How to Talk to Parents About Safety on School-Provided Technology
With the advent of digital learning, learners have been exposed to several technologies and devices such as Chromebooks, tablets, and laptops at school and home. However, these devices have more capabilities than just school work. If not well monitored, the kids can access other material that they are not meant to see, exposing them to the dangers of the internet. Parents should be educated about how to monitor their children’s digital activities and how to ensure that the kids are always doing what is right. Here is how to talk to them about the safety of the school-provided technology.
Enlighten Them About The Benefits Of The Technology
Some parents may be skeptical about using digital technology instead of books. It is essential that they get to learn about the benefits of digital technology. Once they have accepted the technology, they will be more willing to assist the school in ensuring that digital learning is a success. Even so, parents should be allowed to voice their concerns and skepticism towards digital education, so that the school administrators can address the concerns as they teach the benefits of technology.
Teach Them The Basics Of Using The Devices
If learners take digital learning devices home with the purpose of accessing learning material, it is important that the parents have a basic understanding of the technology and how it works. This will make it hard for the children to hoodwink their parents on what they are doing with the devices. Since most of the parents are already using some of the devices. Therefore, teaching them a little about software and systems that the school is using will be pretty easy.
Teach Them On The Possible Dangers
It is advisable to list down the risks that come with the use of digital learning technology. Let the parents know about measures put in place to mitigate these dangers. For example, if the children are accessing the internet, the school should notify the parents about the filters put in place to prevent them from accessing adult material and illegal stuff. It should also show how it is protecting their personal information and data online. This gives the parents some confidence in technology.
In addition, tell the parents the ways they can take part in ensuring that the children are safe when using the technology at home. It is also an excellent chance to help parents regulate what is accessed by kids on their personal devices, as it determines what kids would be looking to see on school devices.
Have A Way Of Reporting Safety Breaches
School administrators and digital learning software developers should provide a platform that allows parents to report any security breaches or concerns thereof. There should be a member of the ICT department that receives and evaluates any concerns to do with safety rather than taking them through the school’s complaint addressing process. This ensures speedy action and solution to any possible dangers.
Education tech is a vital part of the learning processes. However, there are several safety problems littered on the way to enjoy its full potential. The school should enlist the help of parents to guarantee learners’ safety when using school-provided technology.