Professional paper
https://doi.org/10.32903/zs.64.1.8
Virtual Social Networks in Promoting Parent-Kindergarten Partnership
Ida Somolanji Tokić
; Sveučilište Josipa Jurja Strossmayera u Osijeku, Fakultet za odgojne i obrazovne znanosti, Osijek, Hrvatska
Antonija Vukašinović
; Dječji vrtić Ivana Brlić Mažuranić, Slavonski Brod, Hrvatska
Abstract
This paper explores the concept of partnership between family and kindergarten in the context of virtual social networks. Partnership is considered to be the ultimate goal of the pedagogical relationship between parents and educators. It is focused on the wellbeing of the child. It is a complex construct that sometimes is difficult to attain in practice. Challenges of modern lifestyles often prevent a quality interaction between parents and ECEC educators. It is therefore necessary to explore new opportunities and to create a new 'space' for action. Virtual social networks represent a platform where the educational potential is being increasingly expressed. Recognizing this potential, educational professionals can use virtual social networks in connecting family and the educational system but with great consideration to the contemporary pedagogical theory and practice. This paper provides data on how to use virtual social networks in promoting partnership with parents. A research of a kindergarten group and their Facebook group was conducted. The aim was to make the process of learning and meaning making of children visible to parents in order to encourage partnership. Also, the aim was to examine new technologies in educational process that can contribute to the development of partnership between families and kindergarten on a daily basis, as well as during the process of transitioning children from kindergarten to elementary school. The results showed that the use of virtual social networks for educational purposes was recognized among parents and rated as a positive way of communicating and it reflected on enhancing communication in everyday direct educational practice.
Keywords
documentation; ecological system theory; exploratory research; Facebook; partnership with parents
Hrčak ID:
219664
URI
Publication date:
10.7.2018.
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