About Digital Learning Tools

Digital Learning Tools

Digital learning tools are defined as apps, extensions, and websites. Efforts will be made to provide students with uninterrupted access to digital learning tools. The district also has an obligation to maintain the integrity of our security filters and comply with all local, state, and federal laws. Therefore, we are implementing a review/approval process for any apps and extensions available to students on district devices. During online registration, parents/guardians are provided information and are asked to give approval for their student to use the tools. The district will maintain and publicly post a list of approved apps and sites.

*List is also provided below.

Policy References

INTERNET APPROPRIATE USE (STUDENT TECHNOLOGY RESPONSIBLE USE POLICY) No. 605.6

Digital information research, collaboration, communication and creation skills are now fundamental to preparation of citizens and future employees during the 21st Century. 21st Century Skills are part of the Iowa Core. In order to match electronic resources as closely as possible to the approved district curriculum, district personnel will review and evaluate resources in order to offer materials, which comply with Board guidelines, listed in Board Policy 603.5 that govern the selection of instructional materials.

Johnston Community School district provides its users with access to the internet and its resources. Access to online content via the network will be filtered in accordance with district policies and procedures and federal regulations, including but not limited to, the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

Applications/Tools

Johnston Community School District will provide users with access to websites and tools that promote communication, collaboration, creation and sharing.

  • Users are to use the district-approved applications and tools.

  • Users are to use the district tools for academic/educational purposes.

  • The applications/tools must be for a specific classroom activity, directed by course/classroom teacher.

  • Applications/tools that require an account to be created or used need to be approved by the Instructional Technology Coordinator or Executive Director of Teaching, Learning and Innovation/Designee prior to use.

Considerations

  • Appropriate Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, & COPPA Compliancy

  • Age Restrictions and Age Appropriateness

  • Direct correlation to content area standards (supplement or imperative)

  • Distraction from the learning objectives or negatively impacts Instructional time

  • Contains inappropriate content, graphic, message or intent (i.e. sites that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors). sexual, pornographic, firearm, cultural slander, bullying, …. [per Policy 605.6]

  • Provides back-end access to non-approved content by means of VPN’s, proxy services, or incognito browsing

  • Other tools currently available for a similar purpose

  • Student accounts needed for use

Review Process
Tool requests may be brought forward by students, teachers, parents.

Initial Review

  • Teaching & Learning Coordinators

  • Director of Technology

  • Information Systems Coordinator

Further Review, if necessary

  • Associate Superintendent of Student Services

  • Executive Director of Teaching & Learning

  • Curriculum Coordinators, as appropriate

  • Building Principals, as appropriate

  • Teachers, as appropriate