87% of parents embrace technology in schools, while 28% restrict usage: Study

A recent survey of over 3,000 parents from various educational boards (ICSE, CBSE, IB, and state-level) found that 87 percent support technology integration in schools for enhancing learning. However, only 28 percent prefer its use to be strictly for educational purposes, highlighting diverse opinions on technology's role in education.

In Short

• 87% of parents support technology in schools for enhanced learning
• 46% of parents allow moderate tech usage at home
• 58.33% of parents have a positive awareness of NEP 2020

A new survey reveals that at least 87 percent of parents support the integration of technology in schools, recognising its potential to enhance learning.

The "All India Parent Survey 2024 - Parents' Attitude and Perception Towards the Indian School Education Landscape," conducted by K-12 Techno Services, found that despite this overwhelming support, only 28 percent of parents prefer the use of technology to be strictly limited to educational purposes.

Furthermore, the survey underscores the importance parents place on life skills education, with 94 percent acknowledging its significance and the positive impact it has on a child's overall development.

This trend indicates a growing awareness among parents regarding the role of technology and life skills in shaping well-rounded, capable individuals in today's educational landscape.

The report collected insights from over 3,000 parents of children enrolled in various educational boards (ICSE, CBSE, IB, and state-level boards) across different regions. It explored key observations and trends in their pursuit of the ideal school experience for their children.

According to the survey report, an encouraging 87 percent of parents endorse the integration of technology in schools, acknowledging its potential to improve learning. However, approaches to managing technology use at home differ significantly.

While 46 percent of parents permit moderate usage, others adopt varying restrictions, with 28% allowing only educational use and 6 percent granting unrestricted access.

BALANCING SCREEN TIME AND PARENTAL AWARENESS OF NEP 2020

To help manage screen time, a majority of parents (57 percent) encourage non-screen activities, while others focus on addressing potential risks or setting clear limits on technology use. The survey shows that 58.33 percent of parents have a positive awareness of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, while 41.67 percent either lack awareness or have negative perceptions of it.

Activity-Based Learning (60.47 percent) and Skill-Based Learning (53.44 percent) are the most recognised components of NEP 2020. However, 21.12 percent of parents remain unaware of any specific aspects, indicating a need for better communication regarding the policy's details and benefits.

Furthermore, the survey highlights a significant awareness of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, with 71.24 percent of parents familiar with this fundamental right. Nevertheless, 28.76 percent of parents are still unaware of it, underscoring the necessity for ongoing efforts to educate and inform the public about this important legislation in Indian education.

PARENTING STRATEGIES FOR BALANCED SCREEN TIME

The survey indicates that 46 percent of parents support moderate screen usage, while others adopt different strategies: 28 percent enforce strictly limited access to educational content, and 6 percent allow unrestricted screen time. To help balance screen time, a majority of parents (57 percent) encourage non-screen activities, with others emphasising the importance of discussing potential risks or establishing clear limits.

Additionally, there appears to be a disconnect between parents' communication preferences and schools' practices. While 74 percent of parents favour receiving updates weekly or monthly, only 40 percent of schools offer daily communications.

Parents strongly prefer receiving updates via WhatsApp (50 percent) and through Parent-Teacher Meetings (28 percent). In contrast, schools primarily rely on PTMs (31 percent), parent portals (22 percent), and WhatsApp/SMS (22 percent) for communication.

(With inputs from PTI)