Exploring the Use of Mobile Instant Messaging for Parent-Teacher Communication

Muhammad Faizal Abdul Rahman,Azidah Abu Ziden,Too Woon Ching

doi:10.3991/ijim.v14i04.12403

Abstract

Communication between teachers and parents is essential to foster parental involvement in school related activities. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of mobile instant messaging for parent-teacher communication in enhancing two-way communication between parents and teachers. In particular, the research examines the barriers on parental involvement and investigates the relationship between the use of mobile instant messaging for parent-teacher communication, as well as for families of different socio-economic and educational background. In addition, the study also evaluates parents’ attitudes and perceptions towards the use of mobile instant messaging for communication with teachers. The respondents for this study were 251 parents with different background. This study employed a mix-method research design which involved quantitative and qualitative data. The findings revealed that time constraint is the primary reason for parents to be involved in school related activities. The study results also indicated that there is no relationship between family socio-economic background and the use of mobile instant messaging for parent-teacher communication. However, the findings show a significant relationship between parents’ educational background and the use of mobile instant messaging for parents-teacher communication. Moreover, the study also found a receptive attitude among parents towards mobile based communications with teachers and school

Highlights

Technology has rapidly changing the educational environment and challenge teachers and students to adopt in teaching and learning, confront parents to adapt
This study was significant because the results revealed the potential for mobile instant messaging to be used to improve parent-teacher communication
Based on the finding of this study, parents are receptive to mobile instant messaging as a tool to communicate with teachers and school

Summary

Introduction

Technology has rapidly changing the educational environment and challenge teachers and students to adopt in teaching and learning, confront parents to adapt . Parents involvement in schools’ activities has become an increasing concern in the education environment for some time especially in Malaysia. Parental involvement has been recognized as one of the most important variables influencing student academic achievement [21]; [24]; [33]. For schools to meet higher academic standards for their students, a partnership must be established between the home (parents) and the school. Studies have shown that using technology had indirectly improves communication of information, learning and instruction, student interest and motivation, and control of costs and resources [4]

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Methods

Results

Conclusion