Technology Processes and Practices
Technology Process & Practice
Implementation of the One to One plan has included the deployment of nearly 12,000 Chromebooks and installation of wireless access devices, ViewSonic Boards and more in every NPS classroom. The deployment of equipment has been accompanied by significant professional development and the adoption of a Software Application Request process.
The Software Application request process has three primary objectives. First, it seeks to ensure that instructional technology tools adopted and implemented at NPS are consistent with the guaranteed and viable curriculum they support. Secondly, the process includes a thorough review of each instructional technology tool adoption to ensure it is consistent with the data privacy, information security, and identity management rules set in place to comply with regulatory requirements (FERPA, CIPA, COPPA, etc.) Third, an evaluation process ensures ease of accessibility through the consistent use of student NPS usernames and passwords.
When NPS students and staff use their NPS Google credentials to connect to an instructional technology tool (app, extension or web service), the connection creates a ‘relationship’ between the Google account and the tool. The relationship may grant the tool access to data about the user’s account, some data in their Google drive, or even access to all of the data in a user’s Google drive.
It is the responsibility of the district to approve where data are stored in an effort to ensure regulatory compliance with COPPA, FERPA, and CIPA. The district uses tools built into the Google Environment that provide data on what tools are currently being used by NPS students and staff, the access each tool has to data, and which users in which locations are using each app, extension or web service. This allows the district to protect students by limiting use of their NPS Google account to access only approved tools.
Systems for Learning
During a digital transition, people often focus on the devices they use most. While that’s understandable, a lot of work happens behind the scenes to ensure that learning, productivity, and data management run smoothly. This includes:
- A Student Information Systems (SIS) that holds the critical data needed by various NPS staff, parents, and students
- Digital curriculum and supporting resources chosen to deliver content
- Capacity (Storage) to store student work over time in digital portfolios
- and much more…
The ClassLink Dashboard
Most students and staff begin every day at ClassLink.
The ClassLink dashboard includes buttons for most of the web services (apps) used in NPS. Clicking a button takes users directly to a web service with no additional login (when possible.) ClassLink verifies your NPS identity to the web tool.
Some things to know:
- ClassLink for NPS will automatically launch on a Chromebook startup. If you need to find ClassLink for NPS you can also type in https://launchpad.classlink/norwalkps
- The selection of apps you see on the ClassLink dashboard are specific to a role, a building, and/or a grade level.
Questions or issues with ClassLink should be filed as a HelpDesk ticket
School Operations
Technology tools approved for use
Tools approved for use by teachers and the data-privacy implications of each tool are updated consistently throughout the year. After identifying an instructional need, teachers and school leaders are enrouraged to review the approved software list when considering a new tool.
People who Help
A number of staff members at the district office and within buildings focus on helping teachers navigate the ever-changing technology landscape.
Coaches
Instructional coaches help teachers use technology for learning with good instructional practices.
Tech Leaders
Building tech leaders communicate with their colleagues about new technologies and systems.
Librarians
Librarians curate the wealth of digital resources now at teachers’ fingertips.
Technology Support team
NPS staff turn to the Help Desk for support.
Comprised of Service Managers, Systems Analysts, Help Desk call-support technicians, Chromebook repair technicians, Digital Coaches, Office Support staff and Field Technicians, this team takes on daily support for assistance with issues throughout the District.
Staff can call our dedicated phone support line, or submit help tickets online. Either way they get the help they need!