Communication Tool Evaluation Task: Class Messenger

Class Messenger

www.classmessenger.com/

Rubric for Assessing Communication Tools

Kristen Cosgrove and Geoff Cyr

#umfedu568

	Does not Meet	Meets	Exceeds
Technology Details
Compatibility		Service or Application is browser/operating system agnostic (e.g., can be used in multiple Internet browsers, and/or on desktop and mobile devices).
Cost		Service is available at little-to-no cost for teachers and schools, AND/OR offers free trials of services to classrooms and schools with available educational discounts for purchase.  Additional features can be purchased outside of in-app purchase system for mobile devices.
Marketing		Service does not contain any advertisements or marketing.
User Safety and Privacy
COPPA Compliance		Service is COPPA-compliant and proof is prominently displayed on the developers’ website AND/OR Developer is a signatory to the Student Privacy Pledge
Controlled Content Sharing		Teacher is able to control level that students’ content is shared at (e.g., classroom-level, other people by invitation, open to public, etc.)
Content Monitoring		Teacher can monitor, filter, and approve student content to platform and comments from others
Appropriate Content		Built-in controls prevent users from stumbling--intentionally or unintentionally--on inappropriate content
User-Friendliness - Students
Use of Multimedia		Students can create, upload, and share content from multiple sources of media (text, images, audio, video, hyperlinks, etc.)
Navigation		Navigation is simple and obvious enough for all users understand
Saving and Revision History		Service saves users’ work automatically, while also maintaining a log or history of changes made by users over time
User-Friendliness - Teachers
Classroom- Level Accounts		Service creates a master account for teachers that connects to and allows teachers to monitor student accounts
Setup		Service can be set up by teachers with minimal assistance needed
Account Creation		Student accounts are created by the teacher or school, or can easily be setup by students using a class code, AND/OR students can create accounts using a common third-party service, like a student Google account
Accessibility
Design and Layout		Service uses large text or multimedia elements that allow for younger students and students who struggle with reading to navigate the page, app, or service
Accessibility Features		Service integrates accessibility features designed to help users with physical or developmental disabilities to use the product.

	Does not Meet	Meets	Exceeds	Comments
Technology Details
Compatibility				It is compatible with multiple Android devices using an App, as well an App for iOS devices. It can be used on a computer with any browser.
Cost				The tool is free to use
Marketing				They do not use any advertising on the App
User Safety and Privacy
COPPA Compliance				COPPA Compliant
Controlled Content Sharing				Teacher controls if parents are able to send messages to each other
Content Monitoring				Teachers can see who has responded
Appropriate Content				Used for sending messages between parents, teachers, students and administrators.  It is up to those individuals to keep what they send appropriate.  There does not seem to be a concern that students will be able to come across anything inappropriate during a search.
User-Friendliness – Students
Use of Multimedia				Pictures and documents can be attached
Navigation				Appears easy to navigate
Saving and Revision History				A log is kept of all messages sent
User-Friendliness - Teachers
Classroom- Level Accounts				Teacher can decide if parent to parent messaging is turned on
Setup				Set is quick and easy
Account Creation				After account has been set up parent and students can search for the teacher Teachers set up account, then parents and students can be given a link to follow through email or through a printed handout that they can then type in.
Accessibility
Design and Layout				I did not find any information on ways to make fonts bigger for younger students.
Accessibility Features				I did not see any setting that could be adjusted to accommodate students with disabilities.

Additional Notes:

 Features that it has:

• ·         Has the ability to integrate with google apps and drop box
• ·         Messages that teachers send can be received as either texts or emails
• ·         It allows teachers to organize getting volunteers for events such a field trips etc.
• ·         Teachers can send parents pictures of students work
• ·         Parent to parent messaging can be used if the teacher chooses

 How it could be used in the classroom:

I would use the tool to remind parents and students about upcoming events.  I would also use it periodically to share positive messages and feedback things that their child has accomplished.