Short message service (SMS) or known as text messaging is a powerful tool for streamlining both one-way and two-way communication between schools and parents. SMS messaging offers a simple and immediate solution that bypasses crowded email inboxes and operates without an internet connection.
It provides a practical alternative to sharing teachers’ direct email addresses with parents.
Research shows that weekly SMS updates to parents on grades, absences, and missed assignments can increase student attendance by 18% and reduce subject failures by 39%. Text messaging offers parents real-time data on student performance and encourages greater involvement in their children’s education, a great foundation for academic success
This is where Egosms comes in, a powerful tool that can enhance school-parent communication.
3 key challenges of traditional approaches of Communication
Before the advent of modern technology, schools relied on a variety of methods that were inefficient. These include:
- Time and Resource Constraints
For teachers managing large classes, making individual phone calls to every parent is an incredibly time-consuming process. Similarly, for many parents, especially those in rural areas or with busy work schedules, attending in-person meetings at school is difficult and costly, requiring them to take time off work or find money for transport. This mutual lack of available time means that communication is often limited, inconsistent, and primarily focused on urgent problems rather than a continuous partnership.
- Inconsistent and Incomplete Information
The use of paper notes and verbal communication often leads to a lack of complete and reliable information. Paper notes sent home with students can easily be lost, forgotten, or not passed on, causing parents to miss crucial announcements about school fees, exams, or events. While phone calls are more direct, they don’t provide a written record, making it easy for important details to be misunderstood or forgotten.
- Socio-Economic and Cultural Barriers
Traditional communication methods can be a significant challenge for parents facing socio-economic and cultural barriers. For parents with low literacy levels, paper notes are not a viable way to receive information. These cultural and economic factors can create a feeling of disengagement, making it harder to build a strong, collaborative relationship that benefits the child’s education.
4 Ways Egosms Can Improve School-Parent Communication
- Instant and High-Volume Deliver
EgoSms is built for rapid, bulk messaging. This means a single message can be sent to hundreds or thousands of parents in a matter of seconds.
In an emergency, every second counts. Whether it’s a sudden school closure due to severe weather, a security concern, or an urgent medical alert, this feature allows the school to instantly and reliably notify all parents simultaneously. This is a level of speed and efficiency that no other traditional communication method can match.
- Personalization and Segmentation
Generic messages often get ignored. EgoSms allows for personalized messaging and the ability to segment your contact lists.
Teachers can then send a personalized message to each parent, addressing them by name and including specific details about their child’s grades, attendance, or upcoming project deadlines. This makes the communication feel more direct and relevant, encouraging a higher level of engagement from parents.
- SMS Scheduling
EgoSms offers the ability to plan and schedule messages in advance for future dates and times.
Teachers and school administrators can schedule reminders for parent-teacher conferences, school holidays, exam schedules, and field trip deadlines weeks or even months ahead of time. This automation ensures that important information is delivered consistently and on time, without the need for manual, last-minute reminders that can easily be forgotten. It saves teachers a tremendous amount of time and effort.
- Address Book Management and Bulk Imports
The platform provides a powerful address book that can be organized and updated with ease. It also allows for the bulk import of contact lists.
Managing a large database of parent contacts can be a logistical nightmare. EgoSms simplifies this by allowing schools to easily import and organize contact information. This ensures that the contact lists are always accurate and up-to-date.
For example, when a new student enrols or a parent’s contact information changes, the school can quickly update their records, ensuring that communication is never sent to the wrong person or an outdated number.
Conclusion
By providing instant updates, reminders, and alerts, Egosms can help schools improve parental engagement, increase student attendance, and enhance academic performance. Discover the power of Egosms for your school. Sign up now!