A wired connection: Parental engagement and digital technologies

Abstract

This is a research study, which evaluates the impact of digital technologies on parental engagement in elementary education. Parental engagement is critical in children’s education. Parents are incredibly influential in their child’s lives, it is important, then, that we engage parents in the classroom to create a collaborative learning environment that will contribute to student success. This study was conducted by administering surveys using Google Forms through e-mail and the Inspired Learning Network. Participants included parents and teachers throughout Alberta who were randomly selected. This research reveals that the primary method of contact between parents and teachers is through email or blog. The vast majority of participants believe that these digital technologies have improved and positively impacted parent-teacher relationships.  These findings mean that we must use digital technology to create positive relationships between parents and teachers. These relationships contribute to a home to school, collaborative environment, which translates to student success in the classroom.