Findings of a Usability Study of Family Portal in Eastern Maryland among School-going Children Caregivers

Abstract: In the realm of educational innovation, family portals (online platforms for information sharing and communication between families and schools) represent a promising tool for enhancing parental engagement by providing real-time access to students' information, such as attendance records, assignments, and grades (Mac Iver et al., 2021). However, the effectiveness of these portals depends on user awareness and utilization of their features. This study investigates the awareness and frequency of use of the attendance chart feature within family portals among parents and guardians in Eastern Maryland. It assesses the extent to which these technologies are fulfilling their intended role and identifies the factors contributing to their successes and failures. Data from a structured survey of 55 participants: eight educators who are also parents in the school system and forty-seven parents/guardians of high school students in a public school in Eastern Maryland. Demographic data revealed a diverse participant group, with most respondents aged 31 to 50, identifying as female, and reporting intermediate or advanced computer proficiency. Nearly all participants (98.2%) owned a smartphone, indicating their high level of familiarity with technology. Analysis of the data revealed that 76.4% of participants were aware of the attendance chart feature, with 47.3% of participants using it, while 29.1% were aware but had not used it. Of those who were aware, 61.9% actively used the feature, indicating that awareness has a positive influence on adoption. However, barriers such as communication preferences (16.7%), lack of perceived necessity (9.5%), and usability challenges (2.4%) were identified. Additionally, irregular usage patterns were observed, with 61.6% accessing the chart at least once or 2-3 times a week, while 26.9% only checked sporadically or when prompted by specific events. These findings underscore the importance of improving portal usability, promoting consistent communication strategies, and highlighting the value of the attendance chart feature to families. By addressing barriers to adoption and usage, the study offers actionable insights for schools and developers to optimize the deployment of family portals, ensuring equitable access and engagement for all families. This research contributes to the growing literature on the role of educational technologies in fostering effective school-family partnerships. REFERENCESMac Iver, Martha Abele, Sheldon, Steven, & Clark, Emily. (2021). Widening the portal: How schools can help more families access and use the parent portal to support student success. Middle School Journal, 52(1), 14–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/00940771.2020.1840269

Keywords: Parents, family portal, Attendance, Technological solutions, School, Education

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007148

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