Developing the home-school relationship using digital ... - Futurelab

A typology of learning in families withdigital technologiesShoutbox:making informal learning visibleRESEARCH AND POLICY REVIEW2.2 PARENTAL ENGAGEMENT AND LEARNING IN THE FAMILY2This typology includes parents and childrenlearning together and from one another 19 .1. Supporting children’s formal learningFor example, parents accessing onlineinformation about their child’s school andprogress, and support to help their child withlearning and making educational choices.2. Family learning for pleasureFor example, going to a museum and usinghandheld audio guides to interact withcharacters from the past.3. Supporting children’s personal, social,emotional and life skillsFor example, parents talking to childrenabout how to manage risks andopportunities online.4. Participation and acculturation infamily lifeFor example, through playing computergames together, a family share their valuesand learn how to manage competitiveness.5. Developing adult basic skillsFor example, parents and children mayparticipate in family learning to developliteracy or numeracy skills, using onlineresources.The ‘ShoutBox’ research project explored theuse of technologies to make learning outsideschool more visible to teachers. While youngpeople were able to use mobile and videotechnologies to capture their out-of-schoollearning experiences, they needed significantsupport to recognise the learning benefits fromtheir experiences and did not expect teachersto be interested. They were also concerned thatif they were to share their experiences withteachers and others, that it should be in a safeand constructive space. Schools and teacherswould need to actively consult with and promptchildren and parents in order to understand thelearning they engage in out-of-school 20 .6. Enhancing family relationshipsFor example, accessing parenting supportnetworks and advice online.1819. For a poster illustrating learning scenarios using this typology as well as the research on which it is based,see www.futurelab.org.uk/projects/learning-in-families20. Mobile Pie / Futurelab (2008). ShoutBox: A mobile/web tool to support and showcase informal (out-of-school) learning. Availablefrom: www.futurelab.org.uk/resources/documents/project_reports/ShoutBox_report.pdf