The purpose of this study is to review and synthesize research and identify data sources on the connection between the home and school regarding the use of educational technology for learning. The report developed for this task will provide an overview of existing research, identify trends in levels of use and effectiveness, identify gaps where additional information is needed, and note models of emerging best practice. Information from this report will be used to inform design of the Integrated Studies of Educational Technology and other work.
Research finds that parent involvement is one of the most important factors in student performance.
These technologies can help lower barriers to communication between teachers, schools and parents. These technologies may have important implications for interaction between parents, teachers and schools, and for learning activities at home and community sites. They can transform the frequency and nature of school and family interactions, provide increased ease of communication and timely focused information to increase the quality of parent involvement in the education of their children. Use of technology and the internet at home can more directly support increased student achievement in several ways. Examples of programs that emphasize home access and educational technology-based activities include the Anytime, Anywhere Learning Initiative which provides laptop computers for students which can be taken home.