Interaction Patterns Between Parents and Students From Away in the Digital Era

Abstract

Introduction: The development of the digital era has changed family interactions, especially between students from out of town and their parents, due to differences in perception and limitations in the use of technology.
Objectives: This study aims to answer questions about the interaction patterns of parents and students living away from home in overcoming communication barriers in the digital era and what are the impacts of digital technology on interaction patterns between parents and students living away from home in the digital era.
Methods: This study uses qualitative research and a descriptive approach, by conducting in-depth interviews and case study analysis to gain insight into the interaction patterns of parents and students living away from home in the digital era.
Results: This study shows that although digital technology facilitates communication and barriers still exist, this study examines strategies to overcome barriers to interaction between parents and students living away from home in the digital era, namely by 1) regular communication schedules, 2) utilizing current technology, 3) establishing daily or weekly communication with parents and vice versa, 4) participating in virtual joint activities, 5) managing conflicts openly, 5) emotional support. The impact of the interaction patterns of parents and students living away from home has negative and positive impacts.
Conclusions: The positive impact of the interaction pattern of parents and students from out of town in the digital era is the ease of interaction, involvement in children's lives, joint learning and openly resolving conflicts. The negative impact in this study is the decline in the quality of face-to-face interactions, misunderstandings in interactions.