Laptop as Messenger: An Exploration of the Role of Portables in Home-School Liaison

How laptop computers have strengthened parent-child-teacher relationships & helped develop students' writing skills is examined. The Lap-Top Literacy Program, designed to include parents in interactive work with children, is discussed. Children (N unspecified) selected from several elementary institutions were required to produce writing samples within the context of the home environment; in addition, interviews were conducted with several parents. An analysis of student writing demonstrates students' proficiency with writing conventions, informs parents & teachers about the development of writing skills, & shows the effectiveness of parental intervention & support. Although parents' participation varied, the program facilitated dialogue between parents & teachers, informed parents about school practices, proved relatively inexpensive to maintain, & provided parents with written & printed evidence of development. It is concluded that lap-top computers also function as home-school messengers & provide a sense of empowerment for parents. 7 References. Adapted from the source document