ITP002 - Instructional Technology Tools Selection Procedure

What does this mean to me?

There is a defined process for having technology tools approved. The LPS Instructional Technology Tools Committee handles the task of reviewing the legal, technical, privacy, and security considerations for every teacher requested app, and determining whether the tool is a “fit” for LPS use. Teachers should check the status of any app prior to professional or instructional use of the tool, and submit the app if needed.

Things you should consider:

• Are you prepared to speak to parents about the legal, technical, privacy, and security considerations for the online tools you are asking students to use?
• If you are using an unsupported ITT to communicate with students or families, and you are accused of saying something inappropriate, how will you defend yourself if LPS is unable to access the conversation?
• If there are tool needs in LPS, the district wants to know about them. In some cases there is already a tool provisioned that meets the requested need. In other cases, the district can leverage a better tool or price for all users.
• Free apps are known for gathering information from their users and selling that data.
• On occasion, app companies have approached LPS with student data in order to demonstrate use by LPS staff and students in an attempt to have LPS buy a district license. This process simply proves to LPS that they are not FERPA compliant.
• Free apps often do not release user created content unless you pay for the tool.