Look around. Technology is everywhere from SMS to traditional computers. You would be hard-pressed to find someone who does not carry a cell phone with them at all times. In a world where technology has become our major lifeline, businesses are having to learn to adjust to this new way of co-existing in the world. Schools are no exception to this rule. One of the ways schools are adjusting is through digital communication meaning traditional methods are no longer the most logical choice.
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Communication Through Text
Texting has become the most common way of communicating. As such, SMS marketing is quickly becoming the preferred method of communication between parents and schools. Studies reported by tomorrow.org show that 55 percent of parents prefer communication through text as compared to five percent in 2010. Unlike email, it has a more personal touch and with phones in hand, it directly reaches students and parents alike. In fact, more and more principals are looking for new recruits to be well versified in digital communication tools so that they are able to communicate effectively with their students and with their parents. These digital tools allow teachers to send reminders regarding upcoming projects, field trips, testing dates, and more.
Parent/Teacher Communication Via SMS
One way schools are changing is in the parent/teacher roles. Parents are considered partners in their child’s education. As such, more and more digital tools are being adopted by school systems allowing for parent engagement. These digital tools also ensure timely and efficient communication with parents and teachers. There are several apps on the market teachers have adopted to keep parents updated on important class messages, due dates, upcoming events, and more. It also allows for personal one-on-one communication with parents regarding their child’s classroom behavior, attendance, and grades.
Colleges and Universities
More and more colleges and universities have also adopted communication by means of texting. SMS alerts streamline enrollment and allow for quick contact with students in regards to admission processes, payment due dates, class registration dates, and drop dates. These alerts can be set up ahead of time so that in the midst of registration, you are not having to worry about sending out messages. Another way SMS notifications can be utilized is by sending out last-minute and urgent notifications. For example, the notifications can be sent out to alert students of severe weather, school closings, or a lockdown due to an intruder on campus.
Communicating with Faculty and Staff Members
While Bulk messaging has proven to be an effective form of communication to reach parents and students, it is also a useful tool when reaching out to faculty and staff. Sending out reminders of open house dates, faculty meetings, training, or school closures are just some of the many ways SMS messaging can be utilized.
More Benefits of SMS Alerts and Notifications
When looking at adopting any new program, software, or communication tool it is important to look at the benefits. Do the benefits outweigh the costs? When it comes to SMS Services, the answer is yes. Think about how communication in the past has been. Parents and students were alerted through email, phone calls, and visual media such as prints ads and flyers. The money that goes into all of these different mediums adds up and you cannot always be sure the message was received. Emails sometimes go hours, days, or even weeks without being viewed. Phone calls get missed or go directly to voicemail. Print ads and flyers get lost, thrown away, or just forgotten. With direct access to parents and students through cellular devices, the message gets through within seconds. In addition to that SMS Alerts and notifications allow you to measure the click rate of the notifications sent letting you know which messages were delivered and read.
The bottom line is schools are busy places. Communicating with the masses can sometimes prove to be overwhelming, from keeping students and parents informed about fundraisers, sporting events, PTA meetings, club meetings to school closings, and more. Using a mass texting company like SlickText can help ease the burden and allow you to focus on classes, events, registration, or one of the many other items that need to be taken care of each day within the school system whether it be primary, secondary, or college. Using SMS bulk messaging has proven to be a much-needed resource for schools and phones are never too far from one’s hand, messages are usually read fairly quickly.
