|
Tech Toolbox
For the cost of a few mailed newsletters or a Website redesign, you can purchase a system. The basic idea of phone notification may not be as flashy or exciting as other tools that are available, but it still remains one of the best and most constant forms of communication. The majority of notification systems are priced at per-student rates, and those fall in the $2 to $3 range. Like any technology, a phone notification system will require some technical expertise — especially at implementation. Once the system is up and running, there will be some daily management, but much of the work can be self-directed. Do note, however, that there will need to be a specific person (or department) to schedule and suggest outgoing calls. Other forms of communication, especially any in print, take time and resources to create and share. Printed or emailed communications also can get lost or deleted. A phone call is a quick way to share information without many of the challenges of other methods. Also, most systems offer translation as one of their services, so you are able to communicate reliably in the home languages of your audience. New ways to use a phone system Teacher/parent communication. Many systems provide software so teachers can quickly scroll through a set of regular responses to provide near daily feedback to parents. A sample call might let a sixth grade parent know that their child forgot his or her math homework and also asked a great question in English class. This type of communication can be simpler for a teacher, and also enable more regular communication. Superintendent-to-board communications. Superintendents must keep their boards up to speed on school district business. Sometimes this requires a personal phone call, but other times a group call would be just as effective. The system also could be used to alert board members of special meeting times, event invitations or any “homework” assigned by the board president. Surveys. Almost all of the solutions on the market give you the ability to conduct telephone surveys. Few people are pleased to get a call during dinner, but an appropriately timed call with only one or two questions will get you the information you need. You also can say that you attempted to survey the entire district with this method. School board information. Let your community know about important decisions via the phone system. You cannot count on local media to cover you, or to get it right, so send out a message with the facts to update your community. Rumor control. A school official can address a rumor with a quick phone message to the community. This can provide a personal touch to clearing up a misconception. So, whether you’re considering launching a new system or thinking about new uses for the one you’ve had for years, your district can benefit from this technology. As always, please share your tech-related questions and concerns. They often make a great launching point for a future column. TERRY MORAWSKI is the assistant superintendent of communications and marketing for Mansfield ISD. He can be reached at terrymorawski@gmail.com. |
Many districts have taken the plunge and purchased a telephone notification system, which enables users to broadcast voice messages to a list of businesses and/or households. Some districts are waiting for the right budget or staff to tackle the technology. And then there are districts that have purchased systems, but have yet to take the technology off the shelf. (You know who you are!)
No matter where you fall on the spectrum, it’s easy to see the value of being able to contact parents, students and staff at the push of a few buttons.