Sometimes students hear what they want to hear, so I think being able to communicate via email is very beneficial to the student and the university, assuming the information is accurate. With students talking to students all the time, it is very important to make sure what you are telling them over email is 100% accurate.
I find email to be the most useful way to communicate. It gives you a reference to look back on and also documentation.
Bryan,
It is very interesting to me that a person is more apt to read a text than answer a call. The only explanation would be that in today's busy workplace people may not have time to spend on the phone. BUT isn't ironic that we carry phones with s everywhere we go?
Cindy Bryant
I like texting students. It is common for people to not answer phone calls from numbers don’t recognize. A text message is always read and most people will respond once they understand the purpose behind the message.
Danielle,
The most important feature of technology in communication is that it has given the ability to stay connected.
Cindy Bryant
I personallly like email. I can easily have access to my emails from my work computer or access my email from my cell phone. My email is the easiest way for me to answer student inquiries or communicate with other employees. You can also save any emails that you feel are important.
Lisa,
Welcome to the forum! I strongly support documenting as often as possible. Sometimes the problem is that you did not realize the documentation was necessary until after a significant event.
Cindy Bryant
I know that one on one interaction ( the old ways)is important too, but you cant forget that because of the new technology we can be any where in the wold and still manage to accomplish our Job/mission
I prefer any type of communication that can be documented and time-stamped, i.e. email, posting to a SharePoint or database, etc. I saw another response that referenced posting to websites also. I like having a record and history that I can refer to when necessary.
Bernadette,
I agree that there is nothing more intimate and motivating than the old face to face interaction.
Cindy Bryant
Sharon,
Technology can be a great thing but what if technology creates barriers to other important characteristics, such as young people now prefer social media to one on one interaction?
Cindy Bryant
Some people only communicate in these ways, which makes it beneficial to use the technology. Changing our attitude toward it is key in overcoming the challenge.
In my opinion the internet is the one I prefer, because now in days the internet is key, you can do so much like web-site, electronic signing, virtual tours etc.
With all the new technology and different ways to communicate I find that e-mail is also such a good tool to communicate, you can still be on a personal level and give out information to prospective students about any programs we may have to offer and we can also share the school website link with them too. I still also really like the old fashion face to face interview.
Belinda,
Hi! It sounds like you have all bases covered. There is no way that the student could fail to understand information when given in so many venues and formats.
Cindy Bryant
I think it has to be a combination of the different mediums we have available. I think that when you are presenting vital information to a student, for example, you want to announce it/discuss it/state it; provide it in writing; and send consistent reminders. All of this thru catalogs, websites, e-mail, and even school signage. Repetition and consistency is the key to getting the message across.
Sharon,
While I wholeheartedly agree with you, how do we overcome the challenges that technology has placed in our path? I notice that everywhere I go people are confident while text(ing), tweeting, facebook(ing) or talking on the phone. When it comes to having a face to face conversation they seem rather unsure of how they should interact.
Cindy Bryant
Kimberley,
I too am a person who enjoys personal interaction. But many times the issue is getting the person to interact personally. Can you think of some ways to engage a person in for a face to face meeting?
Cindy Bryant
I like face to face communication. Over 80% of communication is non-verbal with that in mind, imagine how much is left out via text or email communication.
Meeting with someone should always be priority. Our society does so much through e-mail, texting, and web chats that people don't have genuine, personal interaction. Genuine interaction is really only accomplished through direct communication as mis-understandings are less likely to happen. It is too easy to misunderstand or take offense to something that is said through a text or e-mail because you can't hear or see the person that is talking.
