Technology and Information

At the Primary School teachers connect with students and their families primarily through Seesaw, a kid-friendly digital portfolio and communication tool; older students begin to use Google Classroom. In Middle and Upper School, teachers and students use onCampus, WIS's learning management system, to post and submit assignments and manage their academic lives. Google Classroom is also used to supplement online instruction.

To further support teaching and learning, the Academic Technology department has created an approved list of education apps. Apps are vetted to make sure they are effective, age appropriate, and safe.

On the rare occasions remote learning is in effect (for example on snow days), classes take place via Google Meet.

All WIS students are subject to the guidelines and restrictions outlined in the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). The AUP is included in the Community Handbook and defines appropriate use of technology for all students.

Each year, students are reminded of the AUP and the importance of adhering to all technology norms. In Middle School students are regularly reminded about safe practices through the advisory program, where teachers help make connections regarding the impact of technology use/misuse on students' daily lives. At the Primary School, teachers and the Academic Technology team familiarize students with the AUP as part of the process of gaining access to their digital accounts.

Google Drive is introduced to students in Grade 3, when they learn how to interact with files, folders and use basic applications such as Docs, Slides, and Sheets. Students are permitted to begin using their WIS email in Grade 5, after training on effective and appropriate email use.

Here are some key ways WIS strives to protect student information and privacy:

• WIS only uses technology platforms and school services that meet strict privacy and security standards.
• WIS has incorporated policies into its Employee Handbook that focus on student data protection, including: Record Release Policy and Procedure; Student Image Privacy Policy; Record Retention Policy.
• During remote learning, WIS follows privacy experts’ recommendations about how to best handle class recordings to maximize student protection.
• Teachers and staff receive training regarding data protection and approved technologies.

• Always log out of websites and devices
• Do not leave a device unlocked when you are not using it
• Use strong passwords, keep them private, and change them regularly
• Read the terms of service and privacy policies when you use a new site, and pay particular attention to age requirements
• Don’t use automatic logins that save your user name and password
• Do not use WIS student Google credentials for personal accounts
• Do not sign up for or sign into Zoom
• Do not misuse or share a class recording
• Only use apps for schoolwork that are approved
• Do not share personal information in any online platforms
• Do not open emails if you don’t know the sender
• If you find yourself no longer using a site or app, you can choose to delete your account or data
• Avoid use of public wi-fi, especially if you will be accessing personal information
• Follow the WIS Acceptable Use Policy
• Visit Student Privacy Compass for more information

• Supervise children’s online activity/use whenever possible
• Turn on the security features on any device your child may use for learning activities. These can be found in the device’s general settings under the privacy menu.
• Talk to your child about online behavior and safety. Here are some resources to facilitate: Protecting Kids Online (FTC), Privacy and Internet Safety (Common Sense Media), Student Privacy Compass, ConnectSafely.