As schools move towards digital learning environments, it is necessary to foster parental support to advance the transition. District and school leaders need to educate parents on the benefits of digital learning to support personalized student learning, while addressing some of the parental concerns around digital citizenship, data privacy and security and the homework gap. National parent organizations may want to share this toolkit with members to explain the importance of moving towards digital learning and addressing some of the parental concerns as a district or school implements digital learning. Some of the key areas of concern that parents/care providers might express about learning in the digital age include the use of digital instructional materials, digital citizenship, student data privacy and security and the homework gap.

instructional materialsI don’t know what online resources to choose to help my children with homework. When I search the internet, there are so many choices.

Districts and schools will often have a list of vetted or approved digital tools and parents can seek school and teacher input when looking for supplemental tools and resources for their children. To find the best digital learning tools, parents should consider several factors including intended learning goals, alignment with child development, how integrated the learning elements are within the experience; how engaging the activities are, and how much kids can transfer what they learn to the real world. Parents should look for digital tools that include third-party research that proves efficacy. It is important for parents to understand that the active use of technology enables learning through creation, production and problem solving. Apps that mimic worksheets or flashcards are passive uses of technology that aren’t the best choices for learning. Instead, immersive experiences that match the needs of child development are recommended.
Show more
Show less

Digital CitizenshipHow do I know that my child knows how to use the internet and digital resources responsibly? What resources are available for parents?

Students can learn how to use technology through a positive school culture that supports the safe and responsible use of digital tools and resources. Teachers, librarians and counselors are a good resource for students to learn about digital citizenship and how to navigate issues of cyberbullying, internet safety, digital footprint and other digital concerns.

Homework gapMy child requires access to the internet outside of school. Our internet is slow and unreliable. What can we do?

The “homework gap” – the gap between students whose internet connections at home are slow or non-existent—and those who have consistent home connections with adequate speed for learning activities in a safe environment is an increasingly important issue for districts, schools, students and parents. Some districts have actively partnered with internet providers in their communities to offer discounted service fees, others issue hot spots that students can take home, while others have adjusted school library hours to offer more access. Public libraries are another option for helping to address the “homework gap”. Many libraries offer access to free wireless internet, computers and devices, and digital resources. The FCC’s Lifeline program is another option for low-income families to acquire discounted broadband service at home.
Show more
Show less

I am worried about who has access to my child’s information and how it might be used. What measures are in place to ensure information is protected?

Parents are often concerned about data privacy. Districts and schools often collect real-time data to provide personalized instruction and/or to identify trends within a school or district. Data privacy policies govern who is entitled to access information about a student and data security–the technical security measures utilized by the district to minimize data breaches from outside attacks. Parents should become familiar with federal laws, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) that provides parents with certain protections regarding their children’s education records, and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) which protects the privacy of children under 13.
Show more
Show less

Good Digital Parenting

In this short video by the Family Online Safety Institute, teens help parents to understand, discuss and encourage the use online privacy settings for their children.

Resources

Founded in 2001, the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) is the principal non-profit membership association representing U.S. state and territorial educational technology leaders. Our mission is to build and increase the capacity of state and national leaders to improve education through technology policy and practice. For more information, please visit: setda.org.

creative-commons-logo

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License. Photos, logos, and publications displayed on this site are excepted from this license, except where noted.

LEADERSHIP - TECHNOLOGY - INNOVATION - LEARNING
©2024 SETDA, All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy