Note
[1] The concept of interactivity
is very complex, and it is often equated with communication. Interactive
elements of a Web site support interactions between Web site visitors
and Web site content. Since a Web master determines the content of his
or her Web site, Web site visitors interact with the Web master, too.
One of the components of interactivity, providing timely feedback, can
be very effective for supporting communication between schools and parents.
For example, parents can take a test that examines parenting strategies,
and when they receive pre-programmed feedback from the Web site, they
will be able to adjust their strategies and become better parents. For
a more detailed account on interactivity, see Lunts (2000).
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About
the Author:
Ellen Lunts
is a Ph. D. candidate in Teaching and Curriculum at the University of
Rochester. Her research focuses on telecommunication technology, secondary
mathematics education and parental involvement. A dissertation she is
completing is entitled "Math teachers' perceptions and practices
of using their class web sites to support parental involvement and instruction."
Ellen has studied and taught mathematics and educational technology
in Russia.
Email: elunts@netscape.net
