Recently, technology has made parent-teacher communication easier and more time-efficient than ever before. Telephones, voicemail, and internet technology all allow fast communication about such things as homework assignments, behavior problems, and classroom highlights. The internet is the most recent tool being used for school communication. With some training, teachers can set up class websites with information that the parents are able to view at any time. E-mail communication is beneficial because messages can be sent at any time and the other person does not need to be available to respond immediately (Graham-Clay, 2005). However, in 2004, only 74.9% of U.S. households with a phone line had access to the internet (Merkley, Schmidt, Dirksen, & Fuhler, 2006). While the internet has proven useful in parent-teacher communication, schools must keep in mind that not all families have internet access and must offer less technologically advanced forms of communication such as written notes and telephone calls as well (Graham-Clay, 2005). For schools and families with internet access, e-mail messages are quickly beginning to replace traditional written notes. E-mail messages are more immediate and efficient than written notes. Some parents are able to check their e-mail during the day at work and know immediately how their child's day at school is progressing. E-mail messages are also more likely to reach parents because students cannot "accidentally" forget to deliver or misplace them. E-mail can increase the ease and frequency of communication because it allows teachers to write one message and send it simultaneously to all of the parents in the class (Patton, Jayanthi, & Polloway, 2001). Websites have been created to help parents assist their children with their homework assignments. Homework Central (www.homeworkcentral.com) is a popular, comprehensive site that provides students and parents with study skills and homework assistance for a variety of subjects. Some schools have begun to develop similar websites of their own. These websites increase parents' confidence in their homework assisting skills which makes it more likely that they will become involved at homework time (Patton et al., 2001).
Jennifer Fried on 13 Mar 15This provides a clear example of a technique that many classrooms are doing. It provides a lot of good points that explain the pros and cons of this strategy. It is something good to have to be able to either look further into it or even try it out.
