During this time of school closures and distance learning, it's hard not to have that face to face communication with students and parents each day. In my last blog I wrote about Zoom and Google Classroom and all the ways that I am using those communication tools. See my blog post here Distance Learning During a Pandemic
I thought I'd share about a couple other tools that I am using to communicate:
ClassTag
This is an app that is similar to ClassDojo. I allows you to post announcements and include attachments, pictures, video, etc. It looks a lot like how a Facebook newsfeed looks. Parents can comment on or like your posts. They can also private message you which looks the same as a text message. You can also set up your parent conference schedule, and MANY MANY other things. You can sign into their website on your computer and/or download the app to use on your phone. I like the app because it sends you a notification anytime a parent comments or messages.
It also has a "library" tab where you can upload links or document or pictures that are important to keep them all in one place. This way parents don't have to go searching for your original post with the link. The nice part about this library tab is that it automatically saves any links you've posted in your announcements to the library. So you don't need to do it twice!
Under the events tab is where you can schedule a variety of events include parent conferences. You can organize parents volunteers, field trips and many other classroom events here.
One of the greatest features is that it translates all text English to Spanish and visa versa. So if a parent leaves a comment or private messages me in Spanish, it translates it to English for me. Likewise when I post or message in English, it will translate to Spanish for the parents who need it. When you first set up the "Directory" you or the parents themselves setup their preferred language. Definitely eliminates the issue of the language barrier! Especially while were on Distance Learning working from home where we don't have quick access to translators.
Flipgrid
Another fun way to communicate with students in addition to Zoom and Google Classroom is an app called Flip Grid. Flipgrid is a website that allows teachers to create "grids" to facilitate video discussions. Each grid is like a message board where teachers can pose questions, called "topics," and their students can post video responses that appear in a tiled grid display. Its super fun to use! Each grid can have multiple topics within it. You can make the topics academic or just fun. I am using flipgrid to support student's socio-emotional wellness and so I am just posting fun topics for them to respond to. Such as "would you rather..." "Tell us a fun fact about yourself"... They like it and the videos have come out really cute. You can create your own topics or chose from a library where tons are already made.
ClassTag and Flipgrid are just a couple of useful and fun ways to communicate with parents and students. Hope you found this useful!
Distantly Learning,
Megan, your students were lucky to have you! I imagine all of our students this upcoming school year will benefit from everything we've all had to learn.=^..^=
ReplyDeleteawww thank you Lola! Your students are so lucky to have YOU! :-)
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