Parent Tips for 1:1 Computing at Home

Each student having their own dedicated computer both at school and at home is a change that adults have to help a child manage. Here are some tips and ideas that can help parents with this change to create effective learning time and space at home while online.

• The Parent is in Charge 

  • Set rules and expectations for computer use at home. 

  • Expect that screens will be open where you can see them.

  • Designate times and locations in the house for computer use. 

  • Require work to be done in an area where you can check in on your student’s progress. 

  • Create times when the device can only be used for school work and if, or when, it can be used for recreational activities.

• Talk to your Child 

  • About what they are doing online and have them show you what they do and where they go online. 

  • Ask them to show you how they use the computer for school work and for fun. 

  • Talk about social boundaries and sharing too much information online. 

  • Set expectations for appropriate use and the types of websites and social networks that are appropriate for use at home.

• Communicate with the Teacher

  • If you are concerned if your child is accurately reporting what they need to use the computer for at home or about anything related to classroom activities. 

  • Keep a line of communication open where you can questions or concerns.

  • Track your student’s progress through the parent portal.

  • Consider the “Paper Equivalent” in Difficult Computing Situations

• How would you handle the off-task or inappropriate activity if it happened with pencil and paper instead of on a computer?

• What were my expectations around technology and computing, and do they mirror those expectations for respect and proper behavior at home?

• Often the solution for “digital problems” are the same as it was for a similar “analog problem” or on paper.

• Determine Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior

  • Discuss inappropriate behavior.

  • Hold your child accountable for poor decisions. 

  • Limit recreational computer and/or phone time. 

  • Have them turn over their devices or reset wireless passwords at home until inappropriate behaviors change.

• Using Internet Filters at Home

Google's Safety Center for Families

Chromebooks for Education

Common Sense Media- Parent Toolbox