all ready thought about how that would be beneficial. Since so many families these days have both parents at work to make money in the poor economy, having this connection between the school and the parents may be difficult, but adding in technology could definitely help ease the situation.
For example, in my own high school, I remember emails being exchanged between teachers and parents who need to communicate about their children. Though this is part of the high school world and lower, due to FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), this cannot legally occur once the student “reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level” (Family).
An example used in the research project was an online data system in Reno, Nevada, where the United Way worked with PIRC (the Parent Information and Research Center) to “train parents on the use of an online monitoring tool tracking school attendance, assignments, and grades” (Logged In). This would be really useful for parents who don’t have much time at home because they could easily go online and monitor their children’s education quickly at work or home, and then have discussions with their child and school staff based on what they see. (Photo on left by: Natalie Gaudette).
Some very good examples of wireless technology were given. Things like parents getting an immediate text to inform them of absences, as well as using iPod Touch devices for educational applications related to math and reading are being used all around the country. The project goes on to explain how “technology-based assessment systems provide timely information that can help parents monitor their child’s school attendance and performance” as well as how “technology provides access to a wide range of learning resources that parents can use with their children at home.” If you’re interested in reading this write up, feel free to go onto the website listed in my sources titled “Logged In: Using Technology to Engage Families in Children’s Education.”
Sources:
"Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)." U.S. Department of Education. Web. 06 Nov. 2010. http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html.
"Logged In: Using Technology to Engage Families in Children’s Education / Browse Our Publications / Publications & Resources / HFRP - Harvard Family Research Project." HFRP Home / HFRP - Harvard Family Research Project. Harvard Family Research Project. Web. 06 Nov. 2010. http://www.hfrp.org/publications-resources/browse-our-publications/logged-in-using-technology-to-engage-families-in-children-s-education
I think you have a great topic. Technology is something that I have had mixed feelings about. In terms of family, it's hard to determine whether or not technology helps more or hurts more. Obviously our generation is more inclined to using websites and technology to further our social lives and our education. In high school I had to get used to the fact that my parents would be able to track my grades online, something my sister who is five years older than me did not have to deal with when she was in high school. But like you said, it helps parents who can't spend as much time at home and can easily track and monitor their child's grades. It's good that the studies you found are positive towards family and education, so many studies prove technology to have a negative influence.
ReplyDeleteThanks for an excellent review of some novel research relating to family relationships and technology. Your post helps us to recognize both the positive and negative consequences of using technology as parents and students. With that use comes appropriate application and usefulness to the individuals involved. One of the key issues raised by one of your reviewed studies (and one discussed in class) is the related need for parents to also become more technologically literate if they are to understand and utilize some of the newer technologies. Such tools can be only so effective when more generations become engaged with and regularly use the tools meant to enhance the family experience. Perhaps comfort can be taken in that with each passing day, more technologically savvy younger people are becoming parents. This suggests that the transition to a more informed parental population will go faster than we think. Again, good work!
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