Digital Trends and Backchanneling

In my opinion, there has never been a more exciting time to be an educator.  We have so many tools available to us to increase student engagement and achievement.  My current district recently hired a public relations coordinator.  The district values the importance of effective communication and strives to get the word out about what is happening in schools.

After reading more about the digital trends, I believe there are more effective ways to communicate with parents and students.  In the past, I have relied on class websites and email to communicate. This year I used and app called Remind.  WOW! It made a huge difference in the lives of the parents. Often times, I would send photos from events taking place in school (field trips, games, projects) and parents regularly commented on how much they enjoyed receiving the texts.  In terms of sending out quick reminders, there is nothing better.  Almost everyone has smartphone now, and if not the app allows people to enter email addresses.  There is also a chat function that some parents would take advantage of... ex. Johnny needs go to the nurse at 2:30, it's convenient because teachers are rarely checking email during instruction.

I have used Padlet and other similar websites in the past for professional development but really never thought about using them in a lesson.  The idea of backchanneling, even in 4th grade, is something that I believe will benefit student engagement and understanding. The opportunity to ask questions and pose thoughtful comments to classmates will help keep students actively listening. A few years ago my principal talked to me about the value of teachable moments, these types of programs can really cultivate that type of culture.  Next year, moving into a 1-to-1 environment, I am excited to try out the backchanneling concept.

Here is a video about Remind...if you haven't checked it out..you need to.