Video Chat is the latest offering by SchoolStatus to help engage and connect with EVERY parent, regardless of their ability to visit in-person or download an app. Learn how easy it is to use below.
SchoolStatus Video Chat
SchoolStatus Video Chat is the best way to get face-to-face with a parent without asking the parent to come into school for a conference. Best of all, parents don't need to download a special client or app - they just need a phone with a microphone, speaker, and camera.
How to use 1:1 SchoolStatus Video Chat
To connect with a parent on video go to the Contacts section of the Student Card on the web and choose the pink Video option for a contact.
That icon will send a video link to the parent when you click it. You will also need to click on that link to join the video chat.
Before You Initiate a 1:1 Video Chat
You may need to text with the parent before initiating a video chat to let them know how SchoolStatus video works and to agree on a start time for your meeting. Video is the best way to have important conversations with parents, but the nature of video means that parents and teachers alike will want to make sure they are in a quiet location and have their best face forward.
Click here to learn more about texting parents in SchoolStatus.
When you click the video chat link, you will be asked to enter your name and then you will be joined.
Click Continue to get to your meeting settings, you may choose to stop your video or mute your mic before entering the chat. When you're ready, click Join Now.
When you and the parent are in the chat together you will see the parent on the main screen and yourself on a smaller screen.
You may share your screen with the parent. You may also use the chat features with parents while in the meeting.
End the chat by clicking Disconnect. And remember, all video chats are also automatically logged and automatically recorded on the Student Card.
Note: Videos must render before they are available for review. That process could take two to three times as long as the meeting itself. Please be patient while the video renders.
Best practices for Video Chats:
Give Parents a Heads-up
Click the video icon while in an existing text thread. That sends a video link to the parent or guardian to join the meeting. We recommend coordinating the time for the Video Chat so that the parent is not surprised with a video link.
You Might Have to Click 'Allow'
If you or other participants have issues seeing one another, you might have to click 'Allow Access to Microphone and Camera.' SchoolStatus uses a web browser-based technology called WebRTC. You should advise parents to click 'Allow' if you can't see their camera.
Be Prepared
Just like with Zooms or Google Meets, you want to be prepared for a SchoolStatus Video. Here's a checklist of things you might want to remember:
- Make sure your background is appropriate and quiet. Videos can be distracting if a lot is happening in the background for both you and the parent. Ensure you have a quiet and non-distracting space before your meeting.
- Have any supporting documentation ready. You may have an IEP, the student's recent classwork or homework, or other evidence you'd like to present to parents or guardians while on the video chat. Have those things ready before the meeting so you aren't fumbling around during the meeting, wasting precious time.
- Be cognizant of student data on your screen. If you choose to share your screen during the chat, make sure you are only showing the data for the student of the parents or guardians. Never show any other students' data.
- Be professional, courteous, and positive when interacting with parents. Remember that video chats are logged and recorded. You'll want to put your best foot forward to ensure you are building trust and community with parents every time you interact with them.
- Be on time. Schedule meetings when you know you can be on time so you have the most successful video chat possible.