IT News and Notes - October 2023

Our Digital Landscape

As we close out the first quarter, we continue to recognize the importance that technology plays in the education of our students and our daily tasks. To balance offering the best tools and safeguarding student/staff data, the district emphasizes using the programs found in Clever (district-approved and supported programs). Beyond convenience, Clever prioritizes student data privacy through Single Sign-On and adherence to Student Data Privacy Agreements (SDPAs). Every program accessible through Clever has a signed SDPA (or is in the process of obtaining DPA), ensuring the protection of student information.

While district-approved programs are preferred, the district has secured a SDPA for the following "FREE" programs. If there is a program that you use with students where they sign in using their Google credentials and it is NOT on the list below, there is a good chance the program will not be accessible after Monday, October 23rd. Our goal is to maintain data privacy while navigating the digital landscape in education and providing the best technological experience for our students and staff. REMINDER: If it is just the teacher using SSO with Google, these programs are not affected. Also, if students are merely entering a code (ex. Kahoot), these are also not affected. As soon as students use Google SSO, the company is collecting data on our students, and this is where we must have an SDPA in place.

District Approved / Non-Supported "FREE" Programs where a SDPA has been SECURED

Quizizz
Blooket
EdPuzzle
Quill

Delta Math
Padlet
Story Board That
Formative

Code.org
Noodletools
Readworks

Failure to protect student and staff information can result in financial and reputational loss, including significant costs for resolving a data breach or cybersecurity attacks and loss of confidence in the district by the public.

Teachers and Coaches Piloting Loop

In response to the widespread use of free communication programs like Remind and ClassTag by teachers and coaches, the District Technology Steering Committee embarked on a search for a comprehensive communication tool that encompasses text, email, and voice. After evaluating five options, Loop was selected due to its capability to send and retain text messages, provide emergency communication via text and phone calls, and maintain ease of use at a reasonable cost. The district has begun a phased rollout plan, beginning with bus delay alerts via text messages that began in August. Administrator and Instructional Coach training occurred in late September. In October, we began pilot group testing with 15 teachers across the district and expect to have Loop's full availability for staff in early November.

IT Tips and Tricks

We collected MS and HS Staff MacBooks in August. Our IT Department is now just finishing cleaning the MacBooks so they are ready for auction. Here is an IT Tips and Tricks video from Todd that reminds everyone of the proper way to keep your device in CLEAN working order!

Submitting an IT Ticket

The best way to make sure IT needs are met is to submit an IT Ticket! The GIF here reminds you of the steps of how to submit a ticket. This will guarantee that one of our techs will be with you shortly to assist with whatever issue you are having around technology!