New Tool

Explain why you might use the tool. Outline the tool's capacity and explain how you use the tool.

We utilize the Blackboard system for improved communication and are in the middle of a district wide pilot and training with new and added features that will create seamless communication that is fed from our Student Information System and that feeds all communication platforms, e.g., website, Twitter, etc. The system allows us to send text, email, and phone messages to families in various languages with the click of a button. Families can establish preferences so they receive communication in their desired format and groups can be established to provide targeted information. Teachers are also able to communicate with families via the automated system, allowing administrators oversight. This tool is advantageous for our small but mighty district that has limited staffing in both tech and PIO.

Please also share (based upon your experiences NOT the product’s website) the strengths and weaknesses of the tool.

Although in the very initial stages, the system is very promising given the feedback we have received from families and based on the various platforms previously employed. By far the strengths include, but are not limited to: district demographic based translation, user based preferences, single platform that feeds multiple sources of information, teacher enabling, Student Information System (Aeries) compatibility, and texting. 

I am hard-pressed to state a weakness given my limited experience and knowledge, therefore, I wont.

Be sure to also address the following questions in your post:

• How long did it take to get up to speed on how to use the tool proficiently?
  
  It is relatively simple and intuitive. I have had two training sessions and feel very comfortable.
  
  
• What worked well for you and what didn’t when using the tool with your students or for your own project?
  
  We have not farmed it out to teachers yet.
  
• Were you using the right tool for the right job? How do you know?
  
  Absolutely! I know because we are constantly surveying our end user to determine if it meets their communicative needs. Given our community's transparency, we feel confident in the tool.