Description
An abstract of the dissertation of Kathleen DeCamp for the degree of Doctor of
Education in Leadership, Learning, and Community
Presented on Date: June 28, 2022
Title: Building Connections Between School Staff and Families with Mobile Friendly
Digital Tools
Abstract approved:
Name: Marcel Lebrun
Dissertation Committee Chair
The purpose of this study was to determine if mobile-friendly digital tools have an impact
in K-2 classrooms in rural New Hampshire Schools. The research questions on which this
study focused were: Does a digital tool improve adult-support involvement in a K-2
classroom? What features of digital tools are important to K-2 teachers and adult supports at home? The survey participants for this study consisted of 31 principals, 19
teachers and 34 parent/adult supports of kindergarten-second grade students. This totaled
84 participants from 23 different rural New Hampshire schools. Results from this
research study found that families preferred communication that was accessible via
cellular devices and through applications that were easy to use. Survey results also
showed that digital communications can be successfully used for two- way
communication as well. 84 % of families felt they could easily respond and communicate
back digitally to the school. Teachers and families also had positive responses to using
mobile-friendly digital tools for communication. 68% of teachers, families and principals
believe that the digital tool they use makes it easier to communicate between home and
school.
