How can you use online platforms to communicate with parents more effectively?

1 Choose the right platform

The first step to using online platforms to communicate with parents is to choose the right one for your needs and preferences. There are many options available, from email and messaging apps to video conferencing and learning management systems. Each platform has its own features, advantages, and limitations, so you need to consider what kind of communication you want to have with parents, how often, and how interactive. For example, email is a good option for formal and detailed communication, but it may not be very engaging or timely. Messaging apps are more convenient and casual, but they may not be secure or organized. Video conferencing is more personal and interactive, but it may require more scheduling and technical support. Learning management systems are more comprehensive and integrated, but they may be more complex and costly.

3 Be consistent and concise

The third step to using online platforms to communicate with parents is to be consistent and concise in your communication. You need to communicate with them regularly and reliably, and avoid sending too many or too few messages. You also need to communicate with them clearly and briefly, and avoid sending too long or too short messages. You can use a standard format or template for your online communication, and include the main points, action items, and resources in each message. You can also use bullet points, headings, and images to make your communication more readable and attractive. You can also proofread your communication before sending it, and check for spelling, grammar, and tone errors.

4 Be positive and respectful

The fourth step to using online platforms to communicate with parents is to be positive and respectful in your communication. You need to communicate with them in a friendly and professional manner, and avoid using negative or aggressive language. You also need to communicate with them in a supportive and empathetic way, and acknowledge their challenges and achievements. You can use positive feedback, praise, and appreciation to motivate and encourage the parents and their children. You can also use emoticons, emojis, and gifs to add some humor and emotion to your communication. You can also show respect for the parents' culture, background, and values, and use inclusive and appropriate language.

5 Be informative and engaging

The fifth step to using online platforms to communicate with parents is to be informative and engaging in your communication. You need to communicate with them about the curriculum, the assignments, the assessments, and the progress of their children, and provide them with relevant and useful information. You also need to communicate with them about the activities, the events, the opportunities, and the stories of your classroom, and involve them in your teaching and learning community. You can use multimedia, such as photos, videos, podcasts, and slideshows, to showcase your students' work and achievements. You can also use polls, surveys, quizzes, and games, to solicit their feedback and opinions. You can also use newsletters, blogs, podcasts, and social media, to share your insights and experiences as a teacher.

6 Be collaborative and responsive

The sixth step to using online platforms to communicate with parents is to be collaborative and responsive in your communication. You need to communicate with them as partners and allies, and not as adversaries or strangers. You also need to communicate with them as learners and contributors, and not as spectators or consumers. You can use online platforms to create a dialogue and a relationship with the parents, and not just a monologue and a transaction. You can use online platforms to co-create and co-evaluate learning goals and plans with the parents, and not just to assign and report them. You can also use online platforms to address and resolve issues and conflicts with the parents, and not just to avoid or escalate them. You can also use online platforms to respond to their questions, comments, and suggestions, and not just to ignore or dismiss them.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?