Research by Dr. Joshua M. Rosenberg

Michela, E., Rosenberg, J. M., Kimmons, R., Sultana, O., Burchfield, M. A., & Thomas, T. (2022). “We Are Trying to Communicate the Best We Can”: Understanding Districts’ Communication on Twitter During the COVID-19 Pandemic. AERA Open, 8. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/23328584221078542

Educational institutions had to swiftly adapt their instructional methods due to closures caused by various circumstances. Teachers and administrators transitioned to remote teaching, with some embracing technology for individual students and others building upon existing technological foundations. In certain cases, funding disparities in low-income areas hindered effective implementation of remote learning, even though previous crises had prompted preparation and recommendations. Communication also shifted, as the absence of physical school presence led to increased reliance on digital communication methods, including social media platforms. Social media’s role in crisis communication has been recognized through past research, suggesting its importance during times of uncertainty. Analyzing how K-12 educational institutions used social media during the pandemic could offer insights into their communication strategies. The methods used by schools in responding to these challenges varied and were influenced byfactors such as technology availability, funding, and communication choices. This paper discusses how districts can communicate effectively during crises.