More details on ICT as Communication Tool

ICT as Communication tool

What are Communication Tools? 

Communication tools  in ICT. Communication tools offer teachers a means to improve communication and interaction among students, teachers and parents. They can aid the teacher in reinforcing instruction, increasing the level of contemplation/discussion on a topic or simply informing his or her audience.

Technology places a number of communication tools in your hands. 

Some of these include:

·         Cell phones (text messages and voicemail)
·         E-mail
·         Instant messaging
·         Electronic newsletters (e-newsletters)
·         Shared online calendars
·         Class and school web pages
·         Social networks.

But how do these tools help you to facilitate and improve communication with students, peers and parents, both inside and outside your classroom?  

 

Cell phones (text messages and voice mail)

In today’s world, nearly every passerby is equipped with a cell phone. Thus, cell phones provide a great means to communicating with both students and parents. A simple text message can serve as a great reminder to parents about upcoming parent-teacher meetings or to remind students about upcoming tests. By creating a standard voice message on your phone at the end of each day, you can provide students and parents with a means to receive updates as to the topics covered during the day and any assignments or homework that has been scheduled.

E-mail

E-mail can replace conventional paper-based communications. It is also an incredible time-saver. It allows people to send information and documents to colleagues and receive the same instantaneously.  People can communicate with teachers in other schools, even in other parts of the world  and exchange ideas and learning materials with them.

 

Mail Send by Madam Dawa

 Electronic Newsletters (e-Newsletters)

E-Newsletters are a great means to communicate important college events and notices with the entire college. They also save on time and printing costs. E-Newsletters should supplement conventional printed newsletters for those parents and students who do not have access to email. 

ekunsel copies have been uploaded in Paro College of Education's vle

Online Calendars

Online calendars are an easy, useful method of posting information accessible by all and connecting the home, school and larger community. For example, teachers can post assignments and important dates. When a parent asks "Do you have any assignment?” they already have the answer. This tool has the potential to have a really positive impact on a college's culture.

PCE online Calendar

Social Networks and Blogs

Through social networking sites and blogs, it is possible for you to consult with subject and education experts around the world. These communication tools help you to build a personal learning network. Examples of popular social networking sites include Facebook, Twitter, Google, YouTube and LinkedIn.  It is even possible to communicate with your friends via a blog.  

Blog to reflect teaching and learning in classroom

Summary

Effective communication is essential to create strong school-home partnerships and to increase parental involvement. Just as teachers are skilled in the art of teaching, they also require knowledge and skills to communicate effectively with their parent community. Teachers should strive to use a variety of effective strategies to make communication as informative and interactive as possible, incorporating new communication methods and yet retaining the human touch. Every communication exchange, regardless of format, should reflect a thoughtful, planned approach and should be viewed as an opportunity for teachers to promote parent partnerships and, ultimately, to support student learning.

 

 

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