When it comes to the increasing use of edtech in the classroom, parents are often left out of the loop. School districts spend a lot of time training teachers and students how to use the programs, but parents are left with questions. As we move toward more blended classrooms and adaptive learning options, we need to provide the same level of edtech training for parents. Their knowledge of the programs and benefits is essential to the overall success of the student.

You might wonder why parent training truly matters if they are rarely present in the classroom. However, there are a few compelling arguments why parents should be included in the edtech equation moving forward.

Parents believe in using edtech to promote learning.

Approximately 87 percent of parents believe that edtech has the potential to impact a child’s learning in a positive way. This means that parents can clearly identify the importance of using technology in the classroom. They may be more supportive and encouraging of their children if they have a better grasp on how teachers are using this technology on a daily basis. Schools need to spend time showing and training parents on how their students will be accessing information throughout the day.

Parents need to be involved in what their children are doing online.

Students can use edtech to perform a long list of tasks including finding sources, organizing paperwork, communicating, creating, and working with other classmates. Parents should be trained on the full scope of what their child does on a daily basis. Most students access their edtech through internet programs and apps, but are they really safe? Not all programs prioritize privacy for a child, so parents this training provides a clear idea of what their child is doing online. Parents can do their due diligence to ensure that their child is sufficiently protected by the parameters that the school and programs have in place.

Parents need to help keep kids safe.

With many teachers sending home assignments that involve the internet, parents need to know what to look out for. There are many dark and seedy places on the internet where children simply do not belong. Unfortunately, parents aren’t sure what their child’s assignment should look like or how to monitor any interactions they might have. Parents need to know what their child can and cannot do on edtech platforms from home. This gives them a better grasp on how to protect them from potential harm.

When schools leave parents out of the equation, students and teachers will lack the support they need to improve a child’s education. The relationship between home and school should not be underestimated. School districts need to prioritize extending training to parents so they can assist their child with work at home.