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RRISD Software / APP Usage
Prior to using any software with students in your classroom it is important to have the software approved first. This is especially important if the software or app will acquire access to any student data. Student data is protected by the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Acts (FERPA), there are added protections for students 13 years and younger.
In order to help keep our students' information private and help to protect them, we ask you to follow these guidelines when using software / app that require the students to log into or create an account in order to use.
What to know more about finding good Chrome apps, here is some information from the TCEA:
(*note: must be a TCEA member to access)
APPs on this list does not mean they are approved by the district, you must check the district approved list before using any application or software with students.
Wait a minute, I want to make my classroom a more technology rich environment, now you tell me I can't use the cool new software I heard about at an in-service.
True Dat...we want you to use software that is current and relevant, at the same time we want to make sure we are keeping our students data safe.
So with a little patients and flexibility you will be able to use software and apps while keeping student data and identity safe.
Steps
Step #1: Is the software on the district Approved Software List, and if it is are there any warnings or precautions you should take prior to use (such as a parental permission for students 13 and younger)
Step #2: If it is not on the list at all and you do not think there is anything on the approved list that can do the same job, you can submit a request for approval.
Note: This form is not an easy 5 minute job, you will have to look up "Student Data Privacy, COPPA information about the vendors policy on users 13 and under, third Party sharing of information, and social interactions. I am not trying to dissuade you from completing the form, only letting you know that it will take some time. If you would like some help or a second pair of eyes to look at the information, schedule a time and I will come and help you out.
Step #3: Sit back and wait, this process is often times long, it can take anywhere from 2 weeks (rarely) to 6 months. My suggestion is to first find something on the list that will do the job that you are looking to do, if there is nothing there, then go ahead and submit your request. Do not though plan a lesson using the software until it is approved.
Note: In order to get approved the request has to go to four departments (in no particular order) for approval,
1. Purchasing
2. Curriculum
3. Legal
4. Technology
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