Families and Home Computer Use: Exploring Parent Perceptions of the Importance of Current Technology

Many families today have access to computers that help them with their daily living activities, such as finding employment and helping children with schoolwork. With more families owning personal computers, questions arise as to the role they play in these households. An exploratory study was conducted looking at parents whose children were enrolled in a Southern California elementary school. The study’s purpose was to examine parent perceptions of the importance placed on computer usage for themselves and their children. A total of 596 surveys were returned from parents. Findings suggest that parents place a high value on computer usage and see it as vital to job success and academic achievement.