Teachers involving parents in school work – the Epstein model using a Flip video camera

There isn’t a parent who hasn’t said at one time or another. ” I wish I could see what is going on in the classroom.” There isn’t a teacher who hasn’t wished that parents would help their child do their schoolwork. The School, Family and Community partnership program developed by Dr. Joyce Epstein features a specific type of parent involvement called Teacher Involving Parents in Schoolwork. (TIPS)

For the past three years I have been the facilitator for the Niagara Catholic Regional School Council Parent Reaching Out Project The Council has worked with me to support a project which implements the Epstein model – TIPS program and uses technology to connect parents to the classroom and increase parent involvement in their child’s learning. This year, teachers in 6 pilot schools have begun to use the Flip video camera to reach out to parents online. Using the model of popcorn night at home, parents are being asked to watch a short video with their child and engage in activities centred on the content of the video. A class field trip is the easiest example to start the process and you can get a sense of how the project works by viewing the introduction video used to help explain the project to the parents.

The possibilities are endless. Parents in particular could also use the camera to record sporting events and extracurricular activities they attend and share their content. Students can use the camera to practice their speeches and get instant feedback on their performance. The camera is point and click technology and a one step process to post online. No muss not fuss editing and easy publication.

I know that we are not alone in using technology and I would really love the opportunity to tell people about your projects. Please leave a comment and share what you are doing.

Tagged as: epstein model, Flip video camera, school family and community partnerships, TIPS