Below is a list and description of effective technology tools to use for parent-teacher communication. These tools will easily allow you to communicate with parents effectively and in a variety of methods. This will help improve home-school connection and allow for parents and teachers to work together to ensure student’s success.
Wordpress is an easy to use and free tool to enhance parent-teacher communication. Teachers can create classroom website and blogs that parents regularly check to receive classroom information. Teachers can post the latest student assignments, information about field trips or post photos of students within the classroom. Rating Tool: 5 Learning Curve: 4
Free Android Phone app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.wordpress.android
Google Chrome app: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/wordpresscom-extension/pnbbfhcegldppmibabepjfjloachnmjb
Mozilla Firefox extension: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/wordpress-dot-com/
Free iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wordpress/id335703880?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Website: http://wordpress.com/
Pinterest is a website that helps create visual bookmarks or "pins" for parents and teachers to use. Teachers can use this tool as a means to gain information for classroom projects, activities or field trips. Parents can follow the teachers "pins" to gain insight on what happens within the classroom. Rating Tool: 5 Learning Curve: 5
Free Android Phone app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pinterest
Free iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pinterest/id429047995?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Free iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pinterest/id429047995?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Website: http://pinterest.com/
Remind101 is a unique app that allows teachers to communicate with parents via instant messaging. Parents can opt to use this technology tool and use the classroom code to connect with teachers. Parents and teachers will receive instant feedback with stamps to ensure that the other party received the message. This tool can be utilized to inform parents of last-minute field trip information, in climate weather or changes in the classroom. Rating Tool: 5 Learning Curve: 3
Website: https://www.remind.com/
Free iPad app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/remind/id522826277?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Free iPhone app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/remind/id522826277?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Free Android Phone app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.remind101
Google Chrome app: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/jppddpkfhdojffabldnpdacpeoefcljp
Free Android Tablet app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.remind101
This app is used to track grades, take attendance and set up detailed profiles of children that include health information and allergies. Teachers can use this app to post information and parents can easily obtain and use this information. Each parent receives information only on his/her child so privacy rights are not infringed. Rate Tool: 4 Learning Curve: 4
Free iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/teacherkit/id389584618?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Free iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/teacherkit/id389584618?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
TED Ed is a tool that teachers can use to create lessons based around a Ted Talk. This tool can be used to elaborate on a subject or inform parents of new practices that will occur within the classroom. This tool is also educational and can give parents, teachers and students valuable information about teaching, classroom management and more. Rate Tool: 4 Learning Curve: 4
Website: http://ed.ted.com/
Educreations is an interactive whiteboard that teachers can use animate, narrate or explain new concepts. Students and parents can view this tool to review lessons, homework or study for a test. This is an entertaining and interactive way to continue learning even outside of the classroom. Rate Tool: 4 Learning Curve: 5
Free iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/educreations-interactive-whiteboard/id478617061?mt=8&at=10l6SU