What's new on Bromcom

Latest changes, new features and improvements

england
mcas
v5.2024.8
July 05, 2024

MCAS - Preferred communication language selection for parents

MIS > Config > MyChildAtSchool > General Settings 
A new checkbox Enable Preferred Communication Language Selection for Parents has been added to General Settings and will be enabled by default. 

When enabled, parents will have the option to select their Preferred Communication Language in MCAS. This preference will save instantly and be reflected across the following communication channels:

  • Send SMS/Email
  • Quick Letters
Important: At this time, the following communication methods will not be translated:
  • Watchlist Communications
  • Messages sent via Modules > Communications > Received Messages
  • Messages sent via Modules > MyChildAtSchool > Received Messages
  • MCAS Announcements
Image #1

MyChildAtSchool > Account > Account Settings

A new section Preferred Communication Language will be displayed in Account Settings, where parents can select a Language as their preferred communication that will be used in translation in the following areas:

  • Send SMS/Email
  • Quick Letters

Important: At this time, the following communication methods will not be translated:

  • Watchlist Communications
  • Messages sent via Modules > Communications > Received Messages
  • Messages sent via Modules > MyChildAtSchool > Received Messages
  • MCAS Announcements

The default Language is 'Not Selected'.

Note:

  • The Preferred Communication Language section will only be visible in the Account Settings if the Enable Preferred Communication Language Selection for Parents checkbox is enabled in the school MIS.
  • Preferred Communication Language will remain an editable dropdown, meaning parents can update their language preferences at any point in the future.
Image #2

MIS > Students > Student Details > Profile

The new Preferred Communication Language field will be added (read only) to the Contacts. If parents have chosen a language at any time, it will be visible on the Contact Details.
Image #3

MIS > Students > Student List > Actions > Send SMS/Email, & Quick Letter

A new checkbox Translate the content to the recipient's preferred language will need to be ticked when sending an SMS, Email or Quick Letter.

Note: The checkbox will only be visible if the Enable Preferred Communication Language Selection for Parents checkbox is enabled in the school MIS.

Image #4

All communications will be translated into the preferred language in the MCAS web portal.

For parents with a preferred communication language that differs from the school's communication language:

  • SMS
    • The Message will be translated into the preferred language only at the moment of sending.
  • Email
    • The Subject and Message will be translated into the preferred language, followed by the original Subject and Message, with a clear separator.
  • Quick Letter
    • The Subject will be translated into the preferred language, including when the letter is sent as an email.
    • The Header will remain untranslated in the original message and translated message. 
    • The Content will be translated into the preferred language, followed by the original Content, with a clear separator - taking into consideration Dynamic Fields. 

Note:

  • Attachments in Email and Quick Letter: The content of any attachments will NOT be translated as part of this functionality.
  • Bulk communication: The system will recognise each recipient's language preference when sending bulk communications.
  • Bromcom AI: Content generated using Bromcom AI's 'Generate Content' feature will be translated into the preferred language of communication if one has been specified (and is a language supported by Bromcom AI).
  • Real time: Translation occurs in real-time, with no option for the sender to review, once Send/Process has been actioned. 
  • The Preferred Communication Language dropdown options in MCAS only populate the languages which can be translated by using Microsoft technologies.