June 2018

There are so many "free" technology apps available, it's tempting to try them. We recognize that using technology in the classroom can increase student engagement and improve student learning. During the summer, when you have a little more time, you might see a new app. When you evaluate this app, think about how this application benefits students, supports and enhances your curriculum, alters your teaching practice and ultimately increase students engagement and learning. Prior to using any new applications, the app should be approved by appropriate supervisors. During the school year, we receive many requests for various applications. Approval is generally based on four major criteria:

1. Safety: How are we protecting student information? Does the application require student accounts? Does the application gather personally identifiable information about the student?
2. Equity: Is this software beneficial for just one teacher or group of students or would it be beneficial to all students in the school or district? Does this software promote a level playing field for students?
3. Educational: What type of educational value does this application bring to the table? Are there other more appropriate applications available? Is this a curriculum purchase? How does using this particular software affect curriculum decisions in the District? Does it support District measures? Has it been approved by curriculum decision makers?
4. Sustainable: Does the software have an annual subscription? Is it a “freemium” (get trial, then goes to paid, or limits until you go to paid version). If so, who will pay for it, not just this year, but every following year? Does the subscription require accounts? If so, who will maintain those accounts?

Use this document to evaluate the application. Please see the information provided below to learning more about protecting student privacy.