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.
I'm so torn with this story. It's awesome, because it's making life so much easier for parents, however, what about those who don't text? Of course, if you're a parent in NYC, you probably do nothing but use your phone...just like the kids. It' mind boggling because I can't believe this is what things have come to, but I can't help think of how much this will help: keep paper waste down (because let's be honest, kids do not give their parents handouts from school) and keep the parents in the loop while dealing with busy schedules. My guess is that this will be leaking into other schools around the country...hopefully all the parents are text ready by then.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a good idea. I remember during high school that some parents would show up to a sporting event at the wrong town or time. This could help stop that because you could receive a text saying when and where the game is at. It also helps the parents stay in touch with the school. Sometimes kids don't tell their parents something important that the school wants the parents to know, so this texting system can really help out with that.
ReplyDeleteI think this will be very helpful to a lot of parents. Getting updates via text messaging is a great way to stay informed about what is going on with their children at school. It would be great if they used it for parents of students that are having difficulties in school, it would help to monitor their children's progress and situations. It could also be used to monitor students that are missing school. For example, if a child is absent, the parents would get a text message. The parent would then be aware of a potentially dangerous situation that they might not have been aware of before this technology. I hope that this does help parents and students become more informed.
ReplyDelete