School Communities, School Decision Making, and ICTs

Cathryn Staring-Parrish
University of Alberta

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     Last modified: May 1, 2005

Abstract
How can information and communications technologies (ICTs) increase parent and community participation in the decision making processes of public schools?

Children in public schools are at the centre of a school community that consists of three spheres of influence: school, family, and society. Interactions between the three spheres of influence can positively affect the school learning environment and effective communications influence interactions. School communications could involve mixed systems using offline and online communications genres for different purposes. Offline interpersonal communication, face-to-face or by phone, is valued in public schools for building and maintaining relationships and for handling sensitive issues. Online information and two-way, asynchronous communications could replace many paper and interpersonal interactions. Online tools could connect the school with the outside community. However, simply adding online tools to existing systems is insufficient. It is important to consider how the communication genres could be used within the activity systems of school communications. A planned mixed system of offline and online tools could improve school communications, increase participation in school decision making, and facilitate collaboration within the school community.