Safe and Purposeful Technology Use at LCSD1

LCSD1 uses technology to support learning—not simply to increase the amount of time students spend using a screen.

Technology use should have a clear educational or operational purpose. Teachers select the tools and methods that best support the learning objective, the subject being taught, and the needs of their students. At different times, the best instructional tool may be an iPad, a printed text, a notebook, laboratory equipment, an instrument, an art supply, a group discussion, or a hands-on activity.

Our goal is not technology for technology’s sake. Our goal is to provide students with appropriate access to modern learning resources while maintaining high expectations, meaningful human interaction, and a safe and orderly learning environment.

District-issued iPads remain the property of LCSD1 and are managed by the Department of Technology.

Management systems allow LCSD1 to configure devices, distribute approved applications, apply security settings, maintain inventory, and provide support. Lost or stolen devices can be tracked when possible and remotely disabled. Devices can also be remotely erased when necessary.

Students do not have unrestricted access to install any application they choose. District-approved applications are made available through the managed application catalog. Students also cannot use personal Apple IDs to install previously purchased personal content on district iPads.

Teachers have access to classroom-management tools that can help direct student attention and manage device use during instruction. LCSD1 maintains technical control of the device while teachers maintain instructional control of how and when it is used in class.

Related resources

• LCSD1 iPad 1:1 Program

Only district-approved software, websites, applications, and online services may be used for LCSD1 instruction or district work.

Before introducing a new digital tool, staff must first check the district’s approved application list. When a tool has not already been approved, the staff member submits an application approval request.

Depending on the proposed use, the review may include:

• Educational purpose and alignment with curriculum
• Age and grade-level appropriateness
• Student and staff data privacy
• Vendor security practices
• Terms of service and privacy policies
• Compatibility with district devices and systems
• Accessibility and technical support
• Whether student accounts or automated rostering will be used
• Whether the application duplicates a tool already supported by the district

The Department of Technology reviews privacy, security, integration, and technical requirements. Student-facing tools may also be reviewed by the Division of Instruction for instructional appropriateness.

An application may be approved, approved with specific conditions, require a Data Privacy Agreement, receive limited approval requiring written parent or guardian permission, or be denied.

Staff resources

• Application Approval and Vetting Procedure
• Limited Approval Digital Tool Permission Slip Guide

A tool being educational does not automatically mean it is appropriate for student use. LCSD1 evaluates how digital services collect, use, store, disclose, and delete student and staff information.

When appropriate, LCSD1 requires a Data Privacy Agreement, or DPA, with the vendor. A DPA establishes enforceable expectations for data ownership, permitted uses, security safeguards, third-party access, breach notification, and the return or deletion of district data.

A DPA is generally required when student information will be automatically rostered into a service or when single sign-on will transmit student identity information. LCSD1 may also require a DPA when a tool involves sensitive information or presents a higher privacy risk.

Staff are directed not to create student accounts, roster students, or connect an application to district single sign-on until the required approval is complete.

When a tool does not fully meet district requirements, LCSD1 may deny its use or provide narrowly limited approval requiring written parent or guardian permission and an alternate activity for students who do not participate.

Staff resources

• Data Privacy Agreements for Application Approval at LCSD1
• Application Approval and Vetting Procedure

LCSD1 uses the Lightspeed content filter to manage internet access on district devices and networks. Filtering supports compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act and helps block content that is harmful, inappropriate, distracting, or unrelated to legitimate educational use.

Filtering protections are applied to district-managed student iPads, including when those devices are used away from the school network.

The district continually reviews filtering categories, responds to reports, and adjusts access when websites are incorrectly allowed or blocked. Staff can submit requests when an educational resource needs to be reviewed.

No internet filter can identify and block every inappropriate page or piece of content. Websites and online services change constantly, and students may sometimes deliberately attempt to bypass safeguards. For that reason, LCSD1 uses a layered approach that includes:

• Technical filtering
• Managed devices and applications
• Teacher supervision
• Classroom expectations
• Digital-citizenship instruction
• Student accountability
• Family involvement
• Reporting and investigation of concerns

Filtering is an important safeguard, but it does not replace adult supervision, responsible decision-making, or conversations with students about appropriate online behavior.

Related resources

• Understanding Our Web Filter: Lightspeed

Student and staff accounts are created and managed through district systems. Access is based on enrollment, employment, job responsibilities, grade level, course assignments, and other legitimate educational or operational needs.

Centralized account management helps LCSD1:

• Provide users with the systems needed for their role
• Limit access to information and services
• Apply consistent security requirements
• Remove or modify access when a student or employee changes roles or leaves the district
• Maintain an auditable account lifecycle
• Support password recovery and identity verification
• Reduce the number of separate usernames and passwords through approved single sign-on

Multi-factor authentication is used where required to add protection beyond a password. Students and staff are expected to keep passwords, device passcodes, and authentication information private.

information, and instructional services.

The district uses enterprise security tools and practices that include endpoint protection, device management, account security, monitoring, and vulnerability visibility. LCSD1’s environment includes tools such as CrowdStrike Falcon and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, along with district device management and identity protections.

These systems help the district detect risks, respond to threats, and maintain a safer digital environment for students and staff.

What this means for families:

Cybersecurity is part of student safety. Protecting learning systems, devices, and data is an ongoing district responsibility.

Even when devices are available, that does not mean students are expected to be on screens all day.

Teachers determine when technology is appropriate for instruction. In many lessons, the best tools may be conversation, paper, manipulatives, books, lab materials, direct instruction, small-group work, physical activity, or collaborative problem-solving.

Technology may be used for activities such as:

• Research
• Writing and publishing
• Accessibility support
• Creativity and media production
• Practice and feedback
• Collaboration
• Assessment
• Communication
• Access to digital curriculum
• Organization and workflow

But technology use should have a clear instructional purpose.

Suggested page language:

LCSD1 expects technology to be used as a tool for learning, not as a substitute for strong instruction. Teachers remain the most important factor in the classroom.

Students need more than access to devices. They need guidance.

LCSD1 supports responsible technology use by teaching and reinforcing expectations for digital citizenship, online behavior, academic integrity, privacy, safety, and appropriate communication.

Students are expected to use district technology responsibly and in accordance with district rules and school expectations. This includes expectations around respectful communication, appropriate content, device care, account security, and responsible use of online resources.

Schools and families both play important roles in helping students develop healthy technology habits.

LCSD1 manages the school technology environment, but students also benefit from consistent expectations at home and at school. Families can support students by discussing screen time, online behavior, device care, sleep, notifications, social media, and the difference between educational and recreational technology use.

LCSD1 encourages families to contact their school when they have concerns about classroom technology use, device access, online safety, or student well-being.

LCSD1 provides professional learning and support for staff so technology is used effectively and responsibly.

This includes support for instructional technology, cybersecurity awareness, student data privacy, digital tools, classroom workflows, and responsible use of district systems. Staff are expected to use district-approved platforms and follow district procedures when introducing technology into the learning environment.

Professional learning helps ensure that technology use is not random, isolated, or unmanaged. It is part of a broader system of instructional and operational support.

LCSD1 recognizes that artificial intelligence is changing how students, staff, and communities interact with information.

The district’s approach to AI should be thoughtful, cautious, and instructional. AI tools may offer opportunities to support learning, productivity, accessibility, and creativity, but they also raise important questions about accuracy, bias, privacy, academic integrity, and appropriate use.

LCSD1’s approach to AI should emphasize:

• Protecting student data
• Maintaining teacher judgment and professional responsibility
• Helping students understand appropriate and ethical use
• Avoiding overreliance on automated tools
• Reviewing AI tools before broad use
• Supporting academic honesty
• Teaching students to think critically about AI-generated information