How to Get Parents On Board With Their Children’s School Technology

You’ve rolled out Showbie in your classroom. Students are logging in, completing assignments, and responding to feedback. But parent engagement? That’s lagging.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. It can be tricky to get families to embrace classroom technology, even when it helps them connect with their child’s learning. The good news? With a few thoughtful strategies, you can help parents feel comfortable and involved.

Remind Parents What’s in It for Them

Parents are more likely to engage if they understand the why. Showbie’s Parent Access gives them a window into their child’s progress, from submitted work to feedback to multimedia portfolios. Emphasize that this helps them support learning at home, celebrate successes, and stay connected to what’s happening in class.

Make Getting Started Easy

Many parents hesitate because they don’t know where to begin. Share a short, simple checklist to guide them through setting up Parent Access, adjusting notifications, and viewing assignments, all in 10 minutes or less.

Offer Friendly Support

A tricky login can stop people before they start. Offer a few minutes before or after school, or a short virtual session, to help parents get signed in. 

Show Them Where to Look

When you post updates or feedback in Showbie, let parents know where to find them. A quick reminder via email, message, or phone call can help parents build the habit of checking in.

Let Students Lead the Way

Students can be your best allies when you want to encourage parents to adopt new classroom technology. So remember to ask your students to show their parents any classroom technology you’re using. Students often rise to the challenge because they want their parents to know what they are learning in school.

Getting parents to adopt new technology can be a challenge. We are all skeptical of new apps and technology, but when we start to see the short- and long-term benefits, we’re more likely to get on board. Parents are no different. So remember that patience and persistence are essential as you work to adopt new technology for the classroom.