This week we’ve been discussing
convergent and mobile media, both huge technological changes we’ve seen in our
lives over the last 20 years. Convergent media has made our lives easier by
bringing together all of our forms of media—newspapers, radio, television and
the internet, including all of our social networking sites onto one device: our cellphones.
In New York City schools this week
convergent and mobile media makes another impact as Mayor Michael Bloomberg
welcomed back the city’s students. He and Chancellor Dennis Wallcott announced what
appears to be the next stage of technological changes and advancements in the NYC
school system. As a new information source for parents, NYC public schools have
created a parent-school text message system.
Simply by texting “nycschools” to
877-877, the parents and family of the New York public school system’s 1.1
million students can be enrolled in the school’s texting program which keeps them
up-to-date with calendar updates, reminders and helpful tips.
"We're
helping our kids succeed in giving their parents more tools and support,"
Bloomberg said, "and that includes using technology to help keep parents
informed even when they're on the go."
According to Pew Research Center, 85% of
adults own a cellphone in America. So, it’s no surprise that cellphones are
being tapped as a resource for schools and parents. Here at Valley City State University,
we sign up for notifications sent to our cellphones through text and calls.
These messages update VCSU students on class cancellations and postponements.
I feel what the school system is doing
in New York is smart, especially if it is actually used to its full potential.
Now, instead of relying on paper handouts, searching a school website, or
word-of-mouth from a child, parents get what they need to know without any
effort, through their personal cellphones.
I think this is a great illustration of the importance of cellphones in the times we live in and how these tools can be used to our advantage in yet another way.
