Communication during remote learning

During this time of distance learning, communication between teachers and parents can be difficult, but having that connection is so very important. There are many different ways of communication happening at once, like emails, chats, online individual and group meetings, that it can be overwhelming. This is especially true for parents who are less tech savvy, cannot afford the latest technology, or are not proficient in the English language. In these situations, a phone call or a text message might be a better alternative as more people are comfortable communicating with their phones. Google Voice is a great option here. It also allows you to interact with students and parents without giving out your personal phone number.

Setting up Google Voice

Setting up Google Voice is a very simple process if you are using a personal Gmail account. If you are part of a school district using Google, this option must be turned on by the Google Administrator.

To get going on your own, simply go to voice.google.com and follow the prompts to set up an account. Please note that Google will need to call your actual phone number to verify it during the process. Once you have a new Google number, you can use it on the web or on any (and all) Android devices and iPhones.

Here are some benefits of using Google Voice:

• Google Voice allows you to create a new/free phone number.
• You can connect this Google Voice number to multiple phones so if someone calls it, all your phones can ring.
• You can set it up to get emails or texts if you get a message, missed call, or voice mail.
• You can turn off the ringing, so the phone goes straight to voicemail at any time.
• You can schedule times when it will/will not ring.
• You can call or text people using your cell phone, but only the Google Voice number shows.
• Any voicemails that come in can be transcribed so you can have a record of all received calls.
• Using Google Translate and copy/paste, personalized text messages can be sent out in the parent’s native language — a great option for parents of ELL students.
• In the event that the parent speaks too quickly in a voicemail, you can see the transcribed message. This also means you don’t have to worry about keeping up to write down their phone number while listening.
• You have a call log of all incoming and outgoing calls.
• You can add notes to the calls so you have a record of communication with parents and/or students.
• You can record received calls.
• You can have students call in as part of an assignment and can then embed the message on a website (if desired).

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