Exploring the efficacy of utilising technology to facilitate parental involvement through online interactive homework tasks

Abstract

Although researchers have identified both negative and positive effects of homework, it nonetheless acts as a primary intersection point between home and school. Consequently, researchers and practitioners working as part of the ‘Teachers Involve Parents in School Work Project’ (TIPS) in the United States of America developed a homework intervention ‘interactive homework tasks’ with the objective of facilitating increased parental involvement, whilst minimising the negative effects of homework. Four studies evaluating these tasks found that their use resulted in increased parental involvement in homework, increased positive feelings and attitudes amongst families towards homework, and higher student academic achievement. Given increased Internet access and mobile device use, there is potential to adapt TIPS tasks from paper to online formats. This study explores the effectiveness of such adaptations through tasks developed by teachers in two Northern Ireland post-primary schools. Questionnaires for Year 8 students and parents and semi-structured interviews with teachers provided qualitative and quantitative data on collaboration, communication, and engagement. The results indicated that technology contributed positively to collaboration, communication, and to increased enjoyment. Furthermore, a positive association was found between the number of media elements used and enjoyment. Data also provided insights into which media elements most positively influenced collaboration, communication, and enjoyment. The data likewise indicated lower task participation for the rural school than the urban school. The findings will inform the future development of online homework tasks designed to effectively facilitate parental involvement.

Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2027.

Date of Award	Jul 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Supervisor	Ian Cantley (Supervisor) & Katrina Lloyd (Supervisor)