Masters Thesis

Utilizing Video Communication Applications to Improve Parent-Teacher Communication

This research intended to determine the benefits and challenges related to the use of video communication applications to inform the recommendation of utilizing tools like Skype to facilitate parent-teacher communication. The literature revealed questions pertaining to the use of video communication applications such as Skype to offer the convenience of computer mediated communication (CMC) while providing some of the features of face to face (FTF) communication, access to tone and body language. The research questions addressed in this research included: RQ1: What factors of video conferencing applications appeal to parents and teachers and what factors dissuade use? RQ2: How did the use of video conferencing applications like Skype effect the frequency and quality of parent teacher communication? To address these questions, a series of surveys regarding the use of video communication applications were distributed and a parent teacher conference offering Skype as a mode of communication was held. The quantitative data provided by these surveys was analyzed using frequency distribution and the qualitative data was analyzed using the Iterative Framework. The research found that most families were satisfied with parent-teacher communication and utilized email as their primary means of communication. However, the group of families that utilized Skype as mode of communication for a parent-teacher conference expressed interest in continuing to use this method of communication, often citing that it was a convenient mode for working parents to participate. Educators may want to consider this research when determining how best to utilize video communication applications to improve parent-teacher communication.

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