parents
more than ever could be key partners in contributing to this new frontier in
learning.
Parent perceptions matter. Their support and influence can smooth the way
for educational technology in schools and help overcome the limitations of
school coffers, without which digital initiatives can stall.
Defining Terms
To ensure parents had a consistent basis for responding to questions
about different types of technology, the survey provided them with these
definitions and examples:
nMobile devices-wireless handheld devices that use Wi-Fi, 3G or 4G to
connect to the Internet, many of which use an operating system such as
iOS, Windows or Android, and can run various types of apps. Examples
include smartphones, tablets, e-readers, and the iPod Touch.
nPortable devices-laptops, notebooks, netbooks, ultrabooks
Many children are using many different devices-and using them often.
Even some pre-K children are using multiple devices. Smartphones are the
most commonly used mobile device; 43 percent of all children (pre-K-12),
and 60 percent of high school students, use a smartphone. One in three
children (34 percent) use tablets. Children use most devices daily or weekly,
with smartphones the most commonly and frequently used device.
Every leadership team member had to be clear about the educational importance of these devices. We cultivated this by requiring all administrators to use mobile devices in their professional work
every governance document had to reflect the acceptable use of personal devices within established guidelines.
dissonance between policy and practice in the physical plant