Frontline Tech

Tag: Language Training

  • TextNow

    Description

    The TextNow app allows you to create a second U.S. or Canadian phone number on your smartphone or computer that you can use instead of a personal number for calling or texting clients (in particular if you’re using a personal smartphone for work purposes). To send messages and make calls, you need to be connected to Wi-Fi or cellular-data networks.

    Note: because the app creates a “virtual phone number” some users have reported that WhatsApp may not recognize the phone number created by these apps. You can also Use A Landline Number to set up WhatsApp.

    Current known uses in the sector

    • You can use this number to set up other digital messaging apps that require phone/text verification, such as WhatsApp.
    • TextNow 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

    TextNow allows you to send and receive free texts and calls. The free version includes ads in the app. You can buy a subscription to remove ads.

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    The app is easy to use, but does not appear to have accessibility features.

    Mobile friendly

    TextNow is a smartphone app available on Android and iOS.

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    TextNow adheres to the California Consumer Privacy Act, which includes the right to opt-out of the sale of your data.

    Multilingual capabilities

    TextNow’s interface is in English only. It is unclear if you can text using different language settings/alphabets.

    Additional resources

  • Facetime

    Description

    You can use Facetime to make one-on-one and group video and audio calls on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

    Current known uses in the sector

    • Facetime can be used in Citizenship Preparation, Community Connections, Employment-related, Information and Orientation, Library Settlement Partnership, Settlement Workers in Schools, Pre-Arrival as an alternative video conferencing and video meeting approach.

    Video overview

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s1vNywzw-Q

    Pricing

    Facetime is free.

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    Facetime is very easy to use. Apple has information about hearing accessibility features in iOS here. Android and Windows users can also join Facetime calls.

    Mobile friendly

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    According to Apple, “The audio/video contents of FaceTime calls are protected by end-to-end encryption, so no one but the sender and receiver can access them.”

    Multilingual capabilities

    Not applicable.

    Additional resources

  • iMessage

    Description

    iMessage allows you to send texts, photos, videos, documents, and more to any iOS, iPadOS, macOS, or watchOS device with iMessage, or use it to send SMS and MMS messages. It’s the most common form of digital messaging between iPhones. iPhones can also use the messaging app to send SMS/MMS mesages.

    Current known uses in the sector

    • Communicating with clients for meeting scheduling, sending information and orientation materials, receiving texts from clients, etc.
    • Group texting – sending or broadcasting messages to a group of Newcomers
    • iMessage 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

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ0iTFyONRg&list=PLIl2EzNYri0cslRUIjVxdc7MuZiVQ_7os&index=65

    Pricing

    Free with a cell phone data plan. To send iMessages, you need to be connected to Wi-Fi or cellular-data networks. SMS/Text messages do not require data usage or phone minutes, although they sometimes require an additional texting plan or are capped by the number of texts that can be sent for free.

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    Read this article about iPhone accessibility features.

    Mobile friendly

    iMessage is typically used as a mobile app on an iOS device, such as an iPhone.

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    Messages sent using iMessage messages are always encrypted and appear in blue text bubbles. SMS/MMS messages aren’t encrypted and appear in green text bubbles on your device.

    Multilingual capabilities

    You can text in different languages, read how to add or remove a keyboard for another language on the iPhone here.

    Additional resources

  • Groups.io

    Description

    Groups.io is a privacy-focused group email list/web discussion tool. You can use announcement-only/broadcast, moderated, or restricted groups, or groups with other combinations of settings.

    Current known uses in the sector

    • Groups.io 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

    Pricing

    Their free account allows for groups up to 100 members. Paid versions have more features, including additional collaboration tools (such as Polls, Calendar, Chat, Database, Photos, Files, Wiki).

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    Easy to set up and use. If accessed through email by group members, easy and accessible.

    Mobile friendly

    Most users will access through email after signing up. However, the site and additional tools/features can be accessed on any device through the web browser.

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    Groups.io has customizable privacy settings.

    Multilingual capabilities

    Additional resources

  • Google Groups

    Description

    Google Groups is a group email list/web discussion tool. You can use announcement-only/broadcast, moderated, or restricted groups, or groups with other combinations of settings.

    Current known uses in the sector

    • Google Groups 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

    Pricing

    Google Groups is free for personal/individual use. According to Google, “There are two versions of Groups – the free version for everyone, and a version for organizations (work, school, and so on). The tasks you can do and features you can access depend on which version you have. If you’re signed in with a work or school account, the tasks and features available to you are customized by your administrator.”

    Ease of use & Accessibility

    Easy to set up and use. If accessed through email by group members, easy and accessible.

    Mobile friendly

    Most users will access through email after signing up. However, the site and additional tools/features can be accessed on any device through the web browser.

    Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

    Google Groups has a variety of privacy settings that can be customized by Group owners/moderators.

    Multilingual capabilities

    You can choose different languages to be used for system-generated information such as notifications and email footers that come with each group email.

    Additional resources

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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