A new tool from Internet Keep Safe Coalition (iKeepSafe) in partnership with edtech innovator BrightBytes will help schools and districts best manage their current digital policies and procedures.

Called the Digitial Privacy, Safety & Security module, the new tool help users “access research-based content and exemplars from across the country to help fulfill their privacy and safety responsibilities. Through the new module, iKeepSafe and BrightBytes aim to not only ensure school systems comply with new laws, but also go beyond compliance to create a healthy, positive digital culture,” the companies said in a press release.

Steve Carr, Chief Technology Officer of Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) spoke about his district’s experience with the module so far.

"The module allows all stakeholders to understand their roles and responsibilities when it comes to creating a safe and secure digital environment for our students. We know that this is a journey, not a destination, and we appreciate the flexible and iterative nature of the module,” Carr said.

In this day and age, digital security and privacy is becoming an increasing focus as technology use becomes more prevalent in schools.

Educators are being encourage more and more frequently to put more thought into things like data privacy, digital ethics, and teaching students about digital citizenship.

iKeepSafe has promoted this kind of healthy online behavior for over a decade and hopes this new module will help schools and districts best keep track of its digital responsibilities.

"The Digital Privacy, Safety & Security module, an easy to use and affordable software platform, is now available to districts, regional education agencies and states. To learn more about the module, request a customized demo or view a recorded webinar developed by BrightBytes and iKeepSafe, featuring presentations from Marsali Hancock and Steve Carr: Creating a Healthy Digital Environment: A roadmap for balancing your tech & learning goals with your privacy & security responsibilities.”

Read more here.

Nicole Gorman, Education World Contributor

4/27/2016