The Digital Parent NJASA’s Techspo 2014
Alicia (Discepola) Mackall Educational Technology Specialist
Millville Public Schools
Twitter: @AliciaMackall
Session Site: tinyurl.com/techspo2014
#DigitalParent
First Things First… Backchannel: Twitter #DigitalParent
This presentation and additional
resources are available at
tinyurl.com/techspo2014
#DigitalParent
Let’s Consider… Who’s your audience?
o Internet access
o Language barriers
Difference in delivery based on importance
Accessibility
Legality
Ownership/ responsibility
#DigitalParent
Website Ease of use, simple navigation, quick links
Powerful search function
Design
Content (current, complete)
o Calendar
Interactivity, encourage communication
Additional considerations: site accessibility,
multiple languages, responsibility…
#DigitalParent
Accessibility
#DigitalParent
Language
#DigitalParent
Internet Access
#DigitalParent
Open lab in district
Partner with local library/ community center
Promote affordable Internet options
App Most relevant links
Ease of use
#DigitalParent
2 Way Communication Solicit data from your families, survey
parents
Multiple ways for parents to provide
feedback and communicate
Evaluate current forms of communication
Ongoing transparency
#DigitalParent
Dedicated number for parents
Voicemail transcript
Call forwarding
#DigitalParent
Text Messaging
#DigitalParent
Celly
Remind 101
School Messenger
Kiku Text
Sendhub
Social Networking Social networking is top Internet activity
#DigitalParent
#DigitalParent
Know Your Audience social media
1. Facebook 2. Instagram 3. Twitter 4. Snapchat
1. Facebook 2. Twitter 3. Pinterest 4. Instagram
Twitter Official account
Hashtag
Make regular
Storify available
Photo credit: @drgentile_mps
#DigitalParent
Facebook Remains most used social network
Promote important info
#DigitalParent
Blog
#DigitalParent
#DigitalParent
Photo Sharing
#DigitalParent
Social Bookmarking Pinterest
• Board for press coverage
• Helpful resources
#DigitalParent
Videos Student taught tutorials, lessons
Announcements, special events
#DigitalParent
In Your Face Skype/ Facetime/ Google Hangout
Parent Teacher Conferences
In class lessons
Meetings
#DigitalParent
Live Streaming Performing arts, sports, special
events
Parent/ teacher committee
meetings
#DigitalParent
Parent Portals Gradebooks
Additional Sites
Tutorial videos, step-by-step guides,
training sessions, students can teach
#DigitalParent
Promote School(s) Brand your district/ school
Tell your story
Advertise events, opportunities
#DigitalParent
Take Control Paint the picture
#DigitalParent
more to think about We like our info…
Consistent
Convenient
Visual
Quick
#DigitalParent
Learn from Others
#DigitalParent
Remember
#DigitalParent
Make parents partners
o Two-way communication
Multiple forms of communication-
all current and complete
Session Site tinyurl.com/Techspo2014
Twitter @AliciaMackall