Designing Online Learning with Student Safety in Mind

Many companies are offering access to their tools and services at reduced or no cost during the times schools are closed due to COVID-19 precautions. Please be sure to read the Terms and Conditions of Use, as well as Privacy Policies, of any and all websites and services you recommend and/or allow your students to use. Even if services are provided at no cost, nothing in the world of ed tech is truly "free." Some services still may be restricted to users over the age of 13, for example, and/or student data may be used in ways that do not align with your district's technology policies and philosophies. Companies should address how they comply with COPPA requirements in their privacy policies. Always keep the protection of students' privacy and data at the forefront.

Mary Beth Hertz has just published a quality guide for educators, Laws in the Digital Classroom: What to Consider When Moving School Online. Reference this cheat sheet to help determine which of the many resources available meet COPPA, FERPA, and copyright requirements. See also Student Privacy During the COVID-19 Pandemic by Anisha Reddy and Amelia Vance.

Does Does Meaningful Online Learning Look Like?

Also, before diving into tools and sites, be sure to have a plan for what quality online instruction & learning should look like. Follow your district's guidelines for lesson and activity planning, and check out our Best Practices page and Additional Teacher Support.

Next, head to our Content Areas collection to check out resources in more detail.

Companies Waiving Fees for Services During the COVID-19 Crisis

Below you will find a list of ed tech companies waiving fees for services during the COVID-19 crisis. Some of these may help your district fill a gap in the event curriculum and operations need to move to an online format. This sheet is being maintained at the BCIU, and each of the links has been checked. However, we strongly recommend you read and understand terms and conditions before using. The terms, conditions and their offer to waive fees may vary and could change at any time.