Selecting digital resources for students in your classroom means considering all the requirements for a print resource and some additional considerations.
With a print resource, the interaction is one-way between the student and the material.
With a digital resource, data may be automatically collected
while the resource is being accessed.
So your first and most important consideration is to protect students.
If you’re the kind of person who tends to quickly “click and accept” when installing apps for your personal use,
slow down.
Remember that for student use, you need to review carefully before you “agree” and proceed.
When selecting digital resources for students, you’ll need to understand how to review websites and apps
to determine what personal information is being collected and retained.
You’ll also need to know how that information could be used.
You might want to start with resources that have already been reviewed and curated.
As a BC educator, you and your students have access to a suite of safe,
quality digital resources. Available from school and home,
these can be used to support curriculum and instruction.
As well, Focused ED reviews websites that have strong educational content,
created by authentic, reliable sources, and without ads or fees.
Your district or school may also have a list of approved digital resources you can use.
You’ll need to become familiar with your local policies and procedures.
If you want to use a digital resource not listed on an approved collection, be aware that U.S. and
international websites may not meet B.C. or Canadian legal requirements.
Start by locating the Privacy Terms.
These should be clearly displayed and available for review, often at the bottom of a website
or as a prompt when you’re installing an app.
Do some detecting to find out more about the resource.
The Digital Privacy Guide provides all the criteria you need to review and consider in making your selection.
Proceed with caution if a resource falls often into the Pause or Stop column. Check in with your local team before using it.
If you’re satisfied the resource meets all privacy and selection criteria,
you may decide to use it with your students.
Digital resources are continually being updated.
If you want to use the resource at a future date, confirm that it still meets the criteria.
You’re the final check in maintaining privacy.
Keep yourself, and your students, safe!