Parents and teachers are part of the same team. Together, they help ensure the full development of the child. And to ensure a full and accurate overview of what’s happening, both parties should maintain open communication.
Considering how big a task this is, both parties have a responsibility to explore how to improve communication. With the advancement in cheap and accessible technology that we’re enjoying today, it’s important to revisit these factors to ensure we’re taking advantage of anything that can be used to improve communication.
Are you a teacher who’s trying to strengthen the relationship you have with the parents of the children in your class? Or perhaps you’re a parent wanting to stay up-to-date with your child’s progress? In both cases, you should know that you can implement these tech tips:
1. Try Using a VoIP Number
Where you are shouldn’t be a hindrance to communication. With all the available options today, such as a non-fixed VoIP number for those who travel for work, there’s always a way to get updates.
Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP lets you make and receive texts and calls over the internet instead of cellular towers. It’s an incredibly flexible solution because it’s location-independent, but it functions just like a regular number.
Using this tech, you’ll be able to contact your kid’s teacher on the phone, even if you’re in another country. In the same way, the teacher would still be able to include you in text blasts or to call you should an emergency strike.
2. Utilize Social Media
Social media is one of the great gifts of the internet, creating new ways for people to express themselves, communicate with others, and even meet more people. But this virtual world that connects us all is more than a place to post cute dog pictures.
If you have a school-age child, social media is also a great way to get reminders and announcements. For example, Facebook lets you create events and invite people to them. The teacher can do the same with school events like picture day, career day, and other highlights.
It’s also a great way for parents to share pictures of these events in case others can’t attend. Just remember that with these benefits come potential dangers. Both parents and teachers should take measures to secure the privacy of the children under their care.
3. Video Conference for Important Announcements and Orientations
The pandemic has made it harder for people to congregate, and this has fueled the popularity of video conferencing software and apps. But even though we’re out of the worst part of it, video conferencing can still be a valuable resource for teachers who need to make announcements.
These events may again be done face-to-face, but we don’t have to get rid of video conferencing altogether. Parents who can’t physically be there can still be updated on what’s happening. This way, parents can participate in the way most convenient to them.
4. Online Surveys to Receive Feedback
We can talk about all the technologies out there, but which of those do parents actually want to use? You can use online surveys to set up modes of communication based on their preferences. Then moving forward, you can contact them only through those preferred modes.
What’s great about online surveys is that they automatically organize all the information for you. For example, Google automatically records everything in a linked spreadsheet, thus ensuring the accuracy of all info as well. Surveys can be used throughout the year as needed.
With Technology, Parents and Teachers Can Have a More Collaborative Relationship in Raising Children
The best part is that it’s not even some obscure tech that the school has to purchase for thousands of dollars. It’s all about looking at the resources already available to you and thinking about how to use them for a specific purpose.
Can you think of more ways we can incorporate technology in parent-teacher communication? Let us know in the comments below!