Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google


ClassTag Adds Virtual Parent Teacher Conferencing

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 10/06/20

A free education technology program that facilitates parent-teacher communication has begun promoting its use as an on-demand virtual parent-teacher conference tool. ClassTag, which announced its software integration with Google for Education services during the summer, said the program would now allow educators and families sync through Google Meet to have online meetings and events. Scheduling can be done through Google Calendar, which will automatically generate a link for the event. Translation of messaging can be done through Google Translate.

According to the company, teachers and administrators can also integrate with their Google Drive account to share documents, photos and presentations with parents; sync events to their Google Calendar; and upload videos directly from YouTube. ClassTag users will also be able to access a feature called "Student Backpacks" which allows teachers to transport and store status reports and other information on each student.

Other new features include single-sign-on with Google through ClassTag and an opportunity to link to Google Classroom as a "quick link" inside the program for simpler access.

"Our main function at ClassTag is to give parents and teachers a platform to successfully connect," said Vlada Lotkina, CEO and co-founder, in a press release. "By becoming a Google for Education partner, we're able to help our users create, collaborate and build digital skills for the future. The new capabilities, specifically virtual parent teacher conferences, will be game-changing for parents and teachers alike to remain connected, even when they can't physically interface."

To keep its communication service free, ClassTag teams up with sponsors (including Amazon, HP, Clorox and Nickelodeon) that want to connect with parents. The company rewards teachers that promote the service to their families by donating money for class materials. In return, the parents receive promotions about sponsors' products and services.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • Students using laptops in classroom

    Stop Asking Whether Students Can Use AI

    As generative AI has become embedded in the tools students use to search, write, create, translate, organize, and receive feedback, the boundary between "using AI" and "not using AI" has become increasingly difficult to define. More importantly, treating AI use as a binary choice does little to help students understand the different roles AI can appropriately play in learning.

  • abstract malware attack

    Security Researchers Find AI Ransomware Can Now Run Much of an Attack Without Human Help

    Ransomware attacks are becoming more automated, and AI could take that much further, according to cybersecurity company NCC Group's July 2026 threat intelligence report.

  • abstract spiral of multi colored lights

    OpenAI's New Astra Model Reaches Critical Cyber Threshold

    OpenAI has introduced GPT-6 Astra, its most capable broadly deployed model and the first system the company says has reached the "Critical" cybersecurity capability threshold under its Preparedness Framework.

  • Blurred silhouettes of business people in a modern office with a glowing blue network overlay

    Open Secure AI Alliance Moving Under Linux Foundation

    Governance of the Open Secure AI Alliance has moved to the Linux Foundation, giving the initiative what the organizations describe as a neutral home for developing open source tools, shared standards and defensive practices. The Alliance was launched by NVIDIA in July to develop open security technologies for AI systems and agents.