7 ways cell phones become a lifeline to staff, students & parents during a disaster #Sandy

During the recent Hurricane Sandy Disaster, many people lost their homes, their power, phone service and internet, but one thing most didn't lose was their cell phones. Cell phones became a lifeline to those affected by the disaster. In fact in New York City, cell phones were delivered to relocation host school sites as well as schools that reported no phone service.

Here are some ways cell phones are being used in recovery efforts.
1) Facebook - 
Though many people didn't know the extent of the disaster or how friends and family fared, the Facebook app on cell phones brought the reality of loved ones to life where words, pictures, and videos could be viewed and shared. Schools with Facebook pages or groups made this resource particularly useful enabling a community to connect in one spot.
2) Twitter - 
Knowing hashtags like #SandyNYC as well as district, school, and educator Twitter accounts enabled parents and their children to stay abreast of and share the latest updates. Schools using a Twitter hashtag enabled the school community to easily check in and share.
3) Robo-calling - 
Schools and districts used Robo-calling services to automate the distribution of information to staff and families with the latest updates on school openings, closures, evacuation sites, warmth shelters, food banks, etc.
4) Donations - 
Organizations like the Red Cross set up text donation services. For example, by simply texting REDCROSS to 90999 you can donate $10 to help those affected by disasters.
5) Cell phone calls - 
When businesses and residents found their phone service was down, many turned to cell phones to communicate.
6) Texting - 
Texting became the go to form of communication to quickly connect with students, parents, and staff.
7) Group Texting - 
Schools and teachers who set up group texting with a service like Cel.ly enabled the school or class community to stay in touch, connect, and help those in need.

One of the many lessons learned during the recent Hurricane Sandy disaster is the importance of having a crank radio, flashlight, cell phone charger like the one below.

This enabled people to stay informed and in touch about important issues. After all, having a cell phone does you no good if it's not charged.

You have read this article #Sandy / #SandyNYC / Cell phones in Education with the title #Sandy. You can bookmark this page URL https://benncam.blogspot.com/2012/11/7-ways-cell-phones-become-lifeline-to.html. Thanks!

7 ways innovative educators use Twitter during a disaster #Sandy

Innovative educators who experienced Hurricane Sandy this past week turned to Twitter to communicate, connect, and share information.  

Here are some ways Twitter was used as a resource.

1. Teacher Account - A teacher can have an account to stay in touch with students. If the teacher has a webpage or blog she can embed her Tweets there.
• “‏@franasaur: Power is back on at the iSchool! Planning to meet staff + students there on Monday morning. The alternate location was Laguardia HS.”
2. Principal Account - School leaders can keep staff, students, and parents informed via their Twitter account. These Tweets can be embedded on the school website.
• Example: “@PrincipalBrown: School will reopen for students and staff tomorrow, Monday, November 5th, 2012. Can't wait to see everyone!”
3. School Twitter Account - Use your school Twitter account to share information for your school community.  Embed these Tweets on your website.  
• Example: “@HudsonHSLT: School will be session Monday, November 5, 2012 @ 8:15 am. See you soon!”
4. Create an Account - Create an account that is dedicated to information related to the disaster.  
• Example: "@prepare4monday: Good! Developing plan for where to send kids who need supplies, clothing, or support. This is productive as long as it actually happens."
5. District Account - Ensure your school community is aware of the district Twitter account that can provide instant updates.

• Example: “@NYCSchools: We just launched a search tool on our website to help you find out the status of a specific school for next week: http://on.nyc.gov/QZNRGy”

6. Education News account - Know who covers the local education news and see what they’re Tweeting.
• Example: "@gothamschools: For teachers who are parents: "Individual principals have discretion over whether to allow their staff to bring children to work" on Friday"
7. Know the hashtag for your area - Not only is it important to know the hashtag being used during a disaster, but it is also important to find out if there is a tag particular to where you are. For example during Hurricane Sandy this was the hashtag used for NYC residents: #SandyNYC .
• Example: @MikeBloomberg: 80% of the subway system is back online. @MTAInsider expects that to be 90% tomorrow #SandyNYC

You have read this article #Sandy / #SandyNYC / Twitter in Education with the title #Sandy. You can bookmark this page URL https://benncam.blogspot.com/2012/11/7-ways-innovative-educators-use-twitter.html. Thanks!