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Remind 101
Texting is one of the greatest communication tools created. It's so simple, less invasive and short and sweet. I must admit that until I got a smartphone, I avoided texting because I was unable to type fast enough and figure out what letters went with which keys. It just wasn't worth it to me. Then I would watch middle and high school students be mad typist on their phones and was frankly awed. One of our girls even did a complete essay using text messaging! Now that I text, I am sold on this valuable form of communication. In fact, this past week, I have had more educational applications of texting that I just knew that this "tuesdays" had to be a text-messaging highlight of some type.
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Probably the safest and simplest use of texting for teachers is Remind 101. This intuitive and brilliant form of texting is one way: from teacher to students and/or parents. Most teachers would never consider given out their phone number by texting their students (if they are smart) because if they reply to your text, you could have 150 text a day just from students. (Never mind the invasion of privacy.) Two brothers from Chicago, Brett and David Kopf, created Reminder 101 to meet the need of teachers to "remind" their students of important school related items because it was frankly what one of Brett's teachers did when he was in college. Remind 101 is so simple that any teacher (with or without a smartphone) can set up an account and begin gentle reminders of the most important things about class. Teachers never see the student phone numbers nor do the students see the teacher's number. Brilliant!
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If texting with students seems off limits, Remind 101 is totally different. This is texting TO your students, not texting WITH your students. I would like to encourage you to create an account and try it out. If that is not a consideration, why don't you experiment with this special "tuesdays" class I've created as a sandbox for you. On your cell phone in the text messaging area, put this number in the TO: area - 234-517-7601. In the message section, simply type this: @tuesdaysk. You will receive a text message that says something like this: Thanks! Mrs. Seddon needs to know who you are before adding you to the @tuesdaysk. Please reply with your full name. Once I get your text with your full name, you will be part of my class and will be set up to receive text messages from me. (No worries, I have no plans for sending out class reminders!) Go ahead, give it a try.
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How do get stared with Remind 101?
Step 1: Go to Remind 101 and create an account. It's FREE!
Step 2: Watch this helpful video to get started.
Step 3: Create a class. A unique number will be created with a unique code.
Step 4: Share the phone number and unique code with your students and parents.
Step 5: Students will send the first text to the unique code and Remind 101 with send them a request for their full name.
Step 6: As soon as they send in their name, they are enrolled in your class.
Step 7: Return to your account online and enter a message and click Send!
Be sure you check with your students and parents to see if they have unlimited texting before they sign up.
You can even schedule messages ahead of time and Remind 101 will take care of it for you. Thanks Brett and David for this incredible service to teachers!
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| What is "tuesdays with Karen"?
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"tuesdays with Karen" is a weekly newsletter/blog designed to encourage, equip and empower teachers to be creative with educational technology. Please add your technology comments to my "tuesdays with Karen" blog. |
