School Communications Effective During Pandemic —Parents

Parents have been overwhelmingly satisfied with school communications during the pandemic. According to a new survey, a massive 70% indicated that digital school communications have been effective.

The survey, conducted in August 2021 by Pollfish on behalf of ed tech company OneSignal, which provides messaging and notification services, involved 1,000 adults — 200 school administrators and teachers and 800 parents of K–12 students. Among educator findings:

  • 74% think digital communications are helpful for staying in touch with parents;

  • 70% said digital communications are less time-consuming than in-person or phone communications (or equally time-consuming);

  • Top uses included general school reminders, COVID-related notifications and homework/academic updates.

Among the findings from parents, the most useful types of messages (for parents) were "general school updates and reminders, assignment and homework reminders, and academic progress and grading reports,: according to OneSignal.

According to OneSignal: "The findings showed a promising trend that teachers and parents were receptive to digital communications and demonstrated how email, mobile push notifications, and SMS text alerts helped parents stay up to date on critical updates around COVID and their children's academic progress throughout the remote school year."

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • abstract interconnected AI neural networks merging into a single central hub

    OpenAI to Consolidate AI Models with GPT-5 Launch

    OpenAI has canceled plans to release its o3 model, opting instead for a "simplified" product lineup centered on its upcoming GPT-5 product.

  • a professional worker in business casual attire interacting with a large screen displaying a generative AI interface in a modern office

    Study Finds Generative AI Could Inhibit Critical Thinking

    A new study on how knowledge workers engage in critical thinking found that workers with higher confidence in generative AI technology tend to employ less critical thinking to AI-generated outputs than workers with higher confidence in personal skills.

  • teacher

    6 Policy Recommendations for Adopting AI in the Classroom

    The Southern Regional Education Board's Commission on AI in Education has published six recommendations on adopting artificial intelligence in schools, colleges, and universities. The guidance marks the commission's first release since it was established last February, with more recommendations planned in the coming year.

  • group of elementary school students designing video games on computers in a modern classroom with a teacher, depicted in a geometric and abstract style

    Using Video Game Design to Teach Literacy Skills

    The Max Schoenfeld School, a public school in the Bronx serving one of the poorest communities in the nation, is taking an innovative approach to improving student literacy.