Michael A. Robinson, Ed.D.: Is there any value in Back To School Nights for students, parents, and educators?
Ericka W. Ways, Ph.D.: It depends on the interest. Administration should give a survey to see how many parents are interested in attending. In addition, the survey should also ask if parents are interested in attending an alternative information session. In other words, instead of the traditional on-site school location, social media could be used as an educational platform. For example, teacher's profile pictures, biographies, classroom photos and syllabuses can be posted on an Instagram (comments should be turned OFF) school page. If parents wish to communicate with teachers, they should follow the schools procedure (This could also be posted on the school Instagram page) on requesting parent-teacher conferences. I believe that schools could use both the traditional and non- traditional platforms. However, integrating social media as form of communication may be more beneficial in saving time and communicating effectively, especially for Back to School Nights.
Ericka W. Ways, Ph.D.: It depends on the interest. Administration should give a survey to see how many parents are interested in attending. In addition, the survey should also ask if parents are interested in attending an alternative information session. In other words, instead of the traditional on-site school location, social media could be used as an educational platform. For example, teacher's profile pictures, biographies, classroom photos and syllabuses can be posted on an Instagram (comments should be turned OFF) school page. If parents wish to communicate with teachers, they should follow the schools procedure (This could also be posted on the school Instagram page) on requesting parent-teacher conferences. I believe that schools could use both the traditional and non- traditional platforms. However, integrating social media as form of communication may be more beneficial in saving time and communicating effectively, especially for Back to School Nights.