Home PublicationsJRTEPast IssuesVolume 34 Number 3

	Edited by Dr. David J. Ayersman, Mary Washington College, and Dr. W. Michael Reed, New York University Incoming editor: Dr. Lynne Schrum, University of Georgia
formerly Journal of Research on Computing in Education

Volume 34 Number 3 2002

Using Parent–Student Pairs for Internet Instruction
Micki M. Caskey
Portland State University

Abstract
Student and parent attitudes toward school-based Internet use were explored using parent–student pairs. An intergenerational approach positioned 54 pairs of young adolescents and their parents as co-learners for simultaneous Internet instruction, while another 51 parent–student pairs were given separate Internet instruction. This study examined the effect of instructional conditions using pre- and post-instruction attitude surveys and interviews. Survey analyses included descriptives, reliability measures, factor analysis, subscale formation, pre- and post-instruction comparisons, and analysis of variance of treatment and role variables. Interview analyses provided insights into student and parent attitudes. Positive effects of instruction were revealed for students and parents. (Keywords: attitudes, attitudes toward the Internet, diffusion of innovations, educational technology, intergenerational learning, parent involvement.)

Web Resources
Note: All Web links in this issue were active as of the post date (July 15, 2002). However, the Web is volatile, and ISTE does not have any control over external sites.

Cotton, K., & Wikelund, K. R. (1989). Parent involvement in education. School Improvement Research Series [Online document]. Portland, OR: Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory. Available: www.nwrel.org/scpd/sirs/3/cu6.html.

National Center for Education Statistics. (2000a). Internet access in U.S. public schools and classrooms: 1994–99 [Online document]. Washington, DC: Author. Available: http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2000/2000086.pdf.

National Center for Education Statistics. (2000b). Teacher use of computers and the Internet in public schools [Online document]. Washington, DC: Author. Available: http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2000/2000090.pdf

.Snow, C., & Tabors, P. (1996). Intergenerational transfer of literacy [Online document]. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education. Available: www.ed.gov/pubs/FamLit/transfer.html.

Contributor
Micki M. Caskey is an assistant professor in curriculum and instruction in the Graduate School of Education at Portland State University. Dr. Caskey teaches and leads preservice cohorts in the Graduate Teacher Education Program. Her areas of specialization include middle-level education, field-based teacher education, and curriculum and technology integration.

Contact
Micki M. Caskey
Graduate School of Education
Portland State University
PO Box 751, Portland, OR 97207-0751
caskeym@pdx.edu

Appendix

Internet Survey for Students

Participants were directed to show their degree of agreement with each statement using the following five-point scale: Strongly Agree, Agree, Neutral, Disagree, or Strongly Disagree.

1. Schools should provide students with access to the Internet.
2. The Internet is a valuable tool for use in the school setting.
3. All students need to know how to use the Internet.
4. I think that people who use the Internet are more productive.
5. It would be better for students to use books than the Internet to find information.
6. When students use the Internet at school, they miss learning the basic skills.
7. Students need instruction and guidance to use the Internet efficiently.
8. I am interested in learning more about using the Internet.
9. I like using the Internet.
10. I am a skilled user of the Internet.
11. I know enough about the Internet to offer assistance to my parent.
12. I am aware of both the benefits and dangers of using the Internet.
13. I am comfortable working with my parent on the Internet.
14. I believe that the Internet is a dangerous place for students to find information.
15. Using the Internet helps students to feel confident in their ability to do research.
16. Using the Internet helps students to feel confident in their ability to communicate.
17. Students benefit from the information that is available on the Internet.
18. I believe that there is too much information on the Internet for students to manage.
19. I worry that I may be exposed to inappropriate material on the Internet.
20. I am fearful that I may receive unkind or hurtful e-mail messages.
21. I believe that the Internet poses risks for members of my family.
22. Teachers adequately supervise the students using the Internet in the classroom.
23. I believe teachers need training to guide students to use the Internet effectively.
24. In this school, the teachers know how to use the Internet in their classes.
25. Providing Internet training for parents is important.

Internet Survey for Parents

Participants were directed to show their degree of agreement with each statement using the following five-point scale: Strongly Agree, Agree, Neutral, Disagree, or Strongly Disagree.

1. Schools should provide students with access to the Internet.
2. The Internet is a valuable tool for use in the school setting.
3. All students need to know how to use the Internet.
4. I think that people who use the Internet are more productive.
5. It would be better for students to use books than the Internet to find information.
6. When students use the Internet at school, they miss learning the basic skills.
7. Students need instruction and guidance to use the Internet efficiently.
8. I am interested in learning more about using the Internet.
9. I like using the Internet.
10. I am a skilled user of the Internet.
11. I know enough about the Internet to offer assistance to my child.
12. I am aware of both the benefits and dangers of using the Internet.
13. I am comfortable working with my child on the Internet.
14. I believe that the Internet is a dangerous place for students to find information.
15. Using the Internet helps students to feel confident in their ability to do research.
16. Using the Internet helps students to feel confident in their ability to communicate.
17. Students benefit from the information that is available on the Internet.
18. I believe that there is too much information on the Internet for students to manage.
19. I worry that my child may be exposed to inappropriate material on the Internet.
20. I am fearful that my child may receive unkind or hurtful e-mail messages.
21. I believe that the Internet poses risks for members of my family.
22. Teachers adequately supervise the students using the Internet in the classroom.
23. I believe teachers need training to guide students to use the Internet effectively.
24. In this school, the teachers know how to use the Internet in their classes.
25. Providing Internet training for parents is important.

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