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South African parents are trying desperately to cope with the age-old cliché of work-life balance.
They’re taking important work calls whilst shuttling children between extra murals, trying desperately to cover up shrieks from the back seat.
Sunday nights consist of scheduling that would confuse the most organised of executive PA’s and mornings are spent packing school lunches while catching up on overnight emails.
Now you’ve probably heard a hundred reasons why technology is important in the classroom. Children the country over are benefiting from tablets, computers, smartboards, Google Classroom and more.
What you haven’t yet heard are the reasons why technology can simplify a parent's life when talking administrative tasks related to their child's schooling.
Must read: Why having both male and female teachers is a good idea for schools
So for starters, let’s pull ourselves out of the 19th century!
Now more than ever we're aware of the impact our paper usage is having on the environment. It’s long overdue to bid a fine farewell to paper permission slips and indemnity forms.
Say hello to checklists that update automatically when forms are digitally signed off by the parent. Something as simple as a Google Sheets can be used for this purpose.
Your child's teacher will thank you for dramatically reducing the need for her to chase and follow up when the dog accidentally stole the outing return slip.
WhatsApp is also a handy communication tool.
Also read: South African teachers switch languages in class: why policy should follow
Make your child’s school a cash-free zone
Consider the safety of your child in the school environment and insist on a cash free zone. Using technology to remove the need to transact in cash on the school premises should be a priority in every school.
Apps like Karri gives parents the ability to process school fees via an app – as well as all the little annoying payments that pop-up. Bonus, you’ll earn e-points (Greenbacks, Ebucks, Ucount, etc.) when making the payment using a pre-loaded credit card.
The TAPTUCK app works similarly, allowing users to pre-order tuck shop items for their child by loading cash onto a 'TAPTUCK wallet'. Find more information about the TAPTUCK app and other school admin apps here.
Tech driven school transport
Find reliable and safe transport for your child with the LocTransie app.
The service puts parents in touch with the transport system at a specific school and also features a real-time tracking service.
Drivers also keep parents informed regarding delays and route diversions. Read more about the LocTransie app and other travel services here.
It’s time to progress to the age of technology-enabled parenting.
Compiled for Parent24 by Lesley-Anne Johannes.
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