SOCIAL MEDIA + SCHOOLS Stop Mailing it In The Death of the Postcard and Other One-Way Communications Jennifer Gilhoi, SparkTrack Consulting
@MISF_Office #MISFLeads15
IT’S WHERE PARENTS ARE IT’S ALL ABOUT TWO-‐WAY COMMUNICATION
IT’S SHARING TOO MUCH IT’S CHALLENGING …AN APPROACH THAT WORKS
IT’S WHERE PARENTS ARE
Engagement Authenticity
Immediacy
It’s an Opportunity to have a Conversation 23 others are!
ENGAGEMENT
Begins with leadership
ENGAGEMENT
@ = WHAT’S YOUR HANDLE? @HaleMpls @HaleFieldMPS
# = WHAT’S YOUR HASHTAG? #HaleMpls #HaleFieldMPS #HaleSchool ….Or is it a motto like: #HaleToday
ENGAGEMENT
AUTHENTICITY
#Hale school #mpls #walkandbiketoschool week
@artsmia for #ArtAdventure wrap-up for #haleschoolmpls third graders today
AUTHENTICITY
IMMEDIACY Let Your Community do the Work
#ParentInvolvementDay #HaleSchoolMpls #poetry readings by #3rdgraders
IT’S ALL ABOUT TWO-‐WAY COMMUNICATION
Communications Overload Two-Way Communications
Communications Balance
COMMUNICATIONS OVERLOAD Too many devices!
School Communication
ONE WAY TWO WAYS
POSTCARD
FLYER IN-PERSON
SOCIAL MEDIAGOAL #1Get important dates
on the calendar
GOAL #2Build supportive, open,
connected conversations.
TEACHERTO PARENT
PARENTTO PARENT
NEWSLETTER
MO
BIL
E
o In-Person Conversations
o Use Social Media to Enhance Story
o Omit one communication (like the postcard!) that’s not working and learn one new social channel or delivery method and measure it
COMMUNICATIONS BALANCE
IT’S SHARING TOO MUCH
Policy Process
Positivity
o Have a social media policy
o Create a social media process that works for your school
o Be open to conversations that are happening and respond and engage in positive ways -- it’s an opportunity
PRIVACY CONCERNS
PRIVACY CONCERNS @edamomie since Nov 2010
IT’S CHALLENGING
UNDERSTAND: Roles
Technology Resources
Expertise
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
o Recognize motivators and deterrents for each role
o Understand technology – start with tech and social media savvy
o Use resources efficiently and creatively
o Bring in a social media consultant
KATY’S ART BLOG
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
Support for Social
Media from
teachers, parents,
community and
students
AN APPROACH THAT WORKS
Research Educate
Understand Implement
AN APPROACH THAT WORKS
o Research to find out where your parents and students are and start learning and engaging
o Educate leadership on policies, process and positivity
o Understand roles and technology in order to use resources more efficiently
o Implement social media strategies for content types and channels; assign tactics
AN APPROACH THAT WORKS
o What is one ineffective way of communicating at your school that you could improve upon?
o Think of one event or initiative that you’re
already doing where you could use social media to build relationships and social engagement
AN APPROACH THAT WORKS
QUESTIONS? bit.ly/socialmediaschooltool
#HaveAHashtag