Reflect on the needs for your individual Communication Plan. Then, construct a general outline that includes the following:
- Welcome email (generic for all courses)
- Personal notes versus mass communication to stakeholders (appropriate times)
- Stakeholders
- School Policies regarding Communication
- Tools available for effective Communication
Welcome Email
A proper welcome email should clarify some details and expectations of GaVS as well as the individual teacher. Additionally it should establish clear lines of communication stating the various ways students, parents, teachers, and facilitators should stay connected. I also feel a welcome email should be responded back to. I ask in the email for a response from students and parents confirming they have read through it and understand the expectations. Additionally I create or borrow a "getting started" video and highly suggest students and parents watch together so technology and navigation are not issues in beginning the course.
Personal notes versus mass communication to stakeholders (appropriate times)
Personal notes are great reminders about the student on a personal level. There are things that students and parents will confide in teachers (i.e. anxiety issues) that the teacher has no right to spread to others. However the information students and parents are willing to share gives personal insight to the student's life and tells you something about their home life and social life that can definitely impact the quality of their work.
Stakeholders
Stakeholders would be like a facilitator or some one helping with IEP accommodations. This is important when needing to immediately contact a student or checking for attendance and F2F provisions for the online course. Additionally it establishes a clear understanding for the student's provisions so that everyone is knowledgeable and can not play one against another.
School Policies regarding Communication
Though I do send the bi-weekly reminders to parents, students, and facilitators, I try to exceed communication minimum standards. I think (though maybe a little annoying) it shows my investment in student success. For example, I do post the link to the weekly recorded Adobe sessions but I also email them to the students and parents that evening after the session has concluded. I also contact parents and facilitators of students whose grade falls below a 70 every time we have a benchmark due date, not just the first time their grade dips. The SchoolCast call that GaVS makes is just an additional aid.
Tools available for effective Communication
TONS!! I send out bi-weekly newsletters of class events (i.e. highlights of student work, reminder about policies, AP exam information) using Smore. I do have a GaVS Twitter account, I use Remind101, and I also use DialMyCalls. There are plenty of aids for communication that require little effort on the teacher's part to use so there really is not an excuse. Just inform the students and parents that they exist and encourage them to sign-up!
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