how to safely use tinkercad in the classroom

added March 31, 2022 by swestover

Tinkercad Classrooms by default are in "Safe Mode".

An account in Safe Mode will have the following effect:- removes the ability for a student in a Class to make their app design public (it remains private by default); - removes the ability for a student in a Class to search designs in the service beyond the options that are displayed;- removes the ability for a student to make comments on designs created by other users.

The provider requires educational institutions to use the app in Safe Mode. Educators must not disable that setting.

When educators set up their Class within the app, they will be asked to create a Classroom Name, then select a Grade level and Subject from dropdown menus. Students are then added to their Classroom via two options:

1. Educators may add students individually or select "Paste a list of students" to upload a student list from a .csv (spreadsheet) file. Using student first names and last initials only is recommended. The app generates a unique nickname for each student that can be modified by the educator. Nicknames are provided to each student who then log into the service using either an app-generated Class Code or Class Link provided by the educator. Note: Sharing a Class Link that students can bookmark in their browser provides the easiest method of access since class codes are 12 digits (numerals and letters) and may be difficult for students to remember.

2. Students can sign into the app using its "Sign in with Google "option and entering their board-assigned Google email address. They would then enter the Class Code or click on the Class Link provided by the educator.

Both methods ensure students accounts are defaulted to Safe Mode.

Explicit parental/guardian consent is required for children under 13 to use the app.

Only educators require a password for accessing the app. If forgotten, they can click on "Forget?" in the login screen and the app will send them an email describing how to reset it.

Educators need to be aware that if students delete their projects, they are no longer visible by the educator. Within their own accounts, educators may delete classes, students or individual design submitted by students.

If educators delete their own accounts, then all of their associated classes and student data within the classes will be permanently deleted.