ClassTablet vs a separate bulk SMS panel
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A bulk SMS panel is enough when all you do is message a list of numbers now and then. ClassTablet fits better when you want students, parents' numbers, results and attendance in one place: pick a classroom and its students and parents get the SMS, results go with a link, and there is no second list to maintain.
Many institutions buy a bulk SMS panel to reach parents: upload an Excel list of numbers, write the message, send. It works, but the list lives on its own. When a student joins or a parent changes number, it has to be fixed in two places.
ClassTablet and an SMS panel compared, job by job
| Job | ClassTablet | an SMS panel |
|---|---|---|
| Text everyone in a batch | YesPick a classroom and its students get the SMS, and their parents too if you choose. | YesUpload a list of numbers and send. |
| Keep the number list current | YesNumbers come from student and parent profiles. There is no separate list. | PartlyThe panel's list is updated by hand. |
| Send results to parents' phones | YesA teacher sends a student's result, or a link to it, to the guardians' numbers. The same result never goes to the same number twice. | PartlyEach number is typed separately, with no result page to link to. |
| See what was sent and what it cost | YesMessage history, stats and credit transactions in one place. Bangla segments are counted correctly. | YesMost panels show delivery reports and a balance. |
| Buy credits and know when they run low | YesAdmins buy credits online and set a low-credit threshold. | YesPanels have their own top-up process. |
| Tell parents about absences automatically | PartlySaving attendance alerts parents, but in their inbox, by push and by email, not by SMS.Details: Tell parents about absences automatically | NoThe panel knows nothing about attendance; someone builds a list and sends. |
| Message numbers outside ClassTablet | NoSMS goes only to the institution's own students, teachers and parents. | YesAny list of numbers, for example an admissions campaign. |
What ClassTablet does automatically
Automation
Absence alerts
When a teacher saves attendance, parents of absent students hear about it in their inbox, by push and by email. No SMS credits are spent on it.
Automation
Fee and homework reminders
Messages about unpaid fees and assignment due dates go to the student's inbox and as push notifications on their own, again without sending an SMS.
When an SMS panel is enough
A separate bulk SMS panel is enough when:
- You only send the occasional notice or holiday message by SMS.
- You do not need student records, results or attendance online.
- You also message outside numbers, for example for admissions campaigns.
- You already have a panel and credits on it.
How to move over
- 1
Import the list with numbers
Arrange the Excel list you used in the panel into ClassTablet's template and import students and staff in one go.
- 2
Connect parents
Parents link their child to their own account with a code from the student, or by phone number or email. Tick ‘include parents’ and they get the SMS too.
- 3
Buy credits and send a first message
An admin buys credits from the SMS page, sets a low-credit threshold, then picks a classroom and sends a test message.
Frequently asked questions
Does ClassTablet send SMS automatically for attendance or fees?
Not today. Automatic messages about absence, unpaid fees and homework go by inbox, push and email. SMS goes out when an admin sends one, or a teacher sends a result.
Can I send SMS in Bangla?
Yes. A Bangla message fits 70 characters per segment, English 160. ClassTablet counts segments that way, and each segment uses one credit.
Is SMS included in the plan?
SMS credits are bought separately, online from the admin dashboard. A Custom plan can include its own SMS bundle by agreement.
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