Impressive to some, scary to others, we cannot deny that AI is upon us. And our students know about it and use it, whether we want them to or not. 

As educators, how do we deal with this sudden deluge of artificial intelligence that has become a part of our classroom? It seems we have two choices: resist it by admonishing students about AI’s pitfalls or embrace it by making it a productive part of our educational experience. 

What’s Your AI Policy? 

Before analyzing the idea of AI in the classroom, do a self-assessment of your school to determine your AI policy. It’s important to establish guidelines for the school community so that all stakeholders know accepted use policies. 

If you don’t have a policy, it’s time to create one. If you have a policy, a revisit is always a wise way to proceed. Some things you might consider in your policy are a definition of AI, how to use AI responsibly, and any situations in which AI should not be used. 

AI Is Here, and It’s Not Going Anywhere

Love it or hate it, AI is here to stay. It’s a part of our classrooms and a part of our lives. Because of that, resisting it does not seem to be the wise choice. In fact, looking at the potential of AI, it may be time educators figure out ways to embrace it in our classrooms. 

If you’re the type who resists it because of cheating and plagiarism concerns, you might try to be more open-minded. Remember, we said the same things about calculators and computers, and now they are an accepted and indispensable part of our lives and our classrooms. 

It’s The Future of the Job Market

AI is with us, and its uses will only grow. As many jobs as people claim that AI is taking away, it’s also creating new job opportunities for our future graduates. Employers will inevitably look for potential employees who are familiar with AI and know how to use it well.

It’s our responsibility as educators to consider how we can help our students understand how AI may be used in the job market. Otherwise, we may be cheating our students out of possible success in the future.  

Your Students Are Probably Using It Right Now

As an educator, you may feel your students are too dependent on AI. You may think they’ll use it to cheat and to avoid doing the work themselves. While that may be true, forbidding its use may be a mistake. 

Like it or not, your students are probably using AI even if you ask them not to. It’s too easy and too convenient for them not to. So, instead of forbidding its use with threats, you might find ways to permit your students to use it productively. 

Using AI Productively In Class

Making AI a part of your classroom is a great way to show students that you don’t fear AI. If they know you are willing to use it and allow them to use it, they will be less likely to abuse it. Here are some ways to make AI a productive part of your class.

• Make It Part of the Project: Students are less likely to use AI dishonestly if you make it a part of your project. Some great ways to use AI are for brainstorming or outlining. It’s a good way to start without AI becoming too intrusive into the student’s creativity at later stages of the project. 
• Be Involved at Each Stage of the Assignment: Check in on students at different stages and ask them how they are using AI for the assignment. With this approach, students will share how they use it rather than hide its use from you. 
• Make Your Students Identify AI Written Content: Ask students to read writing samples and try to identify which are written by humans and which are written by AI. Your students will soon see that AI-written content is different from human-written content. If they can detect the difference, they’ll know you can, too, and will be less likely to rely on it to write for them. 

Realize AI’s Limitations 

As wonderful as AI is, it’s not without its disadvantages. One of the big ones is accuracy. We can’t rely on AI to give us 100% reliable and correct information. It makes mistakes, so it’s important to double-check what it tells us.

This is most important to stress to students. Many times, our students innocently think that anything AI produces is flawless. We can teach them that this is not the case. Showing them examples of AI’s flaws is a great way to teach them to check over what AI tells them. 

Don’t Overlook What It Can Do for You

Students already know the power of AI and the time it saves them. The question is, do you know what it can do for you? Let’s take a look at just some of the possibilities:

• Lesson planning: AI can help you plan lessons. It’s a great resource for coming up with ideas. 
• Rubric formation: Just input your criteria and let AI do the rest. It will create a rubric based on your needs. 
• Grading: As long as you tell it what you’re looking for, AI will save you time in grading. 
• Communication: Let AI write your emails for you or create letters to send to homes. 
• Question Generation: Having trouble coming up with the perfect questions to challenge students? Just provide AI with your topic and let it generate all types of questions, from simple recall to synthesis. 

Empower Yourself and Your Students  

AI is a powerful tool that can help you make your life easier. It can take care of the manual tasks that take up so much of your time so you can focus on what matters most: the education and support of your students.

Ask any teacher what they need more of and the response is always the same: time. Think of AI as the tool that gives you more time by performing the menial tasks that take your time away from your students. 

Make the Future Bright

Consider how AI can work to your advantage, and you’ll most likely find it a productive addition to your educational experience. Your students are already using it, so help them to use it wisely and productively. 

As an educator, you’ll find that working with AI, rather than against it, will create a productive and lively classroom where your students can thrive. 

The post AI in the Classroom: Friend or Foe? appeared first on Relay.

Keeping the lines of communication open is vital to gaining trust. You need to keep students and their parents happy and feeling confident that your school is providing them with the education and support they need. Here are some ways to break down language barriers in education, ensuring that your MLLs and their families feel welcome and supported. 

Understand Where Students Are Coming From

This should be done literally and figuratively. Literally, you should know what country your students come from. This can be done through the forms they fill out when they register for school. 

Once you know the country, it’s a good idea to learn what you can about the student’s culture. You could have the student and parent fill out a survey or you could do an in-person question-and-answer session for the family. 

By familiarizing yourself with the customs of the country, you can make the family feel more comfortable and show them that you care about them and their culture. It also helps you to avoid any awkward encounters or miscommunications. 

Figuratively, you have to put yourself in their shoes. It can be hard for a MLL to comprehend things quickly, so you may need to slow things down for them. And when you ask them a question, be patient and give them time to answer. 

Realize they have to hear your question in English, translate it in their minds to their first language, formulate an answer, translate the answer into English, and then work up the courage to say the answer out loud. This takes time, so be ready to give them more time than you would a native English speaker. 

Assess Their Language Abilities 

It’s important to know your MLLs’ competence in English. Ideally, assessment should be done through the four modes of language: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Assessing the student in the four modes will give you a good understanding of the student’s level in each. 

With this knowledge, teachers can create lessons differentiated by the student’s competence. Just as one size does not fit all, one lesson does not fit all students. 

Use Visuals, A Lot

From using videos to good, old-fashioned writing on the board, having a visual connection to the lesson is vital to helping MLLs understand. They need that visual component to see the words you’re saying. 

This is vitally important if you’re introducing them to new vocabulary. You must write the words on the board or give them handouts with the words printed on them. And be sure to let them practice the new vocabulary over time. Gone are the days when you gave students a list of ten words and a dictionary and told them to write the definitions on a piece of paper. 

Video is another powerful way of connecting with MLLs. Short videos that relate to the topic of the lesson can help build background knowledge that students may desperately need to understand the concepts of the lesson. Don’t forget that these students are from different cultures and may not know a topic that is easily understandable to a native-born student. 

Never Assume They Know What You’re Talking About

Just because a MLL student is nodding their head when you ask if they understand does not mean they do. They may be nodding their heads to be polite even though they don’t understand what you’re saying. And don’t expect them to ask for help. In some cultures, it’s impolite to interrupt a teacher, so you have to be very perceptive to their needs. 

Doing quick assessments during class is a way to guard against this. Something as simple as doing a 1, 2, 3 assessment can help immensely. Ask them to raise one finger if they don’t understand, two fingers if they understand a little, and three if they fully understand. This simple assessment can work wonders in letting the teacher know if more time is needed at a particular point in the lesson. 

Be careful with cultural references as well. While native-born students may know your reference to a popular comedy show, your MLLs may not. And even if they do, they may not understand the humor that’s involved so be ready to explain it to them.

Don’t Forget About the Parents

Language barriers in the education space don’t just effect students, you must also support their parents. For parents, the language barrier can seem impossible for them to overcome, so you must make every effort to make them feel included in your school. And just like the students, you can’t wait for parents to ask for help. You have to be proactive in your support. 

At the very least, be ready to translate letters and documents into their first language. They need to know important dates and activities that are happening in the school, so make sure everything is translated for them.

For in-person meetings, translate any handouts that you plan to distribute. If possible, have an in-person translator present to answer questions and explain what is happening during meetings. Also, be ready to translate for parents during parent-teacher meetings. 

Plan events to give families an opportunity to identify with their cultures. A cultural celebration with foods and activities that are familiar to the family’s culture can go a long way in building trust and comfort. In this way, families feel welcome into your school community rather than alienated.

Consider Translation Technology Built for Education

Modern technology with translation capabilities, like Relay’s push-to-talk radios, can help you communicate with students and parents who find English challenging. Relay’s easy to use and lightweight devices currently translate into 34 languages. Simply select the desired language and speak into the device for it to translate. 

Just think of the ease of communication this provides with parents on parent-teacher nights or at school events. The door opens for you and your families to freely communicate and be a part of your school community. 

Overcoming Language Barriers in Education Can Be a Challenge

Following the practices suggested above will help break down the language barriers often present in the education industry and create open communication between you and your families. As a result, families will feel like a welcome and integral part of your school community. 

Learn how Colin Powell K-8 Academy is using Relay to break down language barriers here. 

The post Breaking Down Language Barriers in Education appeared first on Relay.

COLIN POWELL ACADEMY

Colin Powell K-8 Academy Overcomes Language Barriers with Relay

Out with the Bulk, In with Relay

Colin Powell K-8 Academy is located in Fort Washington, Maryland, not far from Washington, D.C. The over 200,000 sq. ft. school, part of one of the nation’s largest school districts, Prince George’s County Public Schools, opened in 2023. Holding the doors open to almost 1,000 students each day is Principal Nina Lattimore.

Ahead of the school’s opening, Nina and her team were determined to strengthen their operations. They really wanted to invest in technology that was practical, yet effective for managing students, staff, and building maintenance. The first thing they looked into was a new communications solution.

Traditional Radios are a Headache for Teachers

Nina was used to relying on traditional radios. The problem: they are too heavy for teachers and administrators to carry around all day. Often set down and forgotten about, traditional radios were causing gaps in communication. In schools, this is not only an inconvenience, but a safety concern. Additionally, these radios had a tendency to pick up chatter from nearby businesses, constantly run out of battery, and only had a limited number of channels. Nina recognized that these headaches slowed educators down from what they wanted to do most: connect with their students.

Relay “Just Makes Sense” For Schools

Upon holding a Relay device for the first time, Nina’s reaction was, “this just makes sense”. Compared to traditional radios, Relay is incredibly lightweight, making it easier for the school’s staff to keep them on a lanyard around their neck or clipped to a belt loop all day long. “Now we communicate better because having the Relay device within reach means it’s easier to get in touch with someone,” shared Nina. As opposed to phone calling or physically searching for people, Relay speeds up the time it takes to locate other staff members across the expansive building. She was also impressed with the compact charging stations and nationwide coverage. Teachers have found they can even tune in from home to make sure everyday procedures like bus drop-off and parent pickup are going smoothly.

“It’s a faster service, it makes families feel welcome, and it’s a translation device in your hand. This is a viable tool that I really strongly believe schools need to purchase.”
– Nina Lattimore, Principal, Colin Powell K-8 Academy

Breaking Language Barriers

Used by the admin team, secretaries, nurse, custodians, and grade level team leads, everyone has seen a positive impact since Relay was brought in. They’ve enjoyed learning new ways to utilize Relay and have seen the impact it is having on their students and parents. Especially when it comes to Relay’s translation capabilities. Nina shared: “Today, most schools are very diverse. When families come into the school, there is definitely a huge language barrier. There’s not always a team member around who can help engage, so there’s this awkward silence.” Being able to use Relay to translate conversations establishes a connection, which leads to a smile, laughter, and banter as new students and parents quickly start to feel more comfortable. “These parents want to help their children and be a part of their education, but they can’t if there’s no one to understand,” Nina adds. Even though there’s other translation apps out there, Relay is already in the palm of their hands and reads the messages aloud, in real-time.

Relay has also been an asset for Colin Powell K-8 Academy during emergency situations. “We’ve had a couple incidents here at school where a staff member has gotten ill, passed out, or is just not feeling well and I have my Relay to connect to the nurse while simultaneously being able to call 911 for help,” explained Nina. Even for non-emergency situations, Relay has dropped response time and allowed more staff to stay informed during the event. “There have been times where there’s a classroom incident and water has spilled or a student got sick, and you’re looking for the custodian who could be anywhere in the building.” Now he can be there in no time.

Why Other Educators Should Consider Relay

@principallatti

Appreciate the @relay_pro ❤️. Here’s how we use daily. #edutok #school #principal #schoollife #fyp

♬ original sound - PrinciPalLatti❤️

Nina gets questions about her Relay device from visiting teachers or administration all of the time. When she responds, “it’s how we communicate” people are stunned. They’re so used to seeing bulky radios that don’t have the ability to translate messages or act as a panic solution. When asked what she would tell other educators considering Relay as their next communication device, Nina emphasized a very pure point, “Consider the child who doesn’t have their voice yet. This device helps you speak to and connect with them. It addresses so many school needs all in one place.”

• The 200,000+ sq. ft. school welcomes over 900 students each day

• A short distance from Washington, D.C.

INDUSTRY

EDUCATION

OBJECTIVE

Before the school opened its doors in 2023, Colin Powell K-8 Academy was in search of a modern, multi-use communications solution that would better connect staff and reduce the headaches traditional radios cause.

RESULT

Relay’s lightweight design and nationwide coverage made it easier for Colin Powell K-8 Academy’s teachers to stay connected all day long. The school has been able to overcome language barriers and respond to emergencies faster with Relay’s translation and panic capabilities.

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You don’t want to be known as an educator who is aloof. Instead, you want to be known as a good communicator or, even better, a good listener and a person who can be trusted. Here are some practices that can help establish that all-important trust that will keep students and parents happy throughout the school year.  

Start Early

Effective communication should be established before the school year begins. Like any relationship, you don’t wait three weeks to say hello. You should reach out early to show that you care. 

Introductory emails are a good start. As an administrator, you can send a welcome message and inform your students and parents about important dates in the upcoming school year. 

Teachers should also send introductory emails. These emails should inform students and parents about the class, including the teacher’s expectations and grading policies. Teachers can also explain the best way to contact them and when they will provide extra help to students. 

Start Positive

Starting on a positive note is of the utmost importance, and it’s a great way to build a good relationship. You don’t want any communication from the school to be assumed as negative. That’s how it used to be. A parent would get a call from the school and think, “What did my kid do this time?” 

If you start positively, you can eliminate that assumption and make parents and students realize that calls or emails are not always about something negative. Once you establish that, people will look forward to your communications. Then, when it’s time to make those tough calls, they won’t be as tough to make. 

Town Halls 

Town halls are a great way to communicate with students and parents. They allow you to relay important information and give students and parents a place to voice their concerns. It’s a good way to “take the temperature” of the school. 

Town halls can be held during school hours for students. Have an agenda and, whenever possible, get the students involved or even have them facilitate it. 

Parents may attend town halls in person in the evening. It’s also possible to do it online, which may be more convenient for parents who work long hours. Again, have an agenda and, if possible, get parents involved in the planning. 

Grading and Communication Platforms

Several online platforms exist that schools can use as communication platforms between the school, students, and parents. Most platforms combine communication and grade posting, making it easy for both students and parents to be updated on students’ grades. 

These online platforms usually have a free trial period during which you can test them out to see if they’re the right fit for you. Once you settle on one, it can be a convenient way to keep up with timely communications. 

School Website and Social Media

Make sure your school has a website and is utilizing social media platforms. When parents and students search for information, the most likely place they’ll start is with a search on the internet. You want them to be able to find your school website easily.

You’ll appear behind the times if you’re not utilizing social media. Social media has become the default mode of consuming information, especially among young people. Taking advantage of these platforms is an important way to spread awareness of the great things happening in your school. It’s also a chance for you to arouse interest in potential students. 

Overcome Language Barriers

If your school has an ELL population, you will need to find a way to communicate with students and parents in their first language. Be ready to translate letters, emails, or other communications into the families’ first languages.

Translation programs make fast and easy work of translating documents into parents’ first languages. Take advantage of their features to keep all parents in the loop, regardless of their first language.   

Establishing communication bonds and showing parents and students that you care enough about them to make the extra effort to communicate with them in their first language is good. Otherwise, they’ll feel left out and unwelcome. 

Document All Communications 

It’s a good best practice to document all communications, especially with parents. Whether it’s in a spreadsheet or an old-school notebook, document everything, even if you attempted to communicate but couldn’t. 

The last thing you want is a disgruntled parent complaining that “you never told me…” With proper documentation, you’ll always have proof that you communicated. 

Utilize Parent Volunteers 

If school policy allows it, parent volunteers can help with communications. They can send emails, update the school website, and help with social media posts. It’s also a good idea to get parents involved in planning town halls and other school events. Many times parents have a unique perspective that you might not have considered. 

Parents might spend a few hours per week at the school helping with these tasks or could help remotely. Either way, you’ll find parent involvement will only add to the positive environment you are trying to create in your school.  

Surveys

Surveys can be a valuable method for obtaining information about your parents and students. For parents, you can find out what time and day are best to call them and which language they are most comfortable communicating in. 

You might ask students how they feel most comfortable learning. For example, do they like working in groups, or are they more individualistic? Learning these things in advance can save teachers from uncomfortable moments in the classroom. 

Communication Is Key

By following these practices, you can develop positive and trusting relations between you, your parents, and your students. With consistent implementation, you’ll keep your parents and students happy for the whole school year. 

The post Communication Practices That Keep Students and Parents Happy appeared first on Relay.

Military Charter School Upgrades Comms and Operations with Relay

Oakland Military Institute Invests in Student and Staff Safety

Located in the heart of Oakland, California, Oakland Military Institute is a 6-12th grade public charter school. Originally founded in 2001 by then Governor Jerry Brown, it became the first charter ever sponsored by the state, the first public military school, and the first school sponsored by the National Guard. The school’s primary mission is to prepare students to excel in college and become the leaders of tomorrow.

We sat down with Army Sergeant First Class Michael Traver who oversees security, operations, and the military team at Oakland Military institute to discuss how Relay is increasing safety on and off the school’s property.

School Faces Common Two-Way Radio Issues

SFC Traver has been with the school for over 7 years. Prior to Relay, his teams and the rest of staff relied on bulky, traditional two-way radios for communications. These outdated radios got the job done, but often picked up chatter from local businesses, didn’t work in dead spots around the property, and rarely made it through the day due to short battery life.

Because of the school’s dedication to student and staff safety, which relies heavily on effective communication, SFC Traver started looking into alternative solutions.

Nationwide Range Improves Safety During Off-Property Trips

When he came across Relay, SFC Traver knew he hit the jackpot. He immediately saw value in Relay’s extended coverage and longer battery life. Students and staff often travel to visit nearby military bases, participate in excursions and field trips, and perform community service work throughout the state. Being able to communicate with staff while off-property and track their locations was too good to walk away from.

From a safety perspective, having these abilities allowed the school to feel a huge sense of relief. “Location tracking is probably our favorite feature. Even the kids are amazed at the distance,” says SFC Traver. As for battery life, he notes, “I love how long the batteries last. They can get us through a full shift no problem.”

Coming from a military background, SFC Traver also appreciates the additional operational insights he’s gained with the Relay dashboard, something other two-way radios don’t have. He is not only able to monitor real-time locations and battery life for all of the school’s devices, but also software updates, overall usage, and message history. SFC Traver even uses the dashboard to send out staff-wide announcements, a much more convenient practice than reaching out 1 by 1, or even by channel.

“One year in and we’re still really excited about Relay. We’re super happy to be customers of you guys.”

 

– Army Sergeant First Class Michael Traver, Supervisor at Oakland Military Institute.

Effective Communication Improves Response Time

Relay has changed the way the school communicates and prepares for incidents. During a recent emergency situation involving nearby gun shots, the school used Relay’s panic feature to pull everyone onto the same channel to communicate quickly and efficiently. While the event thankfully stayed off-property, they used it as a learning experience. SFC Traver pulled up the transcripts and device locations in Relay so that staff could analyze what happened and better prepare for next time as a team. The school has always had plans in place, but this allowed them to track their success and evolve plans as need be.

“More effective communication across campus has allowed us to be more efficient in response times and be where our students need us to be.”

 

– Army Sergeant First Class Michael Traver, Supervisor at Oakland Military Institute.

Another capability Oakland Military Institute has come to love is Relay’s translation function. About 52% of the school’s students come from Spanish-speaking backgrounds. Being able to translate conversations has been a game-changer during parent-teacher conferences and in welcoming new students who speak another language.

Overall, Relay has allowed the military institute’s staff to better connect with its students and improve safety for both students and staff. SFC Traver couldn’t say enough good things about Relay’s product and customer service, and has even recommended Relay to other military schools.

• 6-12th grade public charter school
• Located in Oakland, CA

INDUSTRY

EDUCATION

OBJECTIVE

Oakland Military Academy was tired of the dealing with the common problems that came with traditional two-way radios. SFC Traver started exploring alternative communication solutions that didn’t have these issues and could level-up safety on and off the property.

RESULT

Relay’s real-time location tracking, extended range, and operational insights have greatly improved communication and response time on a daily basis. Beyond increased safety, the school feels more connected to students and their parents with Relay’s translation capabilities.

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CHESTNUT RIDGE CAMP

Relay Is Ensuring Safe, Smooth Camp Memories

Embarking on a Journey with Relay: A Camp Director’s Tale

In the heart of nature’s embrace lies Chestnut Ridge Summer Camps, a sanctuary where young hearts flourish, imaginations run wild, and friendships are forged. Every summer, this sprawling 365-acre haven becomes a canvas for exploration and learning. At the helm of this extraordinary adventure is Adam Ledbetter-Bock, the dedicated Camp Director, whose passion for creating unforgettable experiences for campers led him to discover a game-changing solution: Relay.

 

Coordinating activities across such a vast expanse posed challenges for Adam and his team. Enter Relay, a communication lifeline that transformed the way Chestnut Ridge operated. No more cumbersome walkie-talkies, no more time wasted in miscommunication. Relay seamlessly connected staff members and campers, ensuring that every adventure, every moment, was perfectly orchestrated.

 

Nature’s unpredictability is a challenge every camp must face. With Relay, Chestnut Ridge found a steadfast companion in ensuring the safety of its young charges. When thunder roared and lightning cracked the sky, Relay’s real-time updates enabled swift, organized relocation to shelters. Parents rested easy, knowing their children were in capable hands, thanks to Relay’s prompt and reliable communication.

 

End-of-day pickups used to be chaotic affairs, a time-consuming process that tested everyone’s patience. Relay changed the game. What once took ages was now a matter of minutes. With Relay’s streamlined efficiency, parents found their children in their care swiftly and seamlessly. Device replacements became a rarity, saving resources and contributing to a greener camp environment.

 

Relay’s impact wasn’t limited to the field; it revolutionized administrative tasks too. The dashboard became a control center, helping administrators locate missing devices and communicate directly with staff. Adam marveled at how Relay kept everyone accountable, ensuring smooth operations and a tightly-knit camp community.

 

Adam’s enthusiasm for Relay is contagious. He urges fellow camp directors and adventure enthusiasts to explore the transformative power of Relay. “It has empowered us beyond measure,” he says with a smile. “Relay isn’t just a communication tool; it’s a partner in creating unforgettable memories for our campers.”

• 365 Acres of Expansive natural setting
• Forests, meadows, and water bodies for varied outdoor activities including rock climbing, archery, and hiking trails

INDUSTRY

EDUCATION

OBJECTIVE

Enhance communication, replacing walkie-talkies, and ensuring swift responses during emergencies. They also aimed to streamline pickups and reduce device replacements for a greener camp environment.

RESULT

Relay replaced walkie-talkies, enabling seamless communication. Real-time updates during storms ensured camper safety, and streamlined pickups reduced operational time. Fewer device replacements conserved resources, creating an eco-friendly camp. Relay empowered administrators, fostering a tightly-knit camp community and enhancing overall camp experiences.

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Empowering Campus Safety at CCAD

In the heart of Columbus College of Art and Design, where creativity and innovation collide, ensuring the safety and security of the 1100-strong student body is paramount. Meet Matt Taylor, the Technology Coordinator at the college, who has been instrumental in revolutionizing campus safety through groundbreaking technology.

“For 11 years, I’ve been dedicated to finding innovative ways to bolster our security measures,” says Matt, who has been instrumental in the college’s technological evolution. As the Technology Coordinator, his mission is to explore cutting-edge advancements that fortify their security department. A significant challenge they faced was the reliability of their communication devices, especially during emergencies and off-campus medical transports.

Matt and his team discovered Relay, a revolutionary communication solution that seamlessly integrates with the college’s security protocols. “Relay provided us with a lightweight, efficient, and dependable alternative to our previous radios,” states Matt. One of the standout features for him was Relay’s ability to function through cell phone towers and Wi-Fi, ensuring uninterrupted communication even when venturing off-campus.

An essential feature for Matt was Relay’s user-friendly interface, ideal for their large security team. “Relay made it incredibly easy for us to contact team members, especially during emergencies,” he emphasizes. The real-time location tracking feature proved invaluable, particularly during medical transports. “Being able to monitor our team’s location ensured they arrived at their destination safely, while also maintaining the privacy of our conversations,” he explains.

Confidentiality was a paramount concern for the security team, which Relay efficiently addressed. “Relay’s incorporation of earpieces and Bluetooth technology ensured our sensitive discussions remained private,” Matt reveals. The implementation of these features made their transition to Relay seamless and secure.

 

Relay’s team provided exceptional support, making the process hassle-free and ensuring our security measures were up and running swiftly

 

Transitioning to Relay was not merely a technological upgrade; it was a collaborative effort. “Relay’s team provided exceptional support, making the process hassle-free and ensuring our security measures were up and running swiftly,” Matt commends.

In the dynamic landscape of campus safety, Columbus College of Art and Design stands as a beacon of innovation. With Relay, they haven’t just adopted a new technology; they’ve embraced a new standard of safety and communication. In Matt’s own words, “If you’re looking for a new radio solution, I would say go for Relay.” With Relay, the college continues its journey, fostering an environment where creativity can flourish, secure in the knowledge that safety is never compromised.

• Spanning four blocks in Columbus, Ohio
• 1100+ students
• Features green spaces and outdoor areas, providing students with tranquil environments for relaxation and artistic inspiration

INDUSTRY

EDUCATION

OBJECTIVE

CCAD sought to improve campus safety through innovative technology and to implement a user-friendly, secure communication system to address communication challenges and streamline security operations.

RESULT

The adoption of Relay transformed CCAD’s safety measures, offering efficient, secure communication. Relay’s features improved emergency responses and off-campus activities. The transition was smooth, and CCAD established a new standard of safety and communication, fostering a secure and innovative campus environment.

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Forsyth County Family YMCA

Better coverage and compact form factor is key to keeping up with kids all day at camp

Enhancing Team Communication at Forsyth County YMCA with Relay

At the heart of Forsyth County YMCA lies a vibrant community hub, complete with an onsite gym, aquatic center, and a sprawling 22-acre offsite camp. Catering to the diverse needs of their members, the YMCA staff works tirelessly to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. However, efficient communication was a challenge they faced until they embraced Relay, a revolutionary communication solution that transformed their operations.

 

The Challenge

Before integrating Relay into their daily operations, the YMCA staff relied on traditional two-way walkie-talkies. While these devices served the purpose to an extent, they were limited in coverage and sound quality. Moreover, they were bulky and inconvenient for the counselors, who needed to keep up with energetic kids at the camp. The need for a more efficient and portable communication solution was evident.

 

The Solution: Relay’s Seamless Integration

Enter Relay, a compact device that combines the best of walkie-talkies and cell phones. With nationwide coverage and crystal-clear sound quality, Relay became the ideal communication tool for the YMCA staff. The Director at the facility found it invaluable for staying connected with the camp staff, be it for daily updates, emergency situations, or important announcements.

 

How Relay Revolutionized Communication

Relay not only offered nationwide coverage but also simplified communication for the YMCA team. The push-to-talk feature allowed instant connectivity without the hassle of dialing numbers or typing texts. This meant the staff could concentrate on their top priority – the members – without any interruptions caused by communication barriers.

 

Beyond Basic Communication

Relay introduced a range of features that further enhanced their communication experience. The Relay Assistant allowed easy channel switching, ensuring the staff always connected with the right team. Additionally, the Home Channel feature automatically redirected Relays to default channels, preventing any missed messages from their primary teams.

We now have updates being communicated more frequently between teams and messages are being sent and received at a faster rate. Relay has given us access to anyone, anywhere across our branch.

 

– Darren Dannelly, Executive Director, Forsyth County YMCA:

The Benefits: Streamlined Communication and Enhanced Productivity

Relay streamlined communication among the staff members. Messages flowed freely, updates were exchanged seamlessly, and emergency situations were handled promptly. The result? A more connected team, ensuring the safety and well-being of all YMCA members. The faster rate of message sending and receiving was a game-changer for the organization, enabling them to maintain a high standard of service.

 

Conclusion

In embracing Relay, Forsyth County YMCA found the perfect communication solution. The device’s portability, extended range, and additional features not only met but exceeded their expectations. With Relay, the YMCA staff can now communicate swiftly and efficiently from any corner of their branch, ensuring that their members receive the best possible experience.

• YMCA branch with both onsite and offsite facilities
• Part of the greater Atlanta YMCA network of branches using Relays

INDUSTRY

EDUCATION

OBJECTIVE

Streamline communication, increase efficiency, and ensure the safety and well-being of YMCA members by providing instant access to team members across the branch and camp.

RESULT

By adopting Relay, Forsyth County YMCA achieved seamless communication, frequent updates, and rapid response times. The staff experienced improved operational efficiency, allowing them to focus on their core mission – providing exceptional service and care to their members.

GET A DEMO

The post Forsyth County Family YMCA appeared first on Relay.

In our modern society, teaching and educating is more challenging than ever. Buildings and campuses sprawl out over vast square footage, separating staff and students. Using communication devices like Relay can help educators get in touch with each other quickly.​

Here are five of the best ways educators can benefit from Relay devices.

1. Special Event Coordination:

Schools host and coordinate events, and it can be difficult for staff to contact each other. When you’re holding a dance, for example, there may be multiple chaperones at the front entrance, numerous others within the dance area monitoring students, and others in various areas of the premises.

Relay devices are useful for an activity like this because teachers, administrators, and other adults in charge can maintain constant contact and promptly alert each other in case of problems.

You never know what may happen at a school dance. Educators must be on the lookout for dangerous activity, unauthorized visitors, illegal substance use, and more. It’s essential to reach one another fast to keep students safe.

Sporting events are another example of when communication among authorities helps keep students safe. Tensions run high at a school basketball game, so admissions people, concessions staff, and others need to be in touch with administrators. You may even need to watch out for fights among students, parents, or coaches.

Rather than pulling out your cell phone and trying to choose the correct person to call or text, you can use your Relay device to contact an entire group or quickly contact the primary person in charge.

These events can also be tricky because personnel can be significantly spread across multiple buildings or even outdoors. Relay has a wide range of services, and you don’t have to worry about going “out of range.”

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2. Reporting Major Discipline Problems:

Unfortunately, in all types of schools, you will encounter disciplinary issues and safety issues. Students don’t always follow the rules. As an educator, your safety depends on your ability to respond to potentially risky situations quickly. While security measures have increased dramatically in schools since the 1999 Columbine shooting, they’re not perfect.

If a student picks a fight with another student in your classroom, you need to call for backup. Yes, it’s nice if you can trust the teacher next door and simply yell for that person’s help, but it’s best if you can reach someone with authority immediately.

It can be awkward to use the phone in your classroom to call an office for help with disciplinary problems or an intruder in the building. After all, if a situation is heated, announcing it to the whole class may not be the best solution. Using a Relay device gives teachers and other school faculty and staff an easy way to get in touch with a principal, dean, or school police officer right away.

“Team communication and group channels enable educators to connect to the right people at the right time. Instead of disrupting an entire building of students and staff by going on a loudspeaker, leaders can relay messages instantaneously across secure channels.”

3. Handling Medical Emergencies:

Sometimes the unexpected comes in the form of medical emergencies in the classroom, hallway, cafeteria, or gym. All schools contain many opportunities for kids to get sick or injured. Educators must be prepared for those situations.

A trustworthy communication device gives peace of mind that you can radio for help as quickly as possible. Relay devices can call 911 for severe circumstances.

Teachers and other school staff are trained in basic emergency care such as CPR and injections for allergic reactions. However, in a true medical emergency, educators need to reach the school nurse immediately.

Relay devices are lightweight and easy to carry on your person, so you’re unlikely to ever be without it. Use yours to quickly reach medical assistance for a child with a seizure, severe allergic reaction, or any other sudden emergency. Time is one of the critical factors in ensuring a medical episode doesn’t turn tragic for students and their families.

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4. In Case of Power Outages:

Not every teacher, educational secretary, or staff person has a cell phone at all times. When the power goes out in your school, Relay provides an additional layer of security. You know that even if your computers are down and your phones are off, you’ll still be able to contact each other. Plus, Relay devices are GPS-equipped, so you won’t have to worry about losing them.

Another great thing about Relay devices is their Wi-Fi connectivity. If you’re reliant on cell phones for staff communication, you’ll run into issues with dead zones both inside and outside of buildings. If the power goes out and you’re in a part of the school where your cell phone is useless, you’re in trouble, but a Relay device can keep you connected.

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5. For Staff Communication Among Various Groups:

If you’ve worked in education for more than a day, you know every educator is a part of many different groups and teams across the school system. A teacher may also be a mentor, club supervisor, coach, and serve on teams for curriculum design, student assessment, and more. Relay makes it easy to connect each of your various teams across unique channels.

If you’re a team leader for your department, you can easily set up your group or channel online. There are flexible communication options to send messages directly to a specific team member or the entire group at once. It all depends on what you need.

Team communication and group channels enable educators to connect to the right people at the right time. Instead of disrupting an entire building of students and staff by going on a loudspeaker, leaders can relay messages instantaneously across secure channels.

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Educators Can Stay Connected with Relay

As an educator, you know it’s essential to be available to others within your building and even your district. Relay helps make that possible — and easy. Try our flexible and top-of-the-line communications devices to bring your teams greater peace of mind today.

The post 5 Ways Educators Can Benefit From Relay Devices appeared first on Relay.