Understanding the Communication Module in openSIS

Understanding the Communication Module

Overview

The Communication module provides a centralized platform for administrators to communicate with students, parents, staff, and user groups within openSIS. From a single interface, you can send internal messages, optionally deliver them as emails, organize recipients into communication groups, send SMS and WhatsApp messages (when enabled), and configure email server settings.

The module helps streamline school communication while keeping conversations organized and accessible.

Accessing the Communication Module

From the left navigation menu, select:

Communication

The Communication module opens with the Inbox displayed by default.

The navigation panel provides access to:

  • Compose
  • Inbox
  • Sent
  • Groups
  • SMS
  • WhatsApp
  • Settings

Compose Messages

The Compose button allows administrators to create and send new messages.

When composing a message, you can:

  • Select one or more recipients
  • Send messages to existing communication groups
  • Add CC and BCC recipients
  • Enter a subject
  • Write rich-text messages
  • Attach files
  • Use the AI writing assistant
  • Translate messages automatically or into a selected language
  • Send the message as an email in addition to an internal message

These features help administrators communicate efficiently while supporting multilingual school communities.

Inbox

The Inbox displays messages received from students, parents, staff members, and groups.

Selecting a message opens the complete conversation, allowing administrators to review message history without leaving the page.

Sent Messages

The Sent folder stores all messages sent by the administrator.

Administrators can review previously sent conversations, verify recipients, and reference earlier communications whenever needed.

Communication Groups

Communication Groups make it easy to send messages to multiple users simultaneously.

Groups can represent:

  • Classes
  • Grade levels
  • Departments
  • Staff members
  • Parents
  • Custom recipient collections

Administrators can create, update, and maintain groups as communication needs change.

SMS Communication

If SMS services have been configured for the institution, administrators can send text messages directly from the SMS section.

Recipients can be selected individually or through communication groups, making it easy to distribute announcements and reminders.

If SMS services are not enabled, the system displays an option to request activation.

WhatsApp Communication

Institutions that have enabled WhatsApp integration can communicate with users through the WhatsApp section.

Administrators can start new chats with individual recipients or groups, helping schools communicate using a familiar messaging platform.

Email Server Settings

The Settings section allows administrators to configure the institution's outgoing email service.

Depending on the provider, administrators can configure:

  • SMTP relay settings
  • Email provider
  • SMTP server
  • Port number
  • Encryption
  • Authentication credentials

Once configured, the email service can be used to deliver system-generated emails and communication messages.

AI-Powered Communication Features

The Communication module includes AI-powered tools that help administrators prepare messages more efficiently.

These features include:

  • Help Me Write for drafting message content.
  • Automatic Translation, which translates messages into each recipient's preferred language.
  • Manual Translation, allowing administrators to choose a specific language before sending.

These capabilities help improve communication quality while supporting multilingual school communities.

Best Practices

  • Create communication groups for frequently contacted audiences.
  • Review your Inbox regularly to respond to important messages promptly.
  • Use the AI writing assistant to draft professional communications more quickly.
  • Enable automatic translation when communicating with recipients who speak different languages.
  • Configure the email server before using email delivery features.
  • Periodically review Sent messages to maintain a record of school communications.
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