Frontline Tech

Author: marco

  • Mailchimp

    Description

    Mailchimp is an email mailing list/newsletter tool you can use to manage mailing lists and create email marketing campaigns.

    Current known uses in the sector

    • Used mainly as an email newsletter tool for organization information, donation/fundraising, and marketing purposes.
    • Mailchimp can be used in Citizenship Preparation, Community Connections, Employment-related, Information and Orientation, Library Settlement Partnership, Settlement Workers in Schools, Pre-Arrival as an group communication and discussion tool with clients and communities.

    Video overview

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKcNRbeALN8

    Pricing

    Mailchimp has a free account that allows you to add 2000 email addresses and send up to 10,000 messages per month. They have a number of other paid plans with more features. Mailchimp offers a 15% discount to nonprofits and charities.

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    Mailchimp is easy to use and fairly intuitive for mailing list/newsletter creators. Mailchimp has a number of information articles and tutorials about accessibility.

    Mobile friendly

    Mailchimp is designed to be mobile-friendly, they also have mobile apps you can use to manage your account and send messages.

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    Mailchimp Privacy FAQs – Learn about Mailchimp and Intuit privacy. Mailchimp Data Security and Privacy – Details on Mailchimp’s data security and privacy policy.

    Multilingual capabilities

    The Mailchimp web account – where you manage your audience and marketing content – is currently only available in English. However, their Guides & Tutorials are currently available in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and German. Find out more.

    You can use different languages in your email signup forms and messages. Find out more.

    Additional resources

  • TalkingPoints

    Description

    TalkingPoints is a multilingual texting tool primarily used for school-to-home/parents communication that incorporates automatic translation within the app. Organizations and staff communicate with families through SMS messaging.

    They can send and receive SMS messages with automatic translation, and also have curated SMS messages that can be sent to families. Messages can be send through the TalkingPoints website or app.

    Parents can opt to receive messages through Texting (SMS/MMS) or the TalkingPoints parent app. TalkingPoints has found greater parent engagement through the app than text messages. As well, attachments, such as videos, documents, etc., can be included within the app.

    Current known uses in the sector

    • TalkingPoints can be used in Citizenship Preparation, Community Connections, Employment-related, Information and Orientation, Library Settlement Partnership, Settlement Workers in Schools, Pre-Arrival as a messaging tool with clients and communities.

    Video overview

    Pricing

    TalkingPoints is free for teachers to use with up to 200 students, 5 classes. Administrative plans (schools & districts) have additional features and costs.

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    TalkingPoints is easy to use for administrators and teachers, as well as parents. They have extensive accessibility efforts and settings, including help to ensure messages are sent using plain language.

    Mobile friendly

    TalkingPoints is mobile based.

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    TalkingPoints is compliant with major U.S. privacy laws and has strong data security policies and practices.

    Multilingual capabilities

    TalkingPoints offers message translation into over 100 languages.

    Additional resources

  • Newcomer.info

    Description

    Newcomer.info is a mass text-messaging tool created by ISSofBC to share information with refugee and immigrant newcomers. You can send broadcast messages, or messages that Newcomers can respond to.

    Current known uses in the sector

    • Newcomer.info can be used in Citizenship Preparation, Community Connections, Employment-related, Information and Orientation, Library Settlement Partnership, Settlement Workers in Schools, Pre-Arrival to communicate effectively with Newcomers who prefer texting as a way to stay connected and informed.

    Video overview

    Pricing

    You can test the tool and send 50 message for free. You can buy Newcomer.info credits to send messages depending on how many you want to send.

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    You can send a message from your computer through the Newcomer.info interface or on your own mobile device.

    Mobile friendly

    You can send a message from your computer or on your own mobile device.

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    While texting is not a secure communications tool, Newcomer.info has a useful privacy policy you can review.

    You should take every reasonable measure to ensure that Newcomers are aware that they are not communicating through an entirely secure channel and to remind clients not to share personal information through these means.

    Multilingual capabilities

    You can send messages in different language settings/alphabets.

    Additional resources

  • Mentimeter

    Description

    Mentimeter is a tool you can use to add questions, polls, quizzes, slides, images, gifs and more to presentations, webinars, and other live online meetings.

    Current known uses in the sector

    • Mentimeter is a commonly used engagement tool in webinars and courses with Newcomers.
    • Mentimeter can be used in Citizenship Preparation, Community Connections, Employment-related, Information and Orientation, Library Settlement Partnership, Settlement Workers in Schools as a tool to engage with Newcomers visually, brainstorm ideas, capture Newcomer feedback, ideas, insights, suggestions, comprehension, etc.

    Video overview

    Pricing

    Mentimeter has a free plan that allows you to create up to 2 question slides and 5 quiz slides. Additional paid plans have more features.

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    After a slight learning curve, Mentimeter is easy to use and intuitive to include in your presentations and live sessions.

    Mobile friendly

    It is mobile friendly for participants to use.

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    According to the Common Sense Media Privacy Evaluation for Mentimeter, “a small amount of personal information is collected, but it is not sold and it is only collected and stored as is necessary to run the service; behavioral advertising is used. The terms state, in exhaustive detail, exactly what types of security are used, from computer security to human resource security, including encryption; those who use the service are notified in the case of a data breach.”

    You can review Mentimeter’s policies, including privacy and security.

    Multilingual capabilities

    Additional resources

  • Kahoot

    Description

    Kahoot is a free participant-response tool for administering quizzes, facilitating discussions, and collecting survey data. It is a game-based tool you can use in real time. Questions are shared with participants as they answer the questions with their smartphone, tablet, or computer. The idea is to create a a social, fun and game-like environment. Kahoot allows for the design of multiple-choice quizzes as well as polls and surveys that populate on-the-spot data. Quiz questions and polls can be used to stimulate quick decisions as well as whole-class discussion.

    Current known uses in the sector

    • Generally used in live video conference (eg. Zoom) settings to create additional engagement with participants.
    • Used to generate anonymous feedback.
    • Kahoot can be used in Citizenship Preparation, Community Connections, Employment-related, Information and Orientation, Library Settlement Partnership, Settlement Workers in Schools, Pre-Arrival as a tool to engage with Newcomers visually, brainstorm ideas, capture Newcomer feedback, ideas, insights, suggestions, comprehension, etc.

    Video overview

    Pricing

    Kathoot has a free plan with limits, currently focused on teachers and students, and a number of paid plans. Registered nonprofits and NGOs are eligible for a 50% discount on all Kahoot for business plans.

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    Kahoot is easy to use, intuitive for participants. Once you have created your first Kahoot the interface is intuitive for workers.

    Mobile friendly

    Kahoot is mobile friendly on mobile browsers, and has a mobile Android and Appl app as well.

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    If participants log in with Kahoot accounts to participate, some personal information can become viewable. Common Sense Media (which focuses on child and student privacy) has a very useful privacy, safety and security overview, with overall good ratings except when it comes to data security and sharing:

    • “The terms of Kahoot! state they use reasonable organizational, technical, and administrative measures to protect users’ personal information.”
    • “Kahoot! may share a user’s data with third-party service providers to support its services and if a user participates, data may be shared with sponsors of sweepstakes, contests and other similar third-party marketing promotions.”
    • “Kahoot! collects personally identifiable information and other automatically collected usage information through its services and may receive a user’s personal information from other sources, such as public databases, joint marketing partners, and other third parties. Kahoot! does not collect any personal information from a person who merely plays a Kahoot, except if a user participates in a Kahoot! which is hosted using the Player Identifier feature.”

    Multilingual capabilities

    The Kahoot app and platform are translated into English, Spanish, French, Brazilian Portuguese, German, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Turkish, Polish, Norwegian, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Arabic.

    Additional resources

  • Snapchat

    Description

    Snapchat is a photo, video, and instant messaging app. A key features of Snapchat is that pictures and messages are usually only available for a short time before they become inaccessible to their recipients.

    Current known uses in the sector

    • Used predominantly with Newcomer Youth who use Snapchat with other youth, as a way to message with them, as well as share relevant content, information & orientation materials in creative, visual ways.
    • Snapchat can be used in Citizenship Preparation, Community Connections, Employment-related, Information and Orientation, Library Settlement Partnership, Settlement Workers in Schools as a tool to engage Newcomers who use Snapchat and prefer to message through the app.

    Video overview

    Pricing

    Snapchat is free.

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    Easy to use.

    Mobile friendly

    Snapchat is a mobile app available on Android and iOS.

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    Snapchat does not offer end-to-end encryption and therefore is not a completely secure method of communication. Staff should take every reasonable measure to ensure that clients are aware that they are not communicating through an entirely secure channel and to remind clients not to share personal information through these means.

    According to Common Sense Media’s Privacy Evaluation for Snapchat, “they collect personal information such as name, username, password, email address, phone number, date of birth, and other information collected automatically when users visit the service. The terms say that Snapchat does not sell personal information to third parties, but the terms do state that Snapchat and third-party partners may place advertising on the services.”

    You can download your Snapchat data.

    Multilingual capabilities

    Additional resources

  • LinkedIn

    Description

    LinkedIn is networking and employment-oriented social network for job seekers, professionals, and businesses. Most use it to build professional networks, find business contacts, connect with recruiters, and use their LinkedIn profile as an online resume.

    Current known uses in the sector

    • Promoted as a tool for Newcomer to build networks and connections, many organizations provide workshops/webinars on how to use LinkedIn.
    • LinkedIn is also a key outreach and marketing tool for nonprofit professionals and organizations to share information about their work and services.
    • There are a number of LinkedIn groups used for personal networking, mentoring, and employment-related settlement information and orientation.
    • LinkedIn can be used in Citizenship Preparation, Community Connections, Employment-related, Information and Orientation, Library Settlement Partnership, Settlement Workers in Schools as a tool to share information with Newcomers as well as help them access employment and professional networks.

    Video overview

    Pricing

    LinkedIn is free. They also have a Premium account option with a monthly charge.

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    Easy to create account and use. According to LinkedIn, they continue efforts to make their site and services accessible.

    Mobile friendly

    The site is mobile friendly on smartphone web browsers, but probably best accessed on Android and iOS apps.

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    LinkedIn has a number of profile and account preference settings that can make the service more private.

    Multilingual capabilities

    LinkedIn currently supports 24 languages.

    Additional resources

  • TikTok

    Description

    TikTok is a video-focused social networking mobile app and service. Users share short entertaining or informational videos.

    Current known uses in the sector

    • TikTok can be used in Citizenship Preparation, Community Connections, Employment-related, Information and Orientation, Library Settlement Partnership, Settlement Workers in Schools, Pre-Arrival to create engaging video/visual information for Newcomers.

    Video overview

    Pricing

    TikTok is free.

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    Easy to create account and use. According to TikTok, they continue efforts to make their site and services accessible.

    Mobile friendly

    TikTok is made for mobile, but can be accessed through its website as well.

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    TikTok has a specific Privacy Policy for Younger Users and a general Privacy Policy which includes statements about security as well.

    Common Sense Media has a Privacy Evaluation for TikTok.

    Multilingual capabilities

    You can change the language displayed in the TikTok app.

    Additional resources

  • Instagram

    Description

    Instagram is a photo and video sharing social networking service which is also used for digital messaging. Business for Instagram focuses on additional analytics and products and services, while Creators focuses on individual Instagram content creators.

    Instagram is not just for personal use, it can also be used as an educational tool. For instance, you can ask your students to capture photos or videos of their class work, homework, assignments, school activities, post those in their own account, or a class account, and have discussions about the posts.

    Current known uses in the sector

    • Instagram can be used in Citizenship Preparation, Community Connections, Employment-related, Information and Orientation, Library Settlement Partnership, Settlement Workers in Schools, Pre-Arrival to create engaging visual information for Newcomers.

    Video overview

    Pricing

    Instagram is free.

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    According to Instagram, they have a number of “features and technologies that help people with disabilities, such as vision loss and deafness, get the most out of Instagram.”

    Mobile friendly

    Instagram is mobile-focused and as Android and iOS apps.

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    Common Sense Media’s Privacy Evaluation for Instagram has useful information about privacy and security features.

    Multilingual capabilities

    You can change language settings on the Instagram app.

    Additional resources

  • Facebook

    Description

    Facebook is an online social media and social networking service owned by Meta Platforms. It includes personal accounts, organizational accounts (pages), groups and more. You can post multimedia (audio, video, gifs, etc.) as well as stream live video on Facebook (through Facebook or external streaming services such as Zoom).

    Current known uses in the sector

    • Many organizations have Facebook pages where they share information and interact with Newcomers, providing information and orientation services.
    • Organizations also have Facebook groups, which can be made open, closed, or private in order to provide additional services to Newcomers.
    • Settlement Practitioners create work-specific Facebook accounts to provide services, join work-related groups, and interact with Newcomers.
    • Facebook can be used in Citizenship Preparation, Community Connections, Employment-related, Information and Orientation, Library Settlement Partnership, Settlement Workers in Schools, Pre-Arrival to help inform and engage with Newcomers on one of the largest social networks.

    Video overview

    Pricing

    Facebook is free.

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    Easy to use.

    According to Facebook, they have “features and technologies that help people with disabilities, such as vision loss and deafness, get the most out of Facebook.”

    Mobile friendly

    Facebook is mobile optimized and available through their Android and iOS apps.

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    Common Sense Media has a useful Privacy Evaluation for Facebook. Additional information can be found on Facebook’s Privacy, Safety, and Security help articles.

    Multilingual capabilities

    Facebook can be used with different languages.

    Additional resources