TheApple

How often do you check your email? I check mine several times a day, so you could notify me of things by email, but I don't know too many people who are as compulsive about (my wife says addicted to ) email as I am. If the parents don't check their mailfrequently, the message may not be received in a timely manner. Besides, with email you really have no way to know if the email was read at all. I'd stick to the phone.

I know that the parents of the students I teach generally do not have email, so the phone is usually my only option.

Although I LOVE e-mails, as they seem to be the fastestmeans of communication nowadays, I still prefer the telephone.  I like to hear the parents'voices, and explain to them further. It is difficult to validate your words, or respond quickly to a question in e-mail, as you first have to wait for the parent to respond back.  On the telephone, it is immediate.

I prefer to get notes/messages from the parents via email and respond via voice/telephone.  It is tricky to phrase things properly in an email (unless it is a straight forward question), and misunderstandings can occur. I like to get their message in email because it is as if the note has already been written for me - I don't have to write down the name and phone number.

It depends on the tone.  As a teacher do you ever call parents just to say, "your child is going great!"?  It might be better to do some things over the telephone.



Though I'm not saying it's easier.  I check my e-mail at least once a day and can express my thoughts more clearly in writing.  When you're writing something important and unique I think it's better to use e-mail.  For example, if a new issue requires communicating, it's better to use e-mail to be thorough and make sure the recipiant has an archive.  OR if the issue is touchy it's best to say it in words rather than have your words misinterpreted and documented.

~ADF

 Teachers who may be concerned about what they can or can't put in an email might consider creating a set of email forms (like a form letter) that they can run by their principal. If the principal approves the "form" you can send it out and just change the address and student's name. The best type of email from teacher to parent should be short and to the point. For example, "Just wanted to tell you that Austin is doing much better. I hope he keeps up the good work." Another simple email might be, "Just wanted to mention that Austin hasn't done his homework on a regular basis. He missed 3 assignments in the past two weeks. Please speak to him about it. Thanks."

No, I don't believe so.  It depends on the person whether they are reached by email quicker than by telephone.

          Where I work, almost all parents are more easily reached by phone.  When I hand out the class contract at the beginning of the term, I ask parents to indicate their preference on the form, as well as the best time to call and the frequency at which they would like to hear from me (weekly, bi-weekly or monthly).  Personally, I allow parents to email me, but prefer the phone, because of the immediate and more personal dialogue through phone and the possibility of misunderstandings via email.  I perceive email as a replacement for "snail mail" or fax, rather than telephone calls and in-person communication. 

Emails takes a load of work from my shoulders and I prefere to use it. It's quick and I won't be stuck in any arguments with parents. But ofcourse I ask every parent what they want, emails or calls. Most of them do prefere emails though. We also have a computerized reporting system which takes a bit of responsibility away from us - if parents want an update on how their kids are doing in school, they can just log in and read for themselves.

taternutz says ...

jeppe says ...

- if parents want an update on how their kids are doing in school, they can just log in and read for themselves.

That's awesome. I want one!

It is indeed! I could record a screencast on how we do it if you wish. :)

Follow this link to see a screencast of our reporting system we have at our school in Sweden. Sorry for the bad English, i had just woken up :)

http://www.kyte.tv/ch/64826-jeppes-elearning-channel/297387-reporting-system

SBonilla07 says ...

I think they are because, really, who doesnt have internet on their phone??? i think the majority of people do and they obtain access to their emails....easy as 1-2-3!

You obviously do not live in Tennessee, because there are tons of people here that do not have cell phones, even computers and internet and a luxury around here.

 The digital divide is alive and well in City Heights, San Diego where I work. I give mine out, and 2% use it to communicate with me.

Most parents talk to me before or after school.

Another barrier is language. I speak Spanish, but those who don't use interpreters. I need one for my Burmese child on occasion. E-mail can be as foreign as the population I teach.

 So we finally meet, Singh.

I would be happy for any communication from my son's teacher,school policy requires a phone call or email or a note for missing work or any other issues,I get none of that,I find out on the school parents website if my son is missing work and by the time grades are posted the work is a week or more late.

So my hat is off to all you teachers who are atleast attempting to contact  the parents of your students.

I came across something online that said in 2009 more smartphones with Internet access will be sold than PCs. Email and text messages are catching up...quick!