Preparing Parents and Teachers for One-to-One Tablet Use in Kindergarten Classrooms

• In Event: STEM as a Connection Between Families, Schools, and Communities

Abstract

This study validated the complex nature of the new phenomenon of mobile devices in early instruction. Caregivers are eager to partner with schools around technology use, yet in order for that to happen they feel that home-school communication needs to improve. The findings from this study validate the importance of families and schools sharing responsibilities for caring for children (Epstein, 1987). Caregivers’ perceived lack of communication and high levels of uncertainty were illuminated within this study. Caregivers would like to share the responsibility with the schools, but are unsure of how to partner with the schools in terms of technology integration. Greater overlap in school and family spheres can enrich the support children’s mobile device use (Epstein, 1987).

Authors

• Tracy Huffman Donohue, Michigan State University

• Fashina Alade, Michigan State University