Sunday, November 2, 2014
Reflection on Using Google Voice
I have been using Google Voice for several years and have found it to be a great tool for communication with parents. The features have worked well tying in with my cell phone with texting ability and note recording. I set up my number as a voice mail for parents to leave messages or to receive calls as I was available. This provides open communication with my parents without giving up my personal cell phone number. I also have the ability to have all my calls go directly to voice mail if needed. I provided business cards with my voice mail number which creates a professional appearance and approach to my teaching profession. The ability to have this type of open communication with my parents has been a great asset for my teaching career and I highly recommend Google Voice for all teachers.
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Ray,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the information on "Google Voice". I was totally unaware of this program. I am in contact with parents primarily through e-mail, but I do like to occasionally make the more personal phone call. The classroom phone in my room is not very strategically located for ease of use, and the cord is super short, so many of the calls I do make are made from my personal cell phone. Using Google Voice, if I understand it correctly will permit me to use my personal cell phone, without the fear of wondering who all is acquiring access to my cell phone number. How many phone calls from parents do you receive in a weeks time? How many phone calls do you make in a week? Thank you so much for your post, I am looking forward to finding out more about Google Voice!
Hi Beth,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments. I generally receive one to two calls a week with my Google voice. I have a iPhone and I use the Google voicemail app to keep track of my calls and respond back with the Google Voice number. I use my cell phone and the Google number will display in their phone ID. The part I like the best, I use it as a way to keep track of my communication with parents. I can make notes and text parents and they can text me back using the Google voice number. I will generally make a about two- three calls a week with the number as well. If I really need a response from a parent, I will usually text them which works very well. I also like the feature where I can set it to go directly to voicemail which will not ring my cell phone and I will only see the notification in my email or on my phone app. That way you don't have to worry about your phone ringing throughout the day and night. Overall a great communication tool for parents and students.