Digital Tools Used in Primary School: What Parents Should Know

Technology plays an increasingly important role in Singapore’s primary education system. As schools integrate digital tools into teaching, learning, and communication, parents need to stay informed and involved. Here’s a guide to the key digital platforms your child may encounter in primary school—and how you can support their use at home.

1. Student Learning Space (SLS)

The Student Learning Space (SLS) is MOE’s central online learning portal used across primary and secondary schools.

Purpose: Enables self-directed and blended learning both in school and at home.
Features: Interactive lessons, quizzes, and learning resources aligned with MOE’s curriculum.
Access: Students log in with their school-provided ID and password at learning.moe.edu.sg.
Use cases: Homework assignments, revision tasks, and learning during school closures or absences.
Parental tip: Help your child log in initially, and create a quiet, tech-friendly space for online learning at home.

2. Parents Gateway App

The Parents Gateway is a mobile app developed by MOE and GovTech to streamline communication between schools and parents.

Features:
- Receive announcements and updates from your child’s school.
- Give consent for school activities and excursions digitally.
- View academic reports and attendance records.
Benefits: No more misplaced consent forms or missed notices—everything is in one place.
Access: Available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Login requires Singpass.
Parental tip: Enable push notifications and check the app weekly to stay in the loop.

3. Online Assessments and Class Communication Tools

Many schools use additional digital platforms to supplement learning and manage classroom communication.

Common Tools:

Google Classroom or Microsoft Teams: Used for class announcements, sharing homework, and project submissions.
Formative platforms: Tools like Kahoot!, Quizizz, Edmodo, or Padlet are often used for fun quizzes and collaborative learning.
School-based portals: Some schools have their own portals for submitting assignments and communicating with teachers.
Others: Some teachers may use Apps such as ClassDojo or Remind to communicate with parents. Instruction on how to use join will be given by the respective teacher.

Parent Involvement:

Monitor usage: Guide younger children on how to use each platform responsibly and independently.
Balance screen time: Ensure online schoolwork doesn’t blend into excessive recreational screen use.
Respect communication boundaries: Avoid over-messaging teachers on class platforms unless invited.

Digital Readiness Tips for Parents

Device check: Ensure your child has access to a basic laptop or tablet for home-based assignments if required.
Cyber wellness: Teach online safety, digital responsibility, and respectful communication.
Digital hygiene: Encourage logging out, backing up work, and limiting distractions during screen-based tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does every school use SLS?

Yes, all MOE schools are required to use the Student Learning Space as a national e-learning platform.

2. Can I access my child’s SLS account?

Only students have login credentials, but you can assist your child during use and review their assignments together.

3. Is the Parents Gateway app compulsory?

It’s highly recommended and widely adopted by schools. Most permissions and updates are now digital-only via the app.

4. What if I don’t have a smartphone or Wi-Fi at home?

Inform the school. MOE has schemes such as the NEU PC Plus Programme to support families with digital access needs.

5. How do I manage my child’s screen time if schoolwork is also online?

Separate academic screen time from recreational use. Set clear boundaries, use timers, and supervise younger children’s use.

Conclusion

Digital tools like SLS, Parents Gateway, and online class platforms are reshaping how schools and families collaborate. By understanding and supporting these technologies, parents play a vital role in helping children adapt to digital learning in a safe and structured way.