Technology is a useful tool for reaching prospective families | Education
Reaching new families and students can be difficult, especially if the established families living around the school have already chosen the schools they would like their children to attend. However, with the addition of technology into most of our everyday lives, it can be easier to advertise the school and get the attention of families who may still be searching for a place to send their kids to school.
Technology, along with its advancements, can allow schools to reach prospective students and their parents in a multitude of ways, including emails and newsletters, and through long- and short-form video content on popular apps and websites. Through reaching out in these ways, prospective families might be able to see and read more about a school before attending open house activities and making up their minds.
The school’s website can also be an important point of connection for families and prospective students, according to Rabbi Simcha Dessler, menahel/educational director at Hebrew Academy of Cleveland in Cleveland Heights.
“They (families) connect via the school’s website and, upon interview, are provided with an informational packet which includes a USB drive with and introduction video,” he said.
Using slideshow presentation technology, such as PowerPoint presentations, and other multimedia presentations are often some of the most helpful forms of technology for schools to use, Dessler explained. These slideshows can include information about the school deemed important for new families to be aware of prior to their student starting at the school, along with introductions from each staff member so students, and families, are aware of who’s who at the school.
However, certain forms of technology might work better for different schools, he said. Each school will have a different approach on the ways technology can be used to help them better engage with students already attending the school and families and students that aren’t involved with the school.
“Technology has its place in the process but each school finds its own best practices to engage prospective and current families,” Dessler said.
While working to reach these families and students that may or may not be involved at the school, keeping in mind that technology changes and ensuring you’re looking to the future can be a helpful tactic when it comes to working with technology, he added.
Not everyone interested in being involved with the school may have access to the technology the school uses, so being sure to include everyone at these events is important, he explained. If an activity requires someone to use technology, it may be helpful to provide a computer or laptop for attendees to borrow during the event.
Technology can be an important part of connecting with new families, but it’s important to remember that connecting with them in person can be helpful, especially when a student is first starting at the school, Dessler explained.
“While technology has its place, as the head of school, I spend significant face-to-face time with prospective and new families as they navigate and journey through the transition,” he said.
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