Parents and grandparents are increasingly turning to virtual assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant to help their children with homework, particularly in subjects like mathematics. A recent survey commissioned by the Department for Education’s Skills for Life campaign and Kindred found that 54% of parents would struggle to know where to start when helping their children with maths homework. With over 500 million Alexa-enabled devices sold worldwide, technology is becoming a valuable resource for parents who may have forgotten how to do certain math problems themselves.
The Skills for Life campaign aims to encourage adults of all ages to improve their skills and gain confidence in helping their children with homework. The survey of 2,250 adults revealed that 69% use the internet to solve schoolwork problems, while 20% reported using virtual assistants to tutor their kids at home. Math was found to be the most challenging subject for parents and grandparents, and was also voted as the least favorite homework subject.
However, there are concerns about the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in students’ work. While using virtual assistants for assistance is one thing, relying on AI to come up with answers raises questions about the extent to which we rely on technology. Some students have been known to use AI programs like ChatGPT to cheat on their homework, although not all students resort to this. Google’s Gemini chatbot has also been found to be helpful for students with dyslexia in understanding complex academic texts.
Overall, the use of technology in homework assistance is on the rise, with virtual assistants playing a significant role in helping parents and grandparents support their children’s learning. However, it is important to strike a balance between utilizing technology as a tool and developing one’s own skills and knowledge.
HOMEWORK MADE EASY: How one dad transformed his life to help his daughter
Homework has always been a challenge for parents, but now, with the power of technology at our fingertips, it’s become even more daunting. Jane Basnett, director of digital learning at Downe House School in Berkshire, acknowledges this shift. “In the old days, parents relied on the Encyclopaedia Britannica or a trip to the library,” she explains. “But now, with just a tap, swipe, or voice command, knowledge is readily available. However, understanding and engaging with that knowledge is a whole different story.”
Basnett emphasizes the importance of parents guiding their children to comprehend the information they find online. “We need to encourage our children to not just rely on GenAI (generative artificial intelligence) to do their homework for them,” she asserts. “We must foster their own critical thinking and problem-solving skills.”
Paul Duggan, a 68-year-old dad from London, knows the struggle all too well. When his daughter Rebecca needed help with her homework, he realized he couldn’t provide the support she needed. Determined to make a change, he enrolled in a Skills for Life Numeracy course in 2020. Little did he know, this decision would transform his life.
“I’ve always had a difficult relationship with maths,” Duggan admits. “But when I saw my daughter struggling, I knew I had to confront my fear of numbers. I didn’t want to pass on my negative feelings towards maths to her.”
Not every parent has the luxury of time to improve their math skills, as they juggle work, other children, and the demands of daily life. However, for those who can dedicate the time, the rewards are immeasurable.
“Taking the Skills for Life course was the best decision I’ve ever made,” Duggan shares. “Not only has it boosted my confidence in everyday calculations, but it has also brought me closer to my daughter. I now help her solve equations and tackle more complex problems as she prepares for her maths GCSE.”
So, if you find yourself struggling to assist your child with their homework, remember that it’s never too late to learn. Embrace the challenge, conquer your fears, and watch as your relationship with your child blossoms through shared knowledge and growth.
