Communication is key

During this pandemic I have seen a major lack in communication between teachers and parents. It’s either the lack of knowledge of being able to communicate or not having the right tools or access to be able too. With our current situation with everything changing to digital learning many people are just learning how to operate a technical device. Many students that come from low-income families have struggled with getting a tablet or laptop to continue their education virtually. Some parents have no idea how to operate digital technology and that has caused a lack of communication with their child and the teachers. I have experienced first-hand my sister who barely knows how to operate her iPhone struggle to help her children access homework, live class, or find a video online.

I have seen the teachers try to communicate with her through email, but she is unable to access it at times due to work or doesn’t know how to reply. Students are barely getting by and if they see the teacher wants to have a conference call with mom or dad due to lack of work, they most likely will not relay the message. Technology is now a huge part of communication since face to face is mostly out of the picture. Some teachers use specific apps to communicate with parents so that everything is in that app. Many parents aren’t comfortable with technology and us as future teachers need to let the parents have access to their own comfort zone, so it doesn’t end up affecting the student’s education. Some teachers try to communicate through the child to get to the parent but most of the time that is unsuccessful. Below is a video giving teachers some guidance on how to increase communication during the pandemic.