With almost a year of considerable use of education technology, including web-enabled devices, large-screen interactive panel displays, video conferencing software, learning management systems, and web cameras, the need to keep students safe is greater. At the beginning of the school year, most districts made sure parents and students signed some type of Acceptable Use Agreement for online learning and digital resources to ensure a safe learning environment. What are general safety reminders and expectations teachers and parents need to make sure are followed?
Internet Safety Reminders and Expectations
Most districts and schools will have an approved list of software, websites, and applications so stick to those. If a school site has educational technology such as interactive touchscreen displays that includes teaching and learning apps, make sure the apps are vetted for safety. For example, the Boxlight ProColor interactive display comes with MimioMarket – a free education app store of over 100 apps that are safe and tested for education.
Another challenge that can be a concern is unwanted visitors during a live teaching session (‘Zoombombing’). If a school uses the Google Platform, online sessions can be conducted via Google Meet. There is also a new blended learning platform, designed specifically for remote and hybrid learning environments, called MimioConnect®. Teachers can use this web-based platform to create and present interactive lessons, with video conferencing and Help messaging capabilities.
As the country is moving towards opening up classrooms safely for in-class instruction, schools will need to continue to remain vigilant concerning protecting students and ensuring their safety. A regular review of acceptable use agreements, learning management systems, software programs, and applications is critical. Teachers and students have learned to incorporate more educational technology, and many have become incredibly adept at using different tech tools to increase class engagement and collaboration. Embrace this change safely and watch how much more can be done in the classroom.
To learn about education technology solutions that can engage teachers and students, boost interactivity and participation, and foster collaboration skills, go to boxlight.com.