How can you use technology to make parent-teacher conferences more effective?

1 Choose the right platform

The first step to using technology for parent-teacher conferences is to select a platform that suits your needs and preferences. You want a platform that is easy to use, reliable, secure, and compatible with your devices and systems. Some popular options include Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Skype. You should also consider the features and functionalities that you need, such as screen sharing, chat, recording, translation, and accessibility. Make sure to test the platform before the conference and provide clear instructions and support to the parents on how to access and use it.

2 Schedule and confirm online

Another way to use technology for parent-teacher conferences is to streamline the scheduling and confirmation process. You can use online tools such as Calendly, Doodle, or Google Calendar to create and share your availability, invite parents to book a time slot, and send reminders and notifications. This can save you time and hassle, as well as reduce the risk of no-shows, cancellations, or conflicts. You can also use email, text, or phone to confirm the details of the conference, such as the agenda, the platform, the duration, and the expectations.

3 Prepare and share resources

Technology can also help you prepare and share resources for the parent-teacher conference. You can use digital tools such as Google Docs, Slides, or Forms to create and organize your notes, slides, or surveys. You can also use online platforms such as Seesaw, ClassDojo, or Flipgrid to showcase student work, progress, or feedback. You can share these resources with the parents before, during, or after the conference, depending on your purpose and strategy. For example, you can send a pre-conference survey to gather information and questions from the parents, or you can share a post-conference summary and action plan to follow up and monitor the outcomes.

4 Engage and collaborate

Technology can also enable you to engage and collaborate with the parents during the conference. You can use video, audio, or chat features to communicate effectively and clearly, as well as to show empathy and rapport. You can also use screen sharing, annotation, or whiteboard features to present and explain your data, evidence, or recommendations. You can also use interactive tools such as polls, quizzes, or games to involve and motivate the parents, as well as to check their understanding and satisfaction. You can also use collaborative tools such as Padlet, Jamboard, or Miro to brainstorm and co-create solutions, goals, or strategies with the parents.

5 Solicit and provide feedback

Technology can also facilitate the solicitation and provision of feedback for the parent-teacher conference. You can use online tools such as Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, or Kahoot to create and distribute feedback forms or surveys to the parents. You can also use email, text, or phone to thank the parents for their participation and to provide additional feedback or suggestions. You can use the feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of the conference, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your communication skills, and to improve your future conferences.

6 Review and reflect

The last way to use technology for parent-teacher conferences is to review and reflect on your performance and outcomes. You can use online tools such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or Evernote to store and organize your conference materials, records, and feedback. You can also use video or audio recording features to capture and review your conference sessions, or to share them with your colleagues or mentors for feedback and support. You can use the review and reflection process to celebrate your achievements, to learn from your mistakes, and to set new goals and plans for your professional development.