Google Apps for Education

What is Google Apps for Education?

Google Apps for Education is a collection of free online applications -- all of which synchronize and flow together and integrate into existing course materials. These applications do not reside on the computer itself, but are accessed through a web browser. This is considered working in the "cloud". The benefit of this structure allows flexibility in accessing documents and projects from ANY computer or mobile device with Internet access. Staff and students can access their school documents from a computer lab, the classroom, the public library and even from home!

Google Apps for Education is a special setup of the popular Google Apps, tailored specifically for educational institutions. Student accounts are managed by the school district (and not by Google). All students in grades K-12 will be given Google accounts. However, at this time students in grades 6 - 12 will be the primary users. Many elementary classrooms use Google docs throughout their curricula. Please visit the Google Apps for Education Benefits page for more information.

What will my student miss out on if I do not give my permission to use Google Apps?

The District will fully honor parental choices with regards to permission for use of Google Apps for Education. This means that students whose parents do not want their student(s) using Google Apps will not be able to collaborate and work online with students or teachers. They will still have full access to traditional textbooks and paper materials provided by the teacher. Students will not be subjected to an educational disadvantage if not given access to Google Apps for Education and teachers will make every attempt to provide appropriate accommodations to ensure the student meets the course outcomes.

Why use Google Apps for Education at Dunlap?

Aside from the flexibility, cost and efficiency that can be gained using the Google cloud technologies, the applications and features of Google Apps for Education provide us with a framework for embedding the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S) within all subject areas and to encourage the use of 21st Century Learning skills by increasing communication and collaboration among students and teachers.

Are there advertisements on Google Apps for Education?

No, all advertisements are turned off for schools. Also, Google does not collect information from education users for use in advertising through its agreement with the Dunlap School District.

Does Google Apps cost the district money? Do students have to pay anything?

No, Google offers its services free to all public schools - teachers and students.

What student information does Google have?

The District will provide each student with his/her own username and password, which will allow students to access Google Apps for Education. Google, through their agreement with Dunlap, have contracted to provide online data storage and use of Google Apps for Education and to keep all data confidential.

What governmental laws are the Dunlap School District and Google required to follow?

Please see the District Student Data Privacy Page

What if we don’t have a computer, how is my child going to get to use it?

The use of Dunlap Google Apps for Education is part of the instructional program and students have opportunities to work in their Google Apps account during the school day. Because Dunlap Google Apps for Education is safe and web based, it can be accessed from any device with a web browser (e.g. computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone). Teachers will make every effort to offer students alternatives if computer availability is limited.

Can I see what my child is doing on Google Apps?

There isn’t a parent view account available; however, parents are encouraged to explore Google Apps with their children by logging in together. You will be able to have your student log in to his or her Dunlap Google account at home and show you what they are currently working on in class. Parents have access to their student(s) Canvas accounts, and will be able to view learning artifacts and formative feedback received by teachers, as well as their online collaboration.

How protected is my student from people outside of Dunlap?

Dunlap takes security and privacy of student information very seriously. Dunlap Google Apps for Education is a ‘walled garden’ and is not accessible by anyone outside of Dunlap , so your student will be able to work and collaborate in a safe and secure online environment.

What protection will Dunlap provide so that my child is not accessing inappropriate content on the web?

Student use of Google Apps for Education is governed by the District’’s Access to Electronic Networks Policy (6:235) as well as Code of Conduct for Electronic Network Access. Students are responsible for their own conduct at all times when using Google Apps for Education. While the District will be monitoring student use when they are at school, parents are responsible for monitoring their child’’s use outside of school. We encourage you to discuss with your child family rules and expectations for using Internet-based tools, including but not limited to Google Apps for Education. Parents are encouraged to report inappropriate use of Google Apps for Education to the District.

Some teachers are using Canvas - how is this different from Google Apps for Education?

Students will also have a Canvas account to provide a forum for sharing their assignments created in Google Apps for Education. The two programs actually work together to provide content sharing (Canvas) and content creation (Google Apps). For more information on Canvas, return to the 1:1 Implementation Plan homepage.

Email Access (Gmail)

A student Google Mail account allows the student to send and receive emails to staff members and fellow students, as well as the ability to send email to any email address outside of the district and may also receive email from outside of the district. This decision was made to ensure that secondary students are able to sign up for third-party educational resources that require a separate login with a linked email address. For the teacher-approved educational resources, password recovery and notifications require an active email address.

Google Drive

Google Drive is a cloud storage service provided at no charge for Google Apps for Education users. Students may store an unlimited amount of data (documents, videos, graphics, photos, music, etc.) in their account. Using Google Drive, students can simultaneously edit a document needed for a class project and collaborate with each other online while doing so. These tools allow teachers to make a variety of learning materials available to students online. Included with Google Drive are applications that allow to students to create word processing, spreadsheet and presentation documents. All of these are automatically saved to the ‘cloud’ and are available to students anywhere there is Internet access.

Will the district filter Google Apps for Education content?

Yes. Dunlap has instituted a strict content filter for all Internet traffic, including Google Apps. However, there is always a chance students will be exposed to inappropriate content. While at school, staff will monitor students’ use of Google Apps - parents/guardians will need to monitor your student’s use of Google Apps while at home. At all times, whether at school or home, students are responsible for their adherence to Dunlap's Code of Conduct.

Will students have access to YouTube?

Yes. Because Google Apps for Education uses YouTube as one of its applications there isn’t a process where the District can block YouTube without also blocking Google Apps for Education. There is a wealth of excellent videos available to students through YouTube and it will be up to the teacher to monitor viewing so they are using it appropriately.

Who will have access to my student’s account?

The Google Apps for Education accounts are property of the Dunlap School District. This means that content in these accounts may be accessed or searched by delegated Dunlap employees (IT Staff, Administrators, etc.) in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Electronic Network Access. As the provider of these services, Dunlap School District has included several safety and educational features in Google Apps for Education.

What happens if students misuse their Google Accounts?

The same expectations for acceptable use of technology (as outlined in the Technology Use Code of Conduct apply to Google Apps for Education accounts. Students who misuse their accounts will be referred to their school's administrator who will deal with any infraction on a case-by-case basis. Administrators may choose to suspend a student's account privileges entirely for a length of time appropriate to the offense. Parents will be notified should their student's account access be altered or suspended.

Google offers a variety of applications - which ones will be available for students to use?

Google Application Descriptions

Google Drive: Allows students to save work in the ‘cloud’ and access it where there is an Internet signal. Each student has unlimited storage which will stay with them until graduation or leave the district.

Google Docs, Sheets, Slides: A suite of applications for word processing, spreadsheets and presentations.

Google Calendar: A calendar that can be used to enter events with the potential to be shared with others.

Google GMail: Allows students to send messages to other students and teachers. This application can be managed so only internal communication is allowed or be made open to communicate with others outside of our district.

Google Hangout: Allows people to join a session through sharing video and voice.

Google +: An interactive application where people share photos, ideas or other information - similar to Facebook.

Google Sites: A web page software that allows the user to build a site to display and share information.

References

The information on this webpage was adapted from Centennial School District 12.