4050: Technology in the Classroom

  1. In General - The ESU desires to use technology in a way that aides in the education of students. New devices and applications offer a number of helpful tools that can improve the student experience and increase learning. Many of these devices and applications also create concerns about student privacy. It is the goal of the ESU to embrace the helpful elements of technological advancement while remaining mindful of potential student privacy issues. For purposes of this policy, “classroom” also means ESU program.
  2. Devices
    1. Non-ESU issued electronic devices may be used in the classroom, under supervision of a staff member. Teachers who wish to bring a device into the classroom on a regular or permanent basis, should inform the building/program administrator before deploying the device.
      1. Smart speakers such as Google Home, Amazon Echo, Apple HomePod, and similar devices may be used in the classroom. The device must be registered to an account linked to the classroom teacher’s ESU email address. The ESU will not maintain any records created by use of the smart speaker device. Any record of use will be considered non-record communications pursuant to Nebraska’s Records Management Act, and not be maintained by the ESU.
      2. Assistive technology may be used in ESU classrooms. Any assistive technology, such as an AngelSense device, that uses “listen-in” functionality must have that function disabled while the student is using the device in an ESU classroom. No assistive technology devices will be permitted to record or transmit the classroom activity of other students unless required by law.
      3. All other electronic devices that connect to the internet that a staff member wishes to use for the education of students should be disclosed to the administration prior to use. The ESU may at any time direct that a teacher discontinue use of a given device.
    2. Any classroom recordings made by a staff member will be made pursuant to ESU policy.
  3. Applications
    1. ESU as Agent. The ESU will serve as an agent for parents/guardians in the collection of information within the ESU context. The ESU’s use of student information is solely for education purposes.
    2. ESU Applications. The ESU uses various software applications to record, track, and store student data. Each application selected by the ESU is in compliance with federal and state law, to the best of the administration’s knowledge. Should the ESU become aware that an application used by the ESU has suffered a data breach, or been found to be out of compliance with federal or state law, the ESU will investigate the scope of the violations and notify students, parents, and staff in accordance with ESU policy.
    3. Staff-Selected Applications.
      1. Staff are permitted to select applications for use in the classroom.
      2. Staff must perform basic due diligence to ensure that the application is safe for students and serves a pedagogical purpose. Staff must notify their supervising administrator of the application they plan to use as part of their lesson plan prior to their use in the classroom. The ESU may at any time direct that a teacher discontinue use of a given application. The ESU will provide training on the relevant student privacy laws to staff members who are selecting and deploying applications in the classroom.

Adopted on: April 8, 2019
Reviewed on: March 13, 2023

Policy 4001

Policy 4002

Policy 4003

Policy 4003.1

Policy 4004

Policy 4004.1

Policy 4007

Policy 4008

Policy 4009

Policy 4010

Policy 4012

Policy 4014

Policy 4016

Policy 4017

Policy 4018

Policy 4019

Policy 4020

Policy 4022

Policy 4023

Policy 4025

Policy 4026

Policy 4027

Policy 4036

Policy 4037

Policy 4039

Policy 4040

Policy 4041

Policy 4044

Policy 4046

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Policy 4060

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