Apps and other Technology in Parent-Teacher Communications

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Education (Schools) (a) what proportion of schools currently use smartphone applications (apps) or proprietary online software platforms to communicate with parents of students; and (b) in such schools, what is being done to ensure inclusiveness with regard to parents who may not have smartphones or computer access.

Mr Ng Chee Meng: Our schools constantly seek ways to better communicate with and engage parents to strengthen school-home partnerships. As Singapore's smartphone and internet penetration rate is very high, the large majority of parents have access to technology. Therefore, most schools use some form of smartphone applications or proprietary online software platforms to communicate with parents to increase efficiency and provide parents with greater convenience. Even in such instances, our schools are cognisant that some parents may prefer alternative modes of communication besides technology, or may not have access to computers or smartphones. Hence, schools employ a range of complementary communication channels to ensure they can reach out to all parents, which could include hard-copy letters, students' handbooks, phone calls, face-to-face briefings and meetings.