Technology to help manage teacher workload via Online Reporting

A recent report by Becta has revealed that there is a need for better communication channels between parents and teachers to generate open and honest discussions to help children progress in school. Online Reporting allows parents access to information and advice from a variety of sources helping them to support the development and well-being of their child. By keeping parents informed on their child’s progress, communication can be more focused, ensuring the most efficient use of time and consequently managing the teacher’s workload.

The Becta report reveals it is important for teachers and schools to consult parents on how they’d like to be kept informed on the progress of their child. Some parents prefer face to face contact, whereas others may favour the convenience of tools such as text alerts or online reporting to gain a quick insight into their child’s progress.

Online Reporting is the innovative use of media and communication technologies such as email, blogs, websites and text alerts in order to keep parents better informed about their child’s achievements, progress, behaviour and attendance.

Becta is the government agency aiming to advertise and implement the productive and innovative use of technology throughout the teaching and learning process. The Schools & Parents: A New Partnership report is part of the ‘Next Generation Learning’ campaign, which encourages parents to contact their child’s school in order to establish how and if technology is already being used, and how it can improve communications between them and their child’s school in future.

There are a vast array of communication tools such as emails, text alerts and blogs, and it is important that schools provide the proper support and training to ensure that what is communicated is timely and meaningful.

A website is one of the most effective communication tools that is easily accessible for most schools and parents. It allows unlimited access to regular updates on school life from timetables, school trips, sharing photos and learning tools. The website can both support parents and immerse them in school life, meaning they come to more formal meetings better informed.

Email is a direct and efficient way to inform parents by sending regular updates helping them get more involved. However, it is important schools agree realistic expectations on the use of an email facility with parents so that the teachers manage emails effectively.

However, parents also need to be sensitive towards their child’s teacher and consider the most time-efficient ways to communicate in order to help manage teacher workload. Teachers should recommend that parents ask for different updates, check the school’s website or an online reporting facility to see if the information they are looking for is already available. Parent child communication such as after-school conversations will also help parents stay informed and updated.

The Becta Schools & Parents: A New Partnership report and further information about Becta and the ‘Next Generation Learning’ campaign can be found at www.nextgenerationlearning.org.uk

For more information, please contact:

Sophie Jackson 0207 025 6412 / Sophie.jackson@redconsultancy.com

Catherine Sharrott 0207 025 6589 / Catherine.Sharrott@redconsultancy.com

Kate Cox 02476 797146 / Kate.Cox@becta.org.uk

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