The Evolution of School Communication

As technology evolves in our classrooms, communication between schools, parents, and students has become more efficient and effective. This has enabled schools to build stronger communities and develop better communication pathways between teachers and parents.  

In this blog post, we will explore the evolution of school communication, the rise of technology, and the benefits of school communication apps. We will dive into the accessibility, efficiency, privacy, and the ways in which technology empowers parents and students through these apps. In addition, we will explain the benefits of technology use within schools and how apps are still improving to help schools and individuals in the classroom. 

The Traditional Methods of School Communication

Previously, communication between schools and parents relied heavily on traditional methods. Paper newsletters were often sent home in students’ backpacks, students might have taken notes to school, phone calls were made to discuss classroom matters, and parents would come into the school to discuss more important topics with the teacher. Email was also used for school news as a more direct way of getting general news to parents or caregivers. At the time, these methods served their purpose, however, they often lacked immediacy and convenience. Many schools still rely on these more traditional approaches to communicate with parents and their community, but most schools are adopting new technologies that are more immediate and reliable.   

The Rise of Technology in School Communication

With the rise of technology, both in schools and in homes, technology has begun to revolutionise the way schools communicate with parents and students. School communication apps, such as the Skool Loop App, have become valuable tools for the modern school community. These apps have completely transformed the way teachers can communicate by providing real-time updates, instant notifications, and a platform for streamlined information sharing. They are also extremely valuable in emergency response situations, and more bespoke journeys for whānau as they are updated more often with the events within a child’s classroom and school.  

Benefits of School Communication Apps

School communication apps offer a range of great benefits for parents, students, and staff members alike. Teachers can communicate with parents more efficiently, and students can access learning resources and classroom activities through apps like Google Classroom or other apps tailored for classroom use. The advantages of using school communication apps also include instant notifications, real-time updates, and streamlined information sharing. 

Accessibility and Inclusivity

A significant advantage of school communication apps is the ability to bridge communication gaps. They can often accommodate barriers such as language differences, work schedules, and geographical distances, promoting inclusivity in school communication. This inclusivity builds a more connected and engaged school community. 

Efficiency and Time Savings

School communication apps save time and effort for both educators and parents. Important communications such as newsletters or phone calls can be immediately sent out, notifying the selected parents/caregivers, allowing for more effective parent teacher communication.  

Privacy and Security Considerations in School Communication Apps

It is important for schools to choose communication apps that prioritise data privacy and implement stringent security measures. Choosing to use apps with clear privacy and security guidelines, with strong reputations within the country of the school helps to ensure this added security. Educators and parents must also follow best practices to ensure the confidentiality of sensitive information. 

Parent Engagement and Empowerment

School communication apps empower parents to embrace an active role in their child’s education. The parents are enabled to communicate with teachers, track their child’s progress, and engage with the school community. Enhancing the overall learning experience for students and parents who become more engaged with the school community. 

How to Choose the Right School Communication App  

When selecting a communication app for school, make sure to consider features and functionalities, and how that aligns with the communication needs of your school community. Look for apps that offer real-time updates, instant messaging, support for multiple languages, privacy, and protection features, a user-friendly interface and that syncs with the school software. To find more, read our blog about choosing the best communication app.